3.1. What are Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs)?

Civil Society, when organized in structure and specialized in function, takes the form of NGOs (Non Governmental Organizations).

Characteristics of NGOs

♤ It is an organization of private individuals who believe in certain basic social principles.

♤ They structure their activities to bring about development to communities they are servicing.

♤ It is a social development organization.

♤ An independent, democratic, non-sectarian people’s organization working for the

empowerment of economic and/or socially marginalized groups.

♤ An organization not affiliated to political parties.