Our Approach
Justice underpins and shapes CWS’s understanding of and approach to development. CWS works with its partners and international networks to meet the immediate needs of people for food, water, dignity and justice. Together we strive to give people the support they need to escape poverty, forever. With networks, skills and resources they have a better chance. We tackle the causes of poverty at every level as well as its effects.
CWS supports organisations that share this perspective based on:
Community ownership
The task is in their hands, not ours. Development objectives are best decided by local people who carry the hope and vision for their own community but need our financial support to run their programmes. CWS does not send New Zealand staff to manage field programmes. Funds are spent in, by and for the community, and not returned to New Zealand through salaries.
A true relationship
Development takes time so CWS does not pick and choose programmes each year, funding issues or countries according to the latest development trend. CWS is instead committed to building long-term relationships and funding local partners until they can manage on their own.
More than funding
For CWS, the idea of partnership goes beyond funding community development programmes. Solidarity and advocacy can be as significant as funding. It is equally important for people who have been denied political, social and economic rights to know they are being listened to, their problems are being addressed and people care enough to take action.
Our Action
CWS supports campaigns to increase government spending on aid (Official Development Assistance) to at least the 0.7% of Gross National Income agreed internationally. In 2017 ODA fell to 0.23 percent. We want New Zealand’s aid budget is spent effectively to help people out of poverty and to achieve at least the targets set in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The CWS written submission on the Partnership Fund of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. June 2018