The analysis conducted during the 2022 Congress, followed by further studies, highlighted several critical issues that reduce the operational effectiveness of some PDOs. Among the main needs are:
to have a common and shared strategy; strengthen staff skills by improving planning and project management capacity; update child protection policies to comply with international standards and meet donor requirements.
The programme involves nine African circumscriptions, comprising some 20 countries, including Senegal, Ghana, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo (North Kivu, Lubumbashi, Kinshasa) and the Maghreb area (Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria).
The main areas of intervention include formation and mentorship to develop key skills in project cycle management, fundraising, financial administration and quality assurance. This is done through training sessions, mentoring, peer learning and specialised technical support.
In addition, assistance in strategic planning and governance is provided, accompanying each DOT in the definition and implementation of a multi-year strategic plan in line with provincial and regional priorities to strengthen governance and organisational processes, ensuring the sustainability of initiatives. The adoption of advanced digital tools and technical support to implement effective Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning( MEAL) systems to improve data management and transparency in decision-making and operations is also promoted.
The customised accompaniment of each DOT will foster effective learning, strengthening institutional, organisational and operational skills. To ensure concrete and sustainable support, the programme envisages an investment of EUR 600,000, divided into three implementation phases, with the aim of promoting the autonomy and long-term development of the PDOs concerned.
The first phase, starting in 2024, consists of a needs analysis through the mapping of the PDOs involved and the identification of specific needs at the institutional, organisational and operational levels, the development of customised strategic plans, starting with the definition of growth objectives and priority actions, and the establishment of a shared governance committee with the task of monitoring and coordinating the programme.
The second phase, envisaged for the two-year period 2025-2026, envisages formation, accompaniment and operational support through the implementation of targeted training courses and mentorship sessions with experts in the sector; continuous coaching of PDOs in the implementation of the strategies defined with the support of facilitators and technical partners; the creation and strengthening of collaboration networks between PDOs to foster the exchange of best practices and peer learning.
The third phase, foreseen for the end of 2026, foresees the evaluation of the impact of the programme on the organisational and operational capacities of the DPOs; the definition of strategies to guarantee the sustainability over time of the actions undertaken and the development processes; the possible extension of the programme to other Salesian districts or DPOs on the basis of the requests and resources available.
VIS, in close collaboration with the Salesian provinces and Visitatories and the local partners, will ensure constant support for the continuous strengthening of the DPOs, so that they can become key actors of development in their respective territories, contributing to the sustainable growth of the local communities.
