Why Practical Action ?

This is the third time I've set out to raise funds for Practical Action. On a previous occasion two years ago I wrote the attached post and, having read it I see no reason to change it - it's as true now as it was then.

"So, out of all the charities there are to choose from, why did I choose Practical Action ?

I suppose there are several reasons.

Firstly, while I recognise there will always be a place for short-term aid to tackle, for example, natural disasters or refugee crises caused by wars, for me it's important that we help people in developing countries in a sustainable way. Otherwise, one generation from now, or even in a year's time, we'll be back where we started, or somewhere worse. Practical Action is very much focused on the long-term, on solutions which will hopefully allow future generations to lift themselves out of poverty.

Secondly, the technology which Practical Action develops and promotes is simple and for that reason I think - more effective. It's focused on problems which affect people on a day-to-day level: cooking, getting clean water, growing food, keeping their home weatherproof. And because Practical Action works closely with communities, they have a more thorough understanding of the problems they face and can come up with practical and local solutions.

A good example of this is Practical Action's work to improve toilets in Zimbabwe, Sudan and Nepal. A solution to a problem which is common in developing countries, but tailored to individual communities, and using simple technology which is easily maintained and can be built and/or manufactured locally by local people.

Thirdly, Practical Action is all about enabling people to improve the conditions of their day-to-day lives using simple technology. For me this is the key thing. Rather than just provide technology as aid, they help people learn to manufacture the technology themselves, and to educate them about the importance of e.g. clean water and hygiene for health.

And finally, for both fundraisers and long-term donators, Practical Action is very supportive. Many charities treat everyone the same, whether you're a one-off donator, or a regular one. You just end up as another name on a mailing list, to be constantly pestered for money. Similarly when raising funds for some of the bigger-name charities, there's no individual contact - you might get a fundraising pack and a standard thankyou letter. In fact some of the larger charities are positively disinterested when you contact them with a view to fundraising.

Practical Action is different - regular donators are valued, fundraisers are treated individually, and the quality of the updates they send on their work is fantastic - every one is worth reading.

So- that's "why Practical Action?".