The most potent aid work is not about throwing resources to impoverished communities. Sustainable aid is born of strong science, and is increasingly self-critical, collaborative, and economically focused.
This is important because we believe good ideas that improve people’s lives can and should carry forth and expand. The GSAP Microflush toilet, for example, requires minimal maintenance, is pleasant to use and provides safety, dignity and economic opportunity to those who use and build them. Those trained to build the GSAP Toilet, can then train others to do so in neighboring communities, and so on.
GSAP promotes sustainable aid values, and strives to be an example of a thorough and conscientious nonprofit working in international development.
More resources that describe issues and important concepts in sustainable aid can be found below.
RECOMMENDED:
General information about issues in aid and nonprofit work: Good Intents
ISSUES IN AID: Time Magazine, Is Foreign Aid Bad For Africa?
ESSAYS: Teju Cole, The White-Savior Industrial Complex