As we step into 2024 and our new independent structure, join us to reflect on some key moments from 2023 achieved through collaboration across and within our National Associations.
MCLD-Benin fostered awareness on Community-Led Development through visits within our network and connections with partners like Collective Change Lab. Association members championed healthy diets and conducted a training on Participatory CLD Assessment in Kpalimè, Togo.
MCLD-Ghana collaborated with The Hunger Project, contributing to the launch of their new global vision aimed at addressing root causes of hunger and mobilizing communities for transformative and sustainable change, with a key focus on advocacy days and community-based health planning.
MCLD-Kenya graduated its inaugural cohort of School for Devolution and CLD, comprising 35 officials from Makueni County, and signed a 5-year MoU with the County Government of Taita Taveta, marking a significant stride in strengthening devolution by supporting the development of inclusive policies and community participation.
MCLD-Liberia gained recognition in Agrilinks for its innovative farming centers, contributed to community well-being through holiday food donations, and achieved acknowledgment as one of Food Tank’s organizations to watch in 2024.
MCLD-Malawi secured an innovative grant from World Vision, collaborated with local NGOs for capacity strengthening using the Participatory CLD Assessment Tool, and trained over 50 CSO leaders, laying the groundwork for broader implementation in 2024.
MCLD-Nigeria led a nationwide sensitization campaign through SACD-Nigeria, reaching a million individuals across 210 communities for violence-free elections, combating gender-based violence, fostering strategic partnerships, holding monthly Zoom meetings, electing a youth representative, and empowering widows and orphans, while actively participating in the Sixteen Days of Activism.
MCLD-Sierra Leone achieved advocacy milestones, conducted a impactful Election Peace Education campaign through 36 radio talk shows, participated in the 16 Days of Activism for GBV with 9 radio talk shows, strengthened networks, conducted a comprehensive needs assessment, and is poised for targeted capacity strengthening in 2024, maintaining momentum for empowerment, collaboration, and community-led development.
MCLD-Uganda prioritized institutional development in 2023 in addition to engaging in development partner meetings at local and regional levels. Association focuses included capacity strengthening through trainings on the Participatory CLD Assessment Tool, advocating for SRHR, and lobbying for the uptake of community-led development.
MCLD-US was launched in 2023! We expanded collaborations, forging partnerships for collective impact and advocating for community-led policy changes, alongside ongoing capacity strengthening and our USAID-funded LIFE project. We also joined the USAID funded Powered by the People consortium led by our member Partners Global.
Collective action and mutual learning continued through our existing and emerging national associations in the Central African Republic, Mexico, Zambia, Togo, Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Tanzania to name a few.
Featured Photo: Uganda, August 2023.