Organizational and Technical Capacity Development

Developing the capacity of local partners

An early proponent of localization, Bantwana has a solid track record in building local partner capacity to lead, manage, and implement large and complex programs for improving health, social, and economic outcomes for vulnerable children, youth, and caregivers – delivering evidence-based interventions. This work pre-dates USAID’s New Partner Initiative (NPI) and has continued during the growth of the localization agenda now adopted by most major donors for sustainable development.

Based on a client-led process that enables joint identification of needs, our support enriches core technical capacities and develops organizational systems and practices for transparent fiscal management and effective program delivery. This approach has helped dozens of local NGOs adapt to new PEPFAR/USAID OVC programming standards, HIV-centered technical and epidemic shifts, and new data collection and reporting requirements. Several of our local partners are now directly managing USG and other large donor funds, operating as national leaders in programming for vulnerable children and adolescents, able to respond to evolving PEPFAR/USAID guidelines.

Build on strengths

A central tenet of our approach is to meet partners where they are. Through structured reflection, assessment, and iterative learning using established tools such as a Technical and Organizational Capacity Assessment, the process  builds on existing strengths and knowledge. The tools lead to joint development of capacity strengthening goals that are operationalized and monitored through structured action plans.

WEI/Bantwana’s CB approach enables organizations to adapt to shifts in the local or wider operating environment that impact their goals and plans, like COVID-19 and climate-related disasters, as well as shifts to human-centered design processes, virtual engagement, and digitization of development. – Gill Garb, Founder, Bantwana Initiative

Foster change from within

Peer-to-peer organizational learning is a key feature of Bantwana’s capacity building approach. We identify “champions” within each organization who work closely with the Bantwana capacity building team to maintain the momentum for change internally while maximizing capacity to meet performance goals.

To reinforce the peer-to-peer learning and strengths-based approach, Bantwana’s teams provide:

• Structured and proven processes that are responsive to local partner needs, context, and operating environments.
• Targeted training and skills transfer in management strategies, programming models, and resource mobilization in response to strategic areas of growth.
• On-site and remote staff coaching and mentoring to support implementation and periodic review of action plans using low-cost digital co-working platforms.
• Communities of practice or organizational learning networks using WhatsApp and other virtual platforms.
• Exchange visits and study tours that amplify local or regional innovation and leadership.

Bantwana’s approach goes beyond preparing organizations to qualify for USG funding. We foster organization-driven growth that enhances local partners’ sustainability, technical strengths, and above all their capacity to positively impact marginalized communities, unstable households, and vulnerable children and youth. – Alton Mpungu, Co-Director JSI/WEI Capacity Development Center

Capacity development and systems strengthening for government

Complementing our work with local partners, Bantwana develops the capacity of government systems from the national to district and community levels, with a specialization in social welfare systems and HIV prevention. Alongside government, we develop frameworks, guidelines, and standard operating procedures. We train, coach, and mentor the workforce to operationalize national policy frameworks and facilitate coordinated, multi sectoral system delivery.

Bantwana cultivates trust by placing government priorities at the center of our systems strengthening support. We help government leaders build relationships with other ministries and with donors. This support enables them to navigate inter-ministry dynamics and funders’ systems. The aim is to shift power from donors to national governments, giving countries more leverage to make decisions on priorities, project design, partners, and outcomes.

What does success in supporting government systems strengthening look like?

Bantwana has successfully strengthened national social welfare systems and ministry-led case management, including MIS. We upskill workforces to deliver quality and timely care based on national policies and global best practices. The four examples below typify Bantwana’s support to government across East and Southern Africa.