CorpsAfrica/Malawi conducted a two-day training for nine Development Partners (DP) to acquaint them with CorpsAfrica’s work. The sessions covered various topics:
- Introduction to CorpsAfrica: Highlighting its founding, mission, values, and the pivotal roles of Volunteers, community members, and local leaders
- Human Center Design and Asset Based Community Development models and the role of DPs in these practices.
- The role of the CorpsAfrica Volunteer: Emphasizing Volunteer responsibilities and how DPs can provide support.
- CorpsAfrica’s M&E processes: Detailing monitoring and evaluation processes and how DPs can assist Volunteers in data collection.
- Introduction to the Innovator’s Compass: Demonstrating its use in solving community problems.
Discussions on enhancing collaboration yielded several ideas:
- Integrating income-generating activities in Volunteers’ PST: Empowering Volunteers to strengthen household income.
- Sharing monthly reports: Facilitating a better common understanding of Volunteer projects.
- Collaborating at all partnership stages: Especially during Volunteers’ introductory meetings in host communities.
- Engaging DPs in M&E efforts: Addressing gaps and improving project outcomes.
- Revising the MOU: Adapting it to the current reality and ensuring clearly defined roles.
The training evaluation results showed a high level of appreciation, with DPs requesting training for all their staff on HCD and designing programs with lasting community impact. The feedback underscores a strong commitment to improving collaboration and effectiveness in CorpsAfrica’s initiatives.