A FRIEND told me that he was giving a talk to his livery company on philanthropy. When I asked whether he was For or Against, he looked bemused. How we should “love our neighbour”, not least our neighbour in the Two-Thirds World, is a complex issue. Some would leave it to inter-governmental aid, but we know that the previous government downgraded its department for international development, slashed the budget, and siphoned off what was left to domestic services such as housing asylum-seekers. If a return to philanthropy is one alternative, how should NGOs and other charities harness the concerns and financial giving of people who want to help?

This is an issue for our churches. Historically, these relationships were managed by the missionary societies, but (ironically) when in the last century some of these agencies were moving towards a partnership rather than paternalistic model, the C of E moved its support and its funding to separate diocesan links, many of which have reinvented the old colonial ways of niche projects where the real decision-making still rests with those here who have the money.

Philanthropy, giving to those who, you have decided, deserve your support, is a central part of American culture, at home and in its relationships with poorer parts of the world. Change is measured at a personal rather than structural level. If much good work is done, does it matter that donors feel satisfied but never challenged? For such reasons, I approached this book about an American NGO working in western Tanzania with some caution.

Africa Bridge is the author’s story of his personal crusade in creating the charity. Unlike other initiatives based on direct project funding or providing micro-financing for individuals, it creates sustainable and cooperative agricultural collectives. A primary concern is improving the prospects of the most vulnerable children and involving them in the work — hence the title of the book. It recognises the crucial part that women play in leadership. Health and social outcomes are carefully monitored, albeit by American academics. The measure of success is when a collective becomes self-sustaining and generative of others.

What is missing is the area between the rather vaguely defined board in the Unted States, presumably raising the money and deciding how the work progresses, and the people on the ground. Are Tanzanians decision-makers or only employees? What are the relationships with local government and other locally accountable organisations, including churches? Do those who fund-raise in the US ever ask donors why they have money to spare but most Tanzanians haven’t?

The Rt Revd Michael Doe is a former General Secretary of USPG.

And the Children Shall Lead Us
Barry Childs
The Breakthrough Book Collective £14.99
(978-1-7393793-7-7)
Church Times Bookshop £13.49