Learning Journal in Enhancing Understanding - Essay Example

Also, the survey will reflect on the project, the world of a different project, and how it relates to the topics learnt in the course of non-profit organizations and non-government organizations. This survey will also give insight into how the World of Difference project supported by the Vodafone Foundation has benefited the local communities.

As reported by the Ghana News Agency on 10 November 2011, the World of Difference project spearheaded by the Vodafone Foundation is yet again seeing the light of the day. The project was designed in the year 2010 with the aim of “positively impacting the lives of less privileged communities and individuals by leveraging on individual and corporate philanthropy”. Non-government organizations and professionals have been at the forefront of realizing the dreams and spirit of the project. This year, the project received 500 applications of which 50 applicants were successful and have been inducted. The project involves professionals, intellectuals and experts who normally are attached to work in non-government organizations for two months and are given a monthly allowance of between “GH¢ 1,000 to GH¢ 2,000”. According to the Ghana News Agency, the project has greatly benefitted the community.

Looking at the driving forces for the development of the World of Difference project and the design of the World of Difference project implemented by Vodafone Foundation, it resonates and relates well with the aspects learnt in the course, non-government organizations and non-profit organizations. In the above article by the Ghana News Agency, it is implied that most non-profit organization and non-government organization are dependent on donor funding which include: grants, government contribution, corporate institution support and individual donation. Getting funding is always a great challenge. In case an organization secures funding, many conditions are always attached to it with fund utilization limited to budget lines. Also, the funding is never adequate for administration, personnel and project activities implementation. In response to these challenges, non-profit and non-government organizations do limit the number of staff. Also, they integrate attached and volunteer services to implement the project activities as they are under no financial obligation to the organization.

In light of these numerous challenges ranging from limited funding and organization capacity, the Vodafone Foundation designed the World of Difference project. This project has been a safety net for some non-profit and non-government organizations as well as the local communities. This is because the project helps to enhance the capacity of organizations to implement the planned project activities and thereby continue to give worthy service and much-needed products to the communities. Also, the project has helped to empower professionals thereby preparing them for leadership tomorrow of project implementation and design. This is evident by the testimony of Mr Patrick Boateng, head of external affairs at Vodafone Ghana by saying “We are very happy to be empowering these 50 volunteers from varied professional backgrounds to go all out and undertake life-changing projects that they have always been passionate about”. This also has fostered positive partnerships and enhanced social protection among professional, non-profit organizations and the Vodafone Foundation.

Finally, it is important to note the Ghana News Agency report on the World of Difference project supported by the Vodafone Foundation reflects the issues facing many organizations such as funding, volunteering, capacity development as well as leadership. However, the implementation of the World of Difference project has contributed positively toward addressing these concerns of non-profit organizations thus ensuring better social development within the community.