Development Bus

At the heart of this project is the concept of using a bus as a working tool for development. This bus is equipped with a computer, radio broadcast equipment, and instructional material. The idea is that, because it is movable, the system can reach out to those heading up development projects through its presence in various regions of Guinea-Bissau, and through the implementation of regional posts or stations. Each of the 9 posts constitutes a decentralised centre, a regional antenna that is meant to become a cell of support for the realisation of micro-projects to support economic development. In short, a development "toolbox" is being designed to support local initiatives through an itinerant base of support, regional posts, community radio, and training courses.

The Development Bus project uses face-to-face, interpersonal learning exchanges to support regional associations that will work to help local entrepreneurs launch their own micro-projects. Various training sessions are held for 9 regional antennae teams, including a radio workshop, language lessons (English and French), a broadcasting video workshop, and a media-tech/Internet session. Learning methods are intended to be participative. The strategy here involves helping develop the network of associations that is already present in the country in order to prepare and set the groundwork for the emergence of local projects. This approach is progressively national, based on the development of an existing network, and is designed to support the other associations present in Guinea-Bissau. This method is designed to engender a development process that will come from within the society.

The focus on engaging the community in work to support local initiatives is reflected in the fact that all the activities of the programme are realised through local partners. Organisers note that the key to the active participation of development agencies and entrepreneurs lies in their direct implication in the activities which are proposed to them. One of the elements driving the participation of development agencies and entrepreneurs in the management of the programme is the local staff recruitment process. Particular attention is given to the capacity of the members of the national and regional development teams to mobilise the population, to encourage the creation of development projects, and to be the representatives of these projects.

In addition to strengthening the skills of local development agencies and entrepreneurs by sharing knowledge about local development mechanisms, this project strives to include young people in the development process and its practical application. As part of its plan to open 9 regional antennas and support centres in 2005, 114 associations of youth across the country (representing approximately 6,000 young people) will be served. The antennas will support the bearers of micro-development projects favouring the urban, rural, and island populations suffering from an aggravated state of poverty.

Economic Development, Youth.

With a gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of US$230 (average for the period 1992-97) and an annual rate of population growth of the order of 2.2%, Guinea-Bissau is considered as one of the economically poorest countries in the world. The 2001 report on human development published by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) ranks Guinea-Bissau 156th out of 162.

Since its creation, the NGO Tambarina has worked to provide cultural and social support to different regions across the country. These activities, financed by the organisation's own funds and by local contributions, have included regional events, radio broadcasts, and carnival animations.

In the stable period following the political and military conflict that had strongly altered the general context in the country, Tamnarina has turned to local development efforts like the Development Bus.