"Brain Circulation" The buzz word for Diaspora volunteering

Last Friday (22/02/2013) I attended the Diaspora Volunteering Alliance annual conference on behalf of Basti Ram. The day was a chance to discuss the challenges of international development and the role of international aid agencies in supporting diaspora communities. Some of the key speakers were: 

• The Commonwealth Foundation
• DFID
• BLF
• Comic Relief
• London Met University 

There was an inspiring start; with a few selected diaspora organisations sharing their experiences and successes of diaspora volunteering. Speakers from Hirda UK, ZDDN, Wheat, AFFORD and Word Trust. 

The main focus was the benefits that diaspora organisations can bring towards international development and the many aspects of development. For example, the importance of investing in small and medium enterprises (SME's), that development doesn't just mean a traditional view of a "North-South transaction"(Vijay Krishnarayn, Director of the Commonwealth Foundation) and the impact of remittances on development. For example, the Kenyan Central bank estimated that by the end of 2012 over $100 million was sent in remittances! This is a staggering amount and doesn't just stop at Kenya this can be found across the world due to diaspora communities sending money back home. 

So what were the common areas of discussion? The day looked at how diaspora organisations are:

• Advocates for development; providing better quality aid and more. 
• Interlocutors in development; by advising the best ways to spend the money and ending the traditional view of a north-south transaction. 
• Agents of commerce; using business as an agent of development. 
• Cultural Influences; diaspora communities sharing ideas and knowledge of gender equality and healthcare. 

The buzz word of the day was "Brain Circulation" with many agreeing the role of diaspora organisations was circulating knowledge and skills around the world. 

Some other interesting issues that came up was:

• Resources; the importance of a space to discuss, for more research around the diaspora's role to play in development. 
• For aid to be given out similar to a loan; with targets to reach etc... 
• Capacity building for diaspora organisations. 
• The advantage diaspora organisations can have in politically difficult countries. 

We really enjoyed the day and thank you DVA for holding the conference! 

If you would like to know more about the work we do or how you could get involved please visit www.bastiram.org or email info@bastiram.org

Thanks for reading!

Rachel =)

Follow @BastiRamUK