WUSC Malawi in local NGO capacity building exercise

World University Service of Canada (WUSC) Malawi has appealed to international NGOs to build capacity of local NGOs so that they are able to source funding on the international level.

WUSC Malawi country director Jacob Mapemba made the appeal at a strategic planning meeting for Women for Fair Development (Wofad) on Wednesday in Blantyre.

“WUSC Malawi can tap both financial and technical resources from all over the world, but most local organisations cannot because they lack technical expertise to do so.

“Which is why we have been working with Wofad since 2005 to build their capacity, help them to collaborate and network with other organisations within and outside Malawi,” said Mapemba who organisation is helping Wofad to develop the five-year strategic plan.

Two years ago, WUSC and Wofa submitted a joint proposal to Tilitonse and secured a grant of K52 million for promoting the rights of women.

WUSC is also helping Wofad to put in place governance structures, policies, human resources and financial management systems.

“Development of Wofad 2014-2019 is part of the capacity building exercise we are talking about. No donor would be willing to support an NGO without a clear vision, strategy and structures,” said Mapemba.

Wofad executive director Linnah Matanya expressed excitement at the progress of the strategic plan development.

“Once completed, the strategic plan will give us a sense of direction and a leverage to negotiate funding with donors within and outside Malawi,” she said.

Wofad, among other things, fights for the rights of women and equips them economically through income generating activities such as piggery and herbal medicine making.