Post by evm111 on Sept 25, 2006 21:22:39 GMT -5
BROEDERLIJK DELEN: This is a well-known NGO (Non-Governmental Organization), founded in 1960/61 and based in Brussels, Belgium. According to their Web-site (http://www.broederlijkdelen.be/), “Broederlijk Delen is a Christian organisation that is conscious of what is happening in the world. Motivated by our Christian belief, we work towards a new world order in which there is a place for everyone…Broederlijk Delen is an open house where there is a place for all who share our dreams of solidarity, be they believers, seekers and non-believers. Through our open windows blow fresh winds of foreign influences, the liberation theology from Latin-America, Asian mystical traditions and the cosmic rhythms of Africa. They broaden our spiritual horizon and feed our Christian inspiration.” The humanitarian efforts of Broederlijk Delen, based on Christian principles of charity, are all about attaining “solidarity beyond national frontiers.” They are credited as being one of the first organizations which emphasized the link between environmental and social justice. The literal meaning of their name, “Brotherly Sharing”, accurately reflects their “Concrete, modest and stubborn” philosophy. Active throughout the world, Broederlijk Delen is described as a funding agency which sponsors some 250 projects in 30 countries (many of which are overseen by a specially appointed, on-the-spot deputy representative). Nevertheless, the majority of their work centers first and foremost around issues pertaining to the Southern Hemisphere. By assessing existing resources that are already in place, the organization “gives local groups in the South the opportunity to realise their own plans” and manage their own future. By “Starting with the opportunities that are present in situ, and by supporting initiatives that grow in the field, Broederlijk Delen assists people in the South to take control of their own situation...Community support is essential to the success of our activities. When people cooperate results are achieved, which is why Broederlijk Delen focuses on the social aspect of development i.e. sustainable development should take place in a community.” In their fight against poverty and inequality, they collaborate with local grass-roots groups who specialize in aiding small farmers, fishermen, peasants, indigenous peoples, women, children and youngsters. Most of their projects are in the field of non-formal education, awareness-raising and active protection of the environment and human rights. Urbanization processes are an especially important area of concern. Their main objectives are the development of rural economies, democratic structures and the establishment of other participant-led citizen organizations. “In agreement with its Third World partners, the organization wishes to be influential in the field of political decision making: the countries concerned…must be brought in a position to defend their agricultural productions against the excesses of economic globalization, using the regulations enforced by the World Trade Organization.” Broederlijk Delen’s “logo is accompanied by the slogan ‘because the South has plans’. These five words express our world view and reflect the essence or our approach. Broederlijk Delen doesn’t set up projects in the South. Our partners don’t realise our plans, but their own.” Apart from their international operations, they also engage in educational activities throughout Flanders (the Flemish part of Belgium) and are also involved in advocacy and lobbying in order to try to resolve the structural causes of injustice and oppression. In short, they aim to create a worldwide alliance based on their motto, “The earth belongs to everybody”.
Broederlijk Delen has issued a 1 Afro token (not to be confused with the coinage of the Afro Coin Mint, which I described in the anterior listing). The piece, which I obtained from Mr. Peter Geelen, bears the Dutch text “Broederlijk Delen Investeert in Afrika” (Brotherly Sharing Invests in Africa). According to Mr. Rhoddy Petit, Broederlijk Delen’s Regioverantwoordelijke (region leader) for the Cameroon, “The coin ‘Afro’ has been minted as a symbol during our Lenten campaign of '99 in which ‘debt’ was the focal point. The campaign posters were entitled: ‘Sorry Sawa, your government has to pay off debt’, as an obvious result Sawa could not go to school. The Afro served as well as a fundraising gadget. Since no other coins have been minted.”
Broederlijk Delen has issued a 1 Afro token (not to be confused with the coinage of the Afro Coin Mint, which I described in the anterior listing). The piece, which I obtained from Mr. Peter Geelen, bears the Dutch text “Broederlijk Delen Investeert in Afrika” (Brotherly Sharing Invests in Africa). According to Mr. Rhoddy Petit, Broederlijk Delen’s Regioverantwoordelijke (region leader) for the Cameroon, “The coin ‘Afro’ has been minted as a symbol during our Lenten campaign of '99 in which ‘debt’ was the focal point. The campaign posters were entitled: ‘Sorry Sawa, your government has to pay off debt’, as an obvious result Sawa could not go to school. The Afro served as well as a fundraising gadget. Since no other coins have been minted.”