SWI implements integrated community development projects (“micro projects”) in rural areas in partnership with graduated SWI students and local organizations. SWI provides technical and managerial supports to build the capacity of local organizations and its alumni. The aim of the community development is to achieve locally owned visions and goals by initiating systematic and sustainable change processes.Currently, SWI works in partnership with 21 CBOs in 14 Districts located in 6 different provinces.

Most CBOs that SWI is partnering with, are registered under the NGO Act and support local development initiatives, therefore act as local support organizations (LSOs). Their objective is to promote development in their communities by initiating new or supporting existing local groups and supporting them to implement activities. Those LSOs link community groups to government bodies; provide trainings, secure funds and coach leaders. In the frame of their partnership with SWI, the LSOs support more than 650 local groups reaching out to nearly 15.000 persons in remote rural areas.

SWI provides support to its partner organizations through

• Awareness raising, training and technical advice by regional SWI staff and external resource persons
• Facilitation of exchange of knowledge and experiences (person to person, group to group) by regional SWI staff
• Financial contributions to local development activities (“Micro Projects”)

Micro Projects focus on local agriculture practices, food security, income generation and women empowerment. Activities are decided and planned by SWI partner organisations. In the exceptional cases of SWI partnerships with informal non-registered groups, the financial and legal responsibility for the implementation of Micro Projects remains with SWI.

SWI Partnerships with local organisations and groups follow a phase model. During the preparation phase, the partnership with a LSO is initiated, either by establishing linkages with an existing LSO or by initiating the creation of a new LSO. The partner organisation is trained in leadership and management issues, and a joined micro-project is elaborated. Government bodies are informed and all necessary approvals secured. A SWI graduate guides the process.

During the implementation phase, the LSO initiates and promotes local groups through providing training, technical advice, coaching on management issues, leadership development, securing scholarship for Dalit students etc. SWI staff helps the LSO whenever needed and organises regular learning events for partner LSOs and “their” groups.

During phasing out, no more new activities are being implemented with the LSOs, but the sustainability of SWI partner organisations is in the focus – strengthen leadership again, develop ideas for their further development.

Once partner organizations are phased out, they are invited to join the SWI network, attending yearly network meetings where they have occasions to exchange with other former SWI students and occasionally participate in trainings (follow up phase).

We continue with a large geographical coverage in our CD partnerships in order to be able to reach remote areas. SWI focus on the Provinces no 1, 4, 5, 6 and 7 to implement community development partnerships.

Program approaches: 

• People lead development
• Right based approach
• Targeting to mostly vulnerable people from economically poor and socially deprived.
• Micro project implementation through graduated SWI students

Our ongoing Projects and coverages:

Support for Training Program:

Name of Partner Organization:

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