The amalgamation of two international development agencies with close to half a century of experience tackling rural poverty in Africa, was formalised at the official launch of 'Self Help Africa', in Dublin this month.
The Anglo-Irish merger of Self Help Development International and UK agency Harvest Help will enable the organisation to deliver more programmes to more people in Africa, chief executive Ray Jordan said.
Minister for Overseas Development Peter Power TD said that he was delighted to participate in the launch. 'Both organisations have well deserved reputations for their efforts over many years to improve the lives of some of the poorest people in the world', he said.
'Their work in assisting farming and rural development is central to improving the lives of Africa's rural poor'.
Self Help has enjoyed a long-standing and successful partnership with Irish Aid and is one of five development agencies that are part of the multi annual programme scheme (MAPS).
The event heard that the merger would increase significantly the agency’s capacity to implement and support development programmes in Sub-Saharan Africa, would deliver ‘economy of scale’ and efficiencies to the administrative operations - in UK, Ireland, and in Africa, and would strengthen the leverage and influence that Self Help Africa can exert on policy, and decision makers in each country.
Ray Jordan told the event that the integration of the two charities would increase the scope and potential for fund-raising, for media and marketing, and for profile raising opportunities in Ireland, the United Kingdom, and further afield.
'Today we are bringing our combined skills and complimentary experiences of 25 years of learning to a strong, dynamic, and forward thinking new organisation, and are committed to expanding and developing our programmes activities and its influence, in the years ahead', he said.
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