Humanitarian affaires is one of the subjects most related to Africa, I do believe.  . 

Any people involved with humanitarian affaires? Working for NGO's, charity projects.  .  ??

Planning on starting my own charity project in Ivory Coast or Ghana, aimed at the development for children (food, education etc.  ). 

Would love to hear stories, experiences and information from people who are already working in this 'business'

Humanitarian works is really fulfilling and great work to be in because of sense of fulfillment associated with it.
But due to it's non profit nature and sacrifices associated with it people tend to leave it for the rich.

you could be right.  And money is a big factor in Humanitarian aid.
But I do hope to meet some people here who did start something with little or no money (as I have to do) and managed to do something for others on small scale or big scale.  Doesn't matter. 

It's hard to know where to start.  Being too idealistic can be a big pitfall.  Other peoples stories/experiences could help with finding a starting point/focus. . .  or even maybe a cooperation in the future? who knows. . . 

Have not started one, but think it isn't much different from starting profit orientated business, which is, have a Location, incorporate the organization(Legal entity), employ workers that have thesame mindset, assign duties, source for fund (or start within your limit), promote your mission through media.

I hope this is helpful?

Again depends on the need it will be solving, will determine how easy you get fund, for example any ngo that helps eradicate poverty is more appearing, specially to Government e.g job creation.

Quote from: SandrineAmsterdam on 2011-02-01 23:18
you could be right.  And money is a big factor in Humanitarian aid.
But I do hope to meet some people here who did start something with little or no money (as I have to do) and managed to do something for others on small scale or big scale.  Doesn't matter. 

It's hard to know where to start.  Being too idealistic can be a big pitfall.  Other peoples stories/experiences could help with finding a starting point/focus. . .  or even maybe a cooperation in the future? who knows. . . 

Sounds like a good idea to me. However, you would need sponsors at least. or you would have to discover ways to generate enough money in order to fulfill the objectives of your NGO. Also, how will you pay your employees, not all of them would want to work voluntarily, unless they are students doing internships. In that case, you would need a good vision and project plan to develop a good reputation.

Now I have come with all these challenges, but you have probably thought about them anyway.

All the best!

When you finally start, update Cokoye how things are going being Africans forum, others will learn one or two things from your project.