Almost all of the organisations that are generally formed outside of the government which give voluntary services and advocate for lawful activities are referred as non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Currently, the function and position of NGOs are gaining prominence in the social system of the community and the country. The role they play is increasingly significant and effective at both national and international levels.
Besides having the support of the government, some NGOs even have become unofficial ambassadors. They represent the voice and support of the people of any country or nation. There are even scholars who acknowledge that NGOs are one of the contributors to a country’s foreign policy making process. The strength behind the establishment of NGOs are their focus on achieving their objectives. It is their objectives which are the most important feature in determining the survival of an NGO.
As understood, the role of NGOs is to assist communities such as providing educational and skills opportunities; strengthening single mother economy; controlling and managing certain diseases; helping natural disaster victims; struggling for human rights; minimising social problems; improving economic sectors as well as popularising cultural activities. Furthermore, some NGOs are struggling with environmental issues; the welfare of certain professions; and even offering legal services as well. In fact, there are also organisations that advocate for the protection of certain animals of targeted groups.
According to a study conducted by Noor Atika Shafinaz Nazri, the humanitarian NGO actually is the most active programme chosen by many countries including Malaysia. Regardless of local or international level, NGOs have made the humanitarian aid agenda as an important element in the effort to create a harmonious community. Malaysia, is one of the countries in the world that consistently and actively provides humanitarian assistance to victims of war such as Palestine and Syria.
As international refugees are also present in our country, we may have to consider the humanitarian aid channels for them. The question here is, do these refugees have the same place as the target group of NGOs in our country?
Even if NGOs do not expect any recognition, interestingly enough the role of active and effective NGOs are not viewed as unsung heroes by the public. In fact, starting 2012, The Global Journal began publicising NGOs in the Top 100 NGOs worldwide. Later in 2015, the journal expanded its coverage to the top 500 NGOs, providing the best service to the world community.
NGOs definitely face many challenges when they provide their services voluntarily. Knowing the biggest challenge for any NGOs is determining their survival, thus it’s the first thing that needs to be addressed.
Inevitably, basic issues such as finances; staff without knowledge and skills; and weakness of integrity would affect an organisation mobility. In order to ensure that an NGO can provide quality services, as well as financial strength, NGO governance must be in a sound, systematic and strategic situation. In short, it should be governed by clear and solid principles.
A global membership association providing training, convening, and support, based in Washington D.C., Humentum lists seven principles that should be in the financial management of any NGO. They are stewardship, accountability, transparency, integrity, viability, accounting standards and consistency. While these principles are more relevant to financial management, they can also be applied for governance to the organisation as a whole. Islamic governance in comparison, should be adopted at least for the principles of shura, leadership, justice and trust as the four most important principles of any organisation.
On the other hand, every NGO that exists in a society naturally is an entity that should always be relevant to the current society and the world. As a matter of fact, this is where the importance of ongoing research activities by NGOs comes from. Because of this, the views expressed by Dr. Wong Huey Siew of Open University Malaysia through his article needs to be taken seriously. This is to ensure that an NGO can continue its function for a long time for the sake of the target group interest.
As an individual with extensive experience in NGOs, Dr. Wong justifies that research activities will provide significant benefits to NGOs. For example, it will explain things in a scientific way; provide concrete data to support the argument; identify the causes of the events; stand as a credible source; detail about each issue with added knowledge; investigate each incident and provide clarified information; and many more. The results of this research definitely will enhance the credibility and competency of NGOs in providing volunteer services to specific communities or groups.
To sum up, each NGO is built and registered for the purpose of helping to revive the target group. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of an NGO depends on good governance and other specific criteria. The sustainability and longevity of an NGO is dependent on strategic planning, which requires ongoing research activities. Obviously, the recognition of society or the world is not something to be dreamed of. The satisfaction of giving and helping absolutely is irreplaceable with anything in the world.