The roles of NGOs

Use this information to help you answer a question about how an NGO safeguards Human Rights, prevents Human Rights Abuse, the environment, poverty, homeless.

An NGO is a Non-Government Organisation (NGO) a non-profit organisation that operates independently of the government. Some operate at a local level, while others operate at a global level. To help fund their work, NGOs usually depend on donations from the public and sometimes they receive grants from the government. They also mainly rely on volunteers who are committed to the actions of the NGO.

What are the aims of NGOs?

1. NGOs aim to improve the lives of others by bringing about change.

2. NGOs aim to influence and change the attitudes of people, groups, organisations and businesses become more socially responsible.

3. NGOs aim to influence those who make the decisions, i.e MLAs, MPs, local councillors and government policy makers to encourage them to bring about change.

What is the role of an NGO?

The roles of an NGO are varied and depend on what the issue/issues they are dealing with. Here are some of the roles that NGOs are involved in carrying out:

Charity/Aid

NGOs provide practical support to those individuals and groups of people who are disadvantaged. For example an NGO may provide food, clothing, shelter, healthcare support, counselling and advice to disadvantaged groups in society both locally and globally.

Fundraising

NGOs hold fundraising events to collect money for different causes. They use this money to finance projects to address issues such as homelessness, poverty, healthcare provision and provide services such as food, water and healthcare to those in need.

Raise public awareness

NGOs campaign to raise awareness to make the government and the public more aware of issues such as social inequality like homelessness, poverty and healthcare provision. NGOs try to gain public support about other issues too such as social injustice and human rights abuses. They do this through fundraising events, social media campaigns and TV advertisements.

Lobbying the Government

NGOs act as a voice for disadvantaged groups in society and draw attention to the issues they face to the decision makers and policy makers in the government. NGOs lobby support for their cause within government, through research, presentations and demonstrations which can put pressure on decision makers and influence action to bring about a change.

QUESTIONS YOU COULD BE ASKED ON THIS

Explain two ways Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) can tackle health issues in society (4 marks)

NGOs can raise awareness about health issues through campaigns, education programmes, and social media to encourage healthier lifestyles and prevent illness. (2marks)

NGOs can provide services and support, such as counselling, free health checks, or distributing food and hygiene supplies to people in need, helping to improve public health. (2marks)

Explain two ways a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) can gain support for its cause. (4 marks)

Social Media Campaigns: An NGO can use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter to share powerful messages, images, and videos to raise awareness and encourages people to get involved.

Organising Fundraising Events: NGOs can hold events such as charity runs, concerts, or bake sales to raise money and attract supporters for their cause.

Discuss ways a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) can help children living in poverty in a poor country (6 marks)

NGOs can provide access to education by building schools, training teachers, and supplying learning materials, helping children gain skills for a better future. (2marks)

NGOs can offer healthcare support, such as vaccinations, medical check-ups, and clean water, to reduce illness and improve children’s overall health. (2marks)

NGOs can deliver food aid and nutrition programmes, ensuring children get the essential nutrients they need to grow and develop properly. (2marks)

Evaluate the role of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) whose main purpose is to protect the environment (10 marks)

NGOs raise public awareness about environmental issues through campaigns, education programmes, and social media. This encourages individuals to take responsibility for protecting the environment.

NGOs often carry out practical conservation work, such as planting trees, and protecting endangered species. This helps to reduce environmental damage and preserve natural habitats.

NGOs can influence government and international policies by lobbying and providing expert advice, helping to create laws and regulations that protect the environment.

However, NGOs often rely on donations and funding, which can be unstable. This may limit the amount of work they can do or prevent them from carrying out long-term projects.

Some NGOs may lack power or authority to enforce environmental laws. While they can campaign for change, they cannot force governments or companies to act.

Critics argue that some environmental NGOs may focus too much on global issues and overlook local needs, or may not fully understand the communities they work in.

In conclusion NGOs play a vital role in protecting the environment by raising awareness, promoting action, and influencing policy. While they may face challenges like limited funding or lack of enforcement power, their work is essential in tackling environmental issues and encouraging long-term change. Their efforts complement government actions and help involve the public in caring for the planet.

You should also read:

Issues NGOs deal with

​Resources NGOs need to do their work

Factors that limit the work of NGOs