Human Development
With good governance and social transformation communities take individual and collective actions that result in human development outcomes
Limited resources and education, poor health, malnutrition, and environmental pressures affect millions across rural communities in West Africa.
The Community Empowerment Program (CEP) integrates literacy, health, education, nutrition, economic opportunity, and environmental stewardship into one holistic journey. In the Kobi phase, participants collectively reflect on the principles of human rights and democracy and develop skills in problem solving. They then learn about health, hygiene, and disease prevention and apply the learning in line with the principles they agreed on. In the Aawde phase, they build literacy, numeracy, financial planning, and project management skills, enabling them to act on their priorities.
As they learn, communities put new knowledge into practice, with the support and leadership of their Community Management Committee (CMC). They organize vaccination and maternal health campaigns, support birth registration, engage in parent-teacher associations in schools, and introduce improved sanitation facilities. They strengthen economic wellbeing as CMCs support small projects and income-generating activities.
Environmental sessions encourage communities to reflect on land, water, and climate, and take steps to protect their ecosystems. These efforts are reinforced by CMCs’ collaboration with local authorities, ensuring sustainable systems of support.
eady to support communities improve health and economic wellbeing?
COMMUNITY SUCCESS
39,000
loans provided to women and youth to engage in income generating activities since 2020
250,000
children vaccinated through community efforts since 2020
34,000
children enrolled in school due to awareness campaigns since 2020
12,500
improved cookstoves built to protect the environment
WHAT CHANGE LOOKS LIKE
As new, inclusive norms settle in and governance systems strengthen, communities are able to work together effectively to achieve their vision for wellbeing.
Communities pursue their priorities through collective action and collaboration with local authorities.
Human development outcomes include improved health, including because of the abandonment of female genital cutting and child marriage, and health-seeking behavior.
They also include higher school enrollment and retention for all children, with greater increases for girls, stronger livelihoods, and cleaner, less contaminated and greener environments.