Wings of Hope is an organization familiar with international aid. They were born from the war, meeting the needs with humanitarian aid and organizing camps for youth. It was soon realized that “reconstruction is not enough” and psychosocial support was needed for youth. Today, they work with youth ranging from 3 to 27 years old.They have transformed from part of an international organization to full local ownership, as an professional NGO providing post-traumatic aid to youth.
Transparency and accountability are built into the framework of Wings of Hope. Two internal evaluations have been conducted (1998 & 2000), every project is first researched, and Masters students complete a 6 months of research on the work of WoH. This research is published in a book, complete with the research findings, medical charts, methods used, graphs, and even drawings done by the children during therapy. In depth evaluations such as these offer concrete evidence that aid is administered and monitored effectively.
The government of BiH is a problematic partner. Organizations like WoH must work with a system they know is “dysfunction [because] it is our system.” Only until recently has the government started to collaborate with WoH. The same theme of competitor was also voiced by WoH, NGOs were initially seen as competitors and even “spies” all competing for funds. However, this partnership is extremely crucial as society starts to heal itself. take for example, youth delinquency, which is a “huge problem.” Very violent crimes are being committed by youth. All aspects of the private and public sector must be utilized to address this problem. For example, Wings of Hope can offer psychosocial support for youth and parenting classes. The government can then change policies that provide immunity for these youth.
Predictably, the situation is complicated. Layers of problems play off one another. People are still trying to cope with the trauma of war, producing “double problems.” Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is only now surfacing; it has taken years to show itself because survival mode mandates that security is provided in housing, food, etc. until the mind copes with the effects of war. Thus, the problems are constantly evolving.
I was able to witness the staff support of WoH. Each morning they have a meeting and share a meal. They discuss projects, briefings, etc. I was shown genuine hospitality when I arrived for the interview. I was invited into the meeting, served cake (for a birthday) and offered coffee. I proceeded to spend the next 3 hours talking with 5 people about international aid.
“When the cameras are gone, the funds are gone, and the real problems start.” There is a constant ‘fight for funds” that produces a “contradiction in the system.” NGOs are forced to conform to donors wishes and often suffer because donors “have no clue what you need on the ground.”
For example, it is currently very trendy to work with the Roma (gypsy) population. If NGOs are not already working with Roma, they develop new programs because they know key words catalyze the money. However, WoH does not discriminate and will not open and close services to follow monetary aid. It was described as being a game between “blue spots” and “green stripes: blue spots … next year [it is] green stripe. No continuity [. . .] how does this work for long term problems? Every year we have to figure out what they want … just fashion. Next year we have to adapt. [This is] a fundamental problem all over the world.”
Wings of Hope has learned to “fight prejudices” that people in BiH are “stupid.” I was told explicitly that they are “not all stupid and poor.” The education level of the staff was stressed, many hold multiple degrees from universities in Bosnia and abroad. Now, public perception must be changed to remind people of the quality of education offered before the war is also being implemented after.
On a personal note, I am only a student but have had the opportunity of exposure to many organizations, mainly in Latin America and now in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Wings of Hope is one of the best NGOs I have encountered. They offered me honest narratives about the problems that pose a challenge to effective aid while simultaneously encouraging me to keep asking questions. I hope that other organizations reflect the passion of WoH and follow the lead of an organization that personifies effective aid: their Tent Camp for youth won the most original project award in BiH and the CBF Seal in the Netherlands.
Wings of Hope not only sets the bar, it pushes it higher each year.
