“NGOs are vital to democracy and are critical in building the social capital of Grahamstown,” said Diana Hornby, keynote speaker at the launch of a new look for Grahamstown’s oldest non-governmental organisation.
“NGOs are vital to democracy and are critical in building the social capital of Grahamstown,” said Diana Hornby, keynote speaker at the launch of a new look for Grahamstown’s oldest non-governmental organisation.
This year the Grahamstown Area Distress Relief Association (Gadra) Advice and Community Work celebrated 50 years existence with an image facelift and a community breakfast meeting held at the Kingswood Wyvern on Tuesday morning.
People from local businesses, schools, government departments, NGOs and members of the community all converged to hear about what Gadra has achieved and still plans to do.
The organisation’s core projects include Distress Relief and Support, Sustainable Livelihoods and the Visually Impaired Peoples Skills Development Programme.
Gadra Advice Director Roger Domingo presented a brief history of the organisation and urged guests to consider what more they could do as individuals, organisations and businesses for their community.
He explained how Gadra has formed partnerships with other NGOs, with a greater focus on income generation and sustainable livelihoods in the long term.
“We believe in problems that have tangible outcomes,” Domingo said, “We cannot do everything, but there is always something we can do.” Gadra assists up to 300 Grahamstonians on a monthly basis, and Domingo encouraged the community to provide additional support wherever possible.
“We all have a role to play,” he said. Keynote speaker Hornby, Rhodes University’s Community Engagement Director, gave an inspiring and thought-provoking address, emphasising the importance of NGOs like Gadra.
“NGOs are vital to democracy and are critical in building the social capital of Grahamstown,” she said. Development is not race or class specific, but includes everyone in society, Hornby said, and she encouraged everyone to become more active citizens and assist NGOs in unlocking the human potential of the community.
“Let’s make 2013 a year of renewal in our city.” Domingo said he was very pleased with the morning’s proceedings and the opportunity to re-introduce Gadra’s work to the community.
