When NGOs work together and build networks, they can have a greater effect on society as a whole. Peniel joined Rotary in September of last year in an effort to broaden our influence and reach among local adolescents and adults. We think that in order for non-governmental organizations to accomplish their aims and have the greatest possible impact, they must work together. This past weekend, we were fortunate to team up with the Round Table group in Middelburg to host a joint charity event for the South African Model Aircraft Association.
Gliders, drones, rc planes, jets, and racers were just some of the aircraft that individuals from all over the country brought to the event. Although the opportunity was exciting for the young people who helped us, they had a hard time grasping the specifics of how the planes operated and what was needed to go up in the air. Unresolved issues, however, prompted new lines of inquiry, which in turn served as a fertile ground for education. The young guys that showed up were from different regions of Middelburg, some of which were more affluent than others. However, all of them shared a paucity of opportunities often afforded to black kids.
One of the young men that helped us, Lunga, has been a member of the aviation industry for about 5 years, so he was already familiar with what he saw. Because of his background, he was able to answer the young men’s queries regarding different sorts of aircraft. The young man who eventually obtained the position was shown about the airfield by him, and this gave him access to a world of information he had never had before.
A recent high school student who dabbled with computers but was waiting for a scholarship to undertake further studies in engineering was one of the young men we worked with during the joint campaign with the South Africa Model Aircraft Association. Fortunately, one of the Round Table guys owned a business in the field the young man was interested in pursuing. After speaking with the Round Table contact, I put them in touch, and the young guy was given not just a job in his field of interest but also financial compensation and training. This is a fantastic illustration of how networking and cooperation through STEM can be utilized to effect positive change in the community and how NGOs can work together to generate real-world opportunities for young people.
The conference emphasized the use of STEM in facilitating communication and cooperation among non-governmental organizations. We can better accomplish our goals if we pool the resources of groups that share our enthusiasm for STEM and work together. Access to education, environmental sustainability, and other complicated community concerns may all be tackled using the common language and approach provided by STEM. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) may use science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to solve difficult societal problems by pooling their diverse viewpoints and experience. The young man’s tale of finding a job in his field of interest thanks to collaboration and networking amongst NGOs is a powerful example of the effect that can be made when people work together.
