Abstract
This study uses ethnographic case study design to investigate the footprints of an Estonian international development NGO’s operational footprints in Northern Ghana. The study used data obtained through interviews conducted with thirty-two participants made up of NGO staff, volunteers, beneficiary community members in Ghana, and heads of institutions in the study area as well as observations to draw its conclusions. The study revealed that emerging NGOs follow the model used by the pioneering ones in terms of financial sources and its associated obligations. Regarding project execution approach, the study revealed a uniquely strict method used by the NGO when it comes to the kind of volunteers used on the field. The case study NGO insists on the use of specified professionals as their volunteers at different times within the last ten years. The highlights cultural exchanges between the expatriate workers and the local community members. The study recommends for intercultural training for both parties. Finally the study revealed that the NGO makes effort to earn the trust of the partner communities in Ghana, its sponsors including the European Commission as well as the government and people of Estonia. If the findings of the study prevail for long, in all the countries where the NGO works, Estonia will become a recognizable country when it comes to countries with NGOs influencing change in developing countries.
Presenters
Seth AmofahPhD Candidate, School of Governance, Law and Society, Tallinn University, Estonia
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Estonia, Ghana, International NGOs, Poverty Reduction, Recently Developed countries
