The document discusses challenges faced by NGO directors in managing projects funded by donors. It summarizes comments from two directors: 1) One director notes donors demand task-focused work which limits engagement with communities. 2) Another director states monitoring focuses on spending and outputs rather than social impact or reflection. The document advocates for monitoring by providers and recipients to assess long-term effects rather than just outputs. It promotes international assistance as expanding options for positive change through engagement rather than causing change directly. Finally, it asks how listeners can apply lessons around participation, social development and long-term impact to their own work.