NGOs

Urban Matters facilitates the cooperation of local actors in improving life in slums. NGOs are crucial in ensuring that interventions are based upon the actual needs of the urban poor. They play a crucial role in strengthening the capacities of the urban poor and their organisations, as well as facilitating the relationship with the government.

In Cape Town, San Salvador and Kisumu several local initiatives, projects and programs already exist. Individuals, grassroots organizations, local ngo’s and government agencies are trying to improve life in the slums. Some are successful, others struggle or fail. All are looking for advise, financial support or knowledge exchange.

Urban Matters helps local actors to find Dutch businesses, experts, institutes and funding. After matching local actors to Dutch partners, Urban Matters will facilitate the cooperation.

We quote Mark Swilling, manager of the Philippi Worx project in Cape Town:

“Urban Matters potentially creates a set of partnerships between our project, and Dutch partners. Normally this would not be possible, because we don’t have the time and resources to identify and build relationships with Dutch partners. If Cordaid can play a role in creating a bridge between our projects and Dutch partners, that could create the space for some very creative and unexpected solutions.”

Partner with the local actors from the South and find out yourself which unexpected solutions this can bring; join Urban Matters!