ZBIN is at the forefront of championing diaspora engagement so that the nation can benefit from the hard working sons and daughters who are living and working on foreign soil. We are championing this so that there can be a win-win relationship between Zimbabwe and the ‘Second Zimbabwe’, the ‘Second Zimbabwe’ has more than 4 million citizens and the number keeps growing. The current scenario is that of the Diasporas remitting close to $1 Billion annually, money remitted to assist relatives back home and small investment projects. We believe that there is room for improvement if a Policy Framework is in place to encourage investment by our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora. Some have already finished building homes in Zimbabwe and the Diaspora and are now looking for investment opportunities in Zimbabwe. Some want to invest in farming, mining, tourism, retail sectors and transport sectors. For them to do so and contribute to the growth of our country, they need formal acknowledgement. They would like to see Policies that helps to protect their investments; they would like to see an enabling environment for them. We currently have the developments of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) under consideration-how about Diaspora Economic Zones (DEZs)?
Last time we shared with you innovative ways of transforming the diaspora remittance sector such as Diaspora Bonds, we also covered the involvement of Micro Finance Institutions and gave you an example of an organisation called Kiva which links diaspora remittances with micro-finance. We also shared with you developments in India where there are formal Government mechanisms to engage the Diaspora such as the existence of a Ministry that deals with Diaspora Issues.
Today we will look at an interesting angle of the Diaspora and Philanthropy which should help us in assessing whether this is something we can try in Zimbabwe. We have provided you with 2 examples of organisations that have been set up in other countries to support Philanthropy work. The bottom line is that there is more that the Diaspora can do to contribute to the development of their countries-there is more beyond remittances!
‘Diaspora philanthropy can be said to represent the essence of the power of diaspora engagement. What greater privilege is there in life than giving back to your family – whether it’s one’s immediate or transnational family? Philanthropy is often equated to money, but its true definition of ‘caring for humankind’ extends far beyond this and the legacy generated by diaspora philanthropy will ensure that the diasporas engagement will have a lasting effect on the future of the homeland. Indeed, ‘Real generosity toward the future lies in giving all to the present.’ Albert Camus
The diaspora can help the development of philanthropy in the homeland in a number of ways:
- By making outright gifts of cash, stock or property and visiting projects.
- By making wills and bequests and other ‘planned giving’ products.
- By adopting specific philanthropic projects in the homeland and acting as mentors to them.
- By encouraging the Government in the homeland to create more conducive conditions for giving, particularly in relation to the taxation environment.
- By investing in capacity building in homeland nonprofit organisations. One practical example of that would be offering to facilitate internships and exchanges of key personnel in the nonprofit organisations they support in their own country.
- By helping the non-profit sector develop best practice in new emerging areas such as venture philanthropy, social entrepreneurship, philanthrocapitalism, etc.
Relief and aid from diaspora members Diaspora members often engage with the homeland through relief and aid efforts in the aftermaths of natural disasters in the homeland. To harness the generosity of the diaspora in relation to relief efforts, a number of organizations have been established:
Fund for Armenian Relief: The Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) was founded in 1988 in response to a devastating earthquake. FAR provides short-term emergency relief and implements long-term programs for the economic growth and social development of Armenia. It helps the most vulnerable segments of the population – children and the elderly – and prepares the youth and professionals to drive the country’s new democratic state. FAR implements a wide range of programs in Armenia and Karabagh: from emergency relief to construction to education, medical aid, and economic development. Since its inception, FAR has channelled more than $265 million in humanitarian assistance to Armenia. Headquartered in New York City, it also has offices in Armenia and in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. Its diverse programs include a Homeless Children’s Center, an Information Technology Centre, educational scholarship programs, a Medical Education Program, soup kitchens, and senior centers.
The Haitian Diaspora Federation: The mission of the Haitian Diaspora Federation (HDF) is to help create a stronger and more prosperous and equitable Haiti by mobilizing the Haitian diaspora resources to address the reconstruction, and sustained economic growth and development of Haiti. The Haitian Diaspora Federation (HDF) is a broad-based alliance of Nonprofit Organizations (NPOs) under one umbrella to amplify the voice of the Haitian Diaspora. In partnership with the international community, the Government of Haiti and other sectors, HDF will focus the Diaspora’s energy and resources on the ongoing relief and the longer term reconstruction efforts to rebuild a stronger, more vibrant and socially just Haiti. The Federation seeks to harness resources for the Haitian Diaspora organizations and ensure their active integration and participation, along with the international donors’ aid, in the delivery of an integrated plan of relief, restoration and local capacity building for the short and long-term welfare of the victims within Haiti’s long-term comprehensive reconstruction and sustainable development. The sense of duty to assist in the rebuilding efforts, to reach out to those in the homeland, to connect as a global community are often major catalysts in the diaspora becoming fundamental players in relief efforts.
