Traditional and faith-based forms of giving have been around for centuries and continue to play a major role in determining people’s giving patterns. There is much excitement about the pace at which formal philanthropy is taking hold in many developing countries, but some believe that understanding - and perhaps harnessing - indigenous traditions could make philanthropic initiatives more sustainable in the long run.
Philippa Garson is a South African journalist, writer and media consultant living in New York. She has decades of experience writing in-depth, analytical articles, turning complex ideas into readable, compelling text, telling stories, and putting a human face to topics of international interest. Having worked as a journalist in South Africa for many years, she has a deep understanding of the challenges facing developing countries and societies in transition.