WOMEN GROUPS/NETWORK, CSO

As part of activities aimed at strengthening the capacity of women groups/ network, CSOs, on project monitoring and evaluation, proposal writing and securing funds from partners WILPF Nigeria, an implementing partner in the Spotlight Initiative organized a 2- day intensive training in the month of March 2021 in Ebonyi and Cross River State to equip Participants’ with the requisite knowledge and skills on proposal writing, M &E etc.

The training covered :

-Project Monitoring and Evaluation in SGBV/VAWG Interventions

-Proposal Writing; and

-Securing Funds from Partners

Objectives of the Training:

1. To build the capacity of women’s group on necessary skills set on effective proposal writing, M/E, and in securing funds from partners through proposal.

2.To strengthen the knowledge base of participants on basic terminologies in proposal writing and M/E.

3.To build the capacity of participants in the designing of project strategy, project management when designing a fund-raising proposal.

The M and E training was delivered through 2 key modules:

Module 1:

This captured training for the CSOs, and Women groups on “Understanding Monitoring and Evaluation” where they understood the basics, in terms of their meaning, differences and importance. Also, Participants were able to understand what Indicators connotes, i.e. Objectively Verifiable Indictors (OVI), Features of good indicators, using the SMART technique for illustration, Means of Verification(MOV) and cited examples in course of the learning. It was a worth-while experience as they were opportune to apply the SWOT analysis in a case study.

Module 2:

 In this module participants examined M and E frameworks by discussing case studies and sharing their learning experiences. They were made to understand elements of a basic M and E framework. The framework shows themes to be measured, different categories of indicators, how to collect the information, and the frequency of collecting the information.

 Participants were guided and supported to develop organizational M and E plan through group discussions and plenary sessions where valuable feed backs were made after every presentation.

At the end of the training participants level of learning and appreciation of the training were assessed through a post training assessment questionnaire.

 Participants left the training more confident than they were initially, in the understanding of project M and E and the development of organizational M and E plans towards implementing projects aimed at preventing and responding to and promoting SRHR in a result-oriented manner.

Proposal Writing Training Modules and Delivery:

The training modules on proposal writing and securing funds from partners comprised of 2 key modules.

Module 1:

The Module “Effective Proposal writing: Logical framework Approach” established the reason why Proposals fail and what constitutes a strong application. Basic concepts were explained to the Participants which include Problem analysis, Stakeholder analysis, setting objectives, SWOT analysis and selecting the strategy. Sufficient time was also given for feedbacks from Participants on gray areas where applicable. The session was purely participatory, giving rise to inclusive approach to learning.

Module 2:

This module gave participants insights on what is required when planning to write your proposal and fundraising strategies that can be deployed in seeking for funding from prospective partners.

In the planning and writing processes key components and sessions of the proposal which includes the Project Goal, Outcomes, Outputs, Activities and Inputs, Preconditions and Assumptions, Risk Analysis and Management must be generated and developed. Distinctions and clarifications between goals and project outcomes were specifically highlighted and basic everyday illustrations deployed to deepen understanding of the terminologies. A proposal must also have budget which is a session showing costed items and resources required to carry out the project being proposed.

 Participants were also acquainted with fund raising strategies that could be deployed to raise funds from partners. Having meetings with partners to share project ideas and work experience, writing letters and sharing project reports with partners to share success stories.

 At the end of the training, participants’ level of learning and appreciation of the modules were assessed through a post training assessment questionnaire.

In conclusion, the level of participation and experiences shared alongside feedbacks before and after the training are indicators of the positive impact the training had on Participants’.