Building social capital in non‐governmental organizations: buffalo banks and borewells

Abstract

Describes Childreach – a US child‐focuses development organization which sponsors children and their families in developing countries – and a recent project in development education, “Buffalo banks and borewells: Childreach makes sense of development”, which involved creating and distributing educational newsletters on Third World and development issues. Lists the goals of the project and how they were addressed. Outlines what was gained from the exercise. Links this to the paradoxical situation in the USA whereby the public think money should go towards foreign aid but are reluctant to actually fork out any money themselves. Considers the role of trust and the concept of social capital, emphasizing that sponsors need to trust that their investment is making an important contribution to improving the life of the sponsored child and its family or community.

Citation

Riordan, C. and Sarkar, J. (1998), "Building social capital in non‐governmental organizations: buffalo banks and borewells", International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, Vol. 18 No. 1, pp. 55-69. https://doi.org/10.1108/01443339810788317