Proposal for the Ford Foundation To Support the Ngaathaje Development Project

ByEboni Meldrum

April 13, 2009

Prepared forThe Grant DepartmentFord Foundation

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction………………………………………………………………………………..1Background..............................................................................................................1Method.....................................................................................................................2Conclusions..............................................................................................................3

Discussion............................................................................................................................3

Abstract

This report is to inform the Ford Foundation of a nation in need as well as persuade them to financially assist my organization to help this nation. My organization is called NDP or Ngaathaje Development Project. Ngaathaje is a word from the Nuer tribe that means, “I hope and believe.” During recent Sudanese hardships and governmental issues, the people of Wanding in South Sudan, the Nuer, were literally forgotten and to their demise, have no aid. Our organization is dedicated to bringing health care, government, food and education to all Nuer people. We are also trying to focus on women and their health and education. They are forced to pound millet most of the day causing both illness and infection and leaving little time for education. To support this proposal I have conducted research about the nation of Wanding, Sudan in Africa, especially the Nuer Tribe. NDP has established the needs of the area as well as the needs of the organization. I have done this through the internet and interviews with a man named Juanis, our organization’s founder who is a refugee from that area. He also strongly expresses his frustration that they have no economic empowerment.

INTRODUCTION

Background

Goal The goal of this project is to gain your support and financial assistance in NDP’s mission to Africa. Our travelers will require airfare, mosquito nets, millet grinder(s), travel expenses, and money to spend on supplies when we get there. We prefer to support the economy while we are there instead of the added expense of bringing everything. The Ford Foundation mission is to strengthen democratic values, reduce poverty and injustice, promote international cooperation, and advance human achievement. These are all things that we are trying to achieve; these things are what NDP stands for. Your mission is the same as our mission stated through our one phrase, “I hope and believe.” {Ngaathaje} Through our research we have decided that we will need around $20,000. This estimate depends on the availability of our travelers, who will include but are not limited to:

1. Juanis-Founder/Nuer Refugee2. Dr. Derrick Hudson-Chair/Educator3. Dr. Peter Hulac-Asst. Chair/Medicine & Birthing4. Ashley Dotz-Recruiter/Educator

Rationale Juanis has spoken of Wanding with a heavy heart. His mother was murdered while he was very young and his father died of illness soon after. He remembers the women in the refugee camps pounding the millet with heavy stones for 8 hours a day. They would get large calluses on their hands that would become abscessed and infected. My research on the health care has led me to the conclusion that there is none in this area. The women are giving birth with no midwives or medical assistance, causing infections, complications, and even death. The inhabitants are going through what is known as forced repatriation, which is, being forced from refugee camps back to their villages with

no supplies to make it ‘home’ again. These poor people are coming back to a place with no crops or seeds, no health care and no skills. For example, this is a very green and lush area, but due to the fact that they have been in refugee camps for 20+ years they have no skills to fish and nor the hooks with which to fish.

Method

The team will arrive in the Wanding area of Southeastern Sudan in December 2009. They will greet the community. Upon getting settled, they will make their rounds about the surrounding area and assess the safety situation. After their relative safety can be confirmed, they will assist the community through clean and safe living education. Much like the saying, “You teach a man to fish…”

CONCLUSIONS

What NDP Needs Your foundation states that it only assigns grants for education and sexuality, environment and economic development, governance and civil society, human rights and social justice, and media, arts, and culture. We would like your assistance to help educate the Nuer people. They are in need of survival skills that we have the ability to teach. Your help networking through and knowledge of the area and further information would be greatly appreciated. Juanis and his team will try to land in a safe area and will need a guide as well as sustenance. A millet grinder is a key component need of the community. This will free up time for the women to learn.

What NDP Will Do Once NDP has arrived in the Wanding area, the team will assemble housing and shelter. These will be used for schools for medicinal practices and tutoring. Another thing they will do is teach how to create fishing hooks and how to fish. The crew will be warm and caring to the native Nuer people. Juanis will be the one to communicate and educate at first. Then, Dr. Hulac will teach medicinal practices and midwife/ birthing classes, and Dr. Hudson and Ashley will be educators.

DISCUSSION

Cost for NDP Airfare So far only Juanis, Ashley, Dr. Hulac and Dr. Hudson are the only members going to Wanding in December. Research states that it costs around $1300 each.

Calculation: $1300 * 4 = $5,200

Cost for Millet Grinder The large millet grinders that would produce enough millet for the community will cost $1,000-$2,000. The village may need more than one. I will calculate using the median price and the need for two.

Calculation: $1,500 * 2 = $3,000