The ERuDeF Institute of Biodiversity and Non-Profit Studies in collaboration with the Southwest Civil Society Organisation Network (SWECSON), equipped some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) leaders on modern techniques in fundraising.
These CSOs leaders were trained during a three days capacity-building workshop that took place at the ERuDeF Institute campus, Mile 18 Muea Road-Buea.
The workshop organised, from July 11 to 13 2017, was geared towards empowering CSOs in the Southwest Region financially for sustainable development projects within the Region. The organisation of this workshop was motivated by a number of factors.
“The need to strengthen, reinforce and upscale the fundraising and leadership capacity of various SWECSON members cannot be over emphasised. We need to build a robust, independent and sustainable base at SWECSON so when our mandate expires, they will be able to raise funds, manage it and sustain their organisations as in particular and SWECSON in general,” Louis Nkembi, President of SWECSON cum facilitator at the workshop disclosed.
The President said such a training will help fill the funding gaps identified within different NGOs during his Divisional tour.
“During my tour to all member organisations earlier this year, during my Divisional tour, I realised that these CSOs had as main problem, the lack of funding. Another reason is the fact that, when I was made SWECSON President, I inherited a negative account and I took the commitment to raise sixty three million francs. All these motivated me to take up the challenge of better equipping the members with the skills I have so that together, we can raise more for the betterment of our organisations,” he added.
On her part, the Director of the ERuDeF Institute, Akeh Nug, said the workshop marks the start of a six month training, that will CSOs in the Region, financially sustainable. Most organisations are still operating as if they are running family or private businesses.
The CSOs were schooled on situating the right grant for the earmarked project, writing of project proposal, project techniques, among others. Participants at the workshop expressed total satisfaction, and proposed to put to good use, various techniques gathered from the training.
“I am indeed very happy with this initiative by our President and ERuDeF Institute. Without money, organisations like ours cannot function. I have learnt so much and am sure that if applied to my organisation,I will no longer have issues of funds to run my activities,” the President of Korup Rainforest
ConservationSociety (KRCS) disclosed.
The CEO of the Bakassi Cultural women Development Association (BACUDA)added: “I came all the way from Bakassi to be here and I’m sincerely grateful for the training I have received, this workshop has made me to understand so many things with regards to fundraising.I’m sure with this knowledge I have now, my organisation will move to a different level in just two months.”
The workshop wrapped up with the award of certificates of participation to all present, with next training session scheduled for the months ahead.
By Melvis Takang & Magdalen Ndi
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