Leadership, membership, and patience

Starting a project like this inevitably requires strong leadership, but also a dedicated team. Even more beneficial is a team that is willing to take the lead when the leadership is unclear, weak, or not serving the interests of the larger group.

At the beginning of December, the Batsiranai Fathers elected a new chairperson, and reorganized the steering committee. While it was far from a coup, this change signalled that the fathers are ready to move forward with renewed energy.

Of course, numerous challenges remain. But, during a three-hour meeting on 17 December, the larger group was engaged and offering ideas under the direction of the new chairperson.

The latest news is that the British Embassy’s small projects scheme might be willing to assist with project funds. While the project might now be of a smaller – or entirely different – scale, the fathers are willing to do what it takes to make a project sustainable. First, it might be a buying and selling project, and might later evolve into something else. At present, a poultry project seems out of reach due to the increasing costs of poultry feed and vaccinations -- and the essential concern of land for the project.

In any case, I’ll be sure to keep you better informed. Your interest and support is greatly appreciated by the fathers and their families – it has helped them keep hope during these tough times.