Principles...

It is worth considering for a minute what is needed in Mandimba - and what is not. Mandimba does not need relief. And it doesn’t need another NGO to come - and then go. The people of Mandimba need consistent and persistent support in their efforts to become more economically successful and more healthy. They need alliances with other organisations and institutions. They need mentoring, assistance and influence to develop those alliances.

It could be argued that our work will duplicate (and complicate) much of what is already being done by other charities and NGOs. Our experience of Mandimba has shown us that much of the work that could or should be done in Mandimba is quite simply not being done - the world seems to have passed it by. Our job is ensure that’s not the case.

Our belief is that, by following these five principles, we are acting differently. It is, perhaps, as if this charity has adopted Mandimba - or perhaps is acting as a beneficent uncle or aunt. In the wider context, we think that by pursuing this slightly different model of community development, MAMA can provide an example that could be followed elsewhere. In the long run, we think this may provide a mechanism whereby more people in the rich world can become actively and immediately involved in helping the people of the poor world.

We are going to follow the following five principles:

1.Representative: through MaMA we are promoting and representing the needs of the people of Mandimba. We are not pursuing an agenda or a set of beliefs which are outside these needs. Our agenda is the agenda set by the people of Mandimba. Our work is to advocate on their behalf.

2.Holistic: our support will cover all the aspects of development necessary to generate a thriving economic area. We are not just going to concentrate on healthcare in isolation, or merely on education, or on some function, disease or particular group. This is about everyone in Mandimba and all the things they need.

3.Geographically specific: as the name implies, we are restricting our efforts to Mandimba: not Africa, not Mozambique, not Niassa.

4.Partnership-based: MaMa will directly promote, arrange, sponsor and direct projects. There are some NGOs and other institutions that are more capable and more experienced in doing all of the things that Mandimba needs. We intend to seek out and use the connections and influence that we have in order to channel the resources and expertise that Mandimba needs into the district.

5.Demonstrably beneficial: we need to prove to our sponsors, as well as ourselves, that the work that we’re doing is of benefit to the people of Mandimba. We plan to document and measure the effects of our work.