At the Borderline 3: Win-Win

From March 16th through March 26th a delegation of Vlamo (Belgium) toured through South-Africa. In this series - of which we are presenting part 3 today - we learn more about the tasks of the National Coordinator and get to know what motivates some of the sponsors to support the Field Band Foundation. Written by Geert Vanmaeckelberghe, translation by Hans Kloppert.


Coaching

Tuesday March 20th we had a meeting at the Field Band Foundation head office in Johannesburg. Romana has worked there as the National Coordinator since September 2006. She is a pretty woman who only after I insisted told me her real (Hindu) name: Ragunagie. She has built up quite some experience in business management and would like to use this with the FBF. Ragunagie is the key-figure for the Regional Coordinators.


"They now have to communicate with a Hindu woman, which is another step in the right direction", says Retha Cilliers. "With the daily coordination I have an indirect impact on the children. This role attracts me, the Regional Coordinators are my babies. By means of my contacts I keep coaching, advising, teaching and assisting them."

The National Coordinator guards the execution of a 10-points project that include among others the following points:

1. Forming an operation for 250 children per area.
2. Providing enough performances for the bands every year. This is where Retha Cilliers will take the initiative for this.
3. Financial management for the bands, a bank account per band with revenues and expenses.
4. Educating and guiding the teachers and instructors
5. Strengthening the notion of and appreciation for values and standards among the youngsters.
6. Tightening the contacts with the local community and the parents.
7. Prevention of HIV/AIDS.
8. ...

"Weekly they have to report to me about the operation in their Field bands. Presence of the members per band, per section, a summary of the achievements per day are among the subjects. It's definitely not only all about the reporting, but also to formulate and phrase advice. Our collaboration is 'two-way-traffic'. Every month and every quarter the Regional Coordinator sends me a report."


I also visit the projects regularly to see directly the challenges they face. "The team of Regional Coordinators forms the middle management in our operation. At the selection the managers' qualities are also tested. Annually they enjoy an additional education by means of a five-day workshop in January and other interventions when necessary. Realizing a strategic plan, reaching our objectives, management techniques and having evaluation or assessment conversations are intensified with the help of an external office."

Even though the FBF head office is housed in a small old building, the operation has a strict and professional structure. From here everything is led well, both artistically, as well as humanly and  financially.


Win-win

For lunch we were invited to share the table with some of the most important sponsors of the Field Band Foundation. For this non-profit organisation, which is not supported by the government, these relations are of great importance.
Andre Steenkamp is manager of SSG Cases, a company which manufactures instrument cases. Here in South Africa all cases for DEG Dynasty instruments are produced and shipped. Andre is a very special appreciated partner of the Field Band Foundation Program and assists the organization both with support, advice as well as deeds.


Paul Perreira is the Relationships Manager of Tsikilulu Investments, which leads the interests of the De Beers Fund.  Graeme Wilkinsen is Project Officer at De Beers Fund. For several years they have had a relationship with the FBF. "It is not just a chequebook-thing, but this is a real partnership", Paul emphasizes. "For us it is not just a matter of donating money but a real deal with a professional partner. The relationships  contains no risk. The Field Band Foundation answered our needs in specific areas where the De Beers is active in our diamond mines."

"It is not a nine day's wonder (ephemeron) but a long-term cooperation, which is presented and reported to the Board every year. If the vision within the company might change, this might also affect our relationship. It is however not likely that this will actually happen." To the question if they can actually reap the fruits from this partnership Paul and Graeme answered: "It is hard to measure actual results. There is however no doubt. The fact that mines in the areas where there are no Fieldbands call us asking us to start up a Field band program in their area as well speaks for itself! Right?"

Geert Vanmaeckelberghe
Link: www.fieldband.org.za