Advocates Redesign

Tag: CDD

  • Cohort 2 of the Sora Kaufman Fellowship Kicks Off Intensive Training in Asiakwa

    Three individuals selected for the second cohort of the prestigious Sora Kaufman Fellowship, have arrived safely at Asiakwa in the Abuakwa South Municipality of Ghana’s Eastern Region to on a two-week intensive training program. They are Amada-Smith Richmond, Bedzina Confidence Dominic, and Juliet Nyarko Adansi.

    The fellowship, widely recognized as ACA’s flagship initiative, is dedicated to cultivating a vibrant network of African leaders committed to advancing community-driven development (CDD) and grassroots advocacy across the continent.

    The program is designed for practitioners working directly with communities and local institutions to address systemic challenges that limit citizens’ participation in governance and decision-making.

    Through hands-on learning, collective exchanges, and strategic networking, the fellowship strengthens expertise in collective action, human rights, advocacy, and local governance systems.

    This year’s cohort follows the successful completion of a month-long immersive training by the inaugural group, whose impact continues to ripple across their respective communities.

    Opening session

    The opening ceremony will bring together distinguished leaders and facilitators who embody the vision of the fellowship. ACA’s Executive Director, Jonathan Kaufman; the Municipal Chief Executive of the Abuakwa South Municipal Assembly, Nana Adu Sarpong Addo-Aikins; and ACA’s Director of Community-Driven Development, Nana Ama Nketia-Quaidoo, will welcome the fellows. Members of Cohort 1 will also participate to share insights, inspire the new fellows, and foster cross-cohort learning.

    Following the welcome session, fellows will explore their expectations, fears, and ground rules, creating a transparent environment that promotes trust and collaboration. An official ACA/Fellowship Agreement Signing will formalize their commitment to the program’s values and objectives.

    The core of the training will introduce fellows to the essential pillars of CDD. Sessions will cover the introduction to community driven development, theories and concepts of collective action and rudiments, stages, advantages, and challenges of collective action

    These modules will guide fellows in understanding how collective mobilization influences sustainable development outcomes and community resilience.

    Daily evaluations and reflections will ensure continuous learning and adaptation, strengthening fellows’ ability to critically assess their roles as development practitioners.

    Field-Based Learning: FCAP in Practice

    A major highlight of the first week will be a field visit to observe a Facilitated Collective Action Plan (FCAP) meeting. Here, fellows will witness how different segments of a community contribute to local decision-making processes, an eye-opening opportunity to see collective action unfold in real time.

    After the field experience, fellows will return for a detailed debrief, unpacking their observations and articulating how these lessons can be applied in diverse development contexts.

    Community stay

    Midway through the program, fellows will pack up for a transformative community stay, departing to the Papaye Recreational Village. This immersion is designed to strengthen understanding of CDD principles by allowing fellows to live, engage, and work closely with community members.

    Upon return, a structured session will invite fellows to reflect on their experiences with community life, challenges encountered, personal and professional insights gained and what could be done differently in future CDD engagements

    These reflections are expected to deepen empathy, refine field skills, and broaden perspectives on people-centered development.

    Storytelling, Stakeholder Engagement, and Work-Life Balance

    As the training progresses, fellows will participate in a special webinar on effective communication and storytelling, equipping them with tools to document and share community impact stories compellingly.

    Another critical module will focus on stakeholder engagement with MMDAs, local authorities, chiefs, and community structures. Fellows will learn best practices for navigating local governance systems, a vital skill for any community development practitioner.

    Additional sessions will address monitoring and evaluation techniques, balancing family life, health ethics, and demanding development work, overview of post–on-site fellowship activities

    These sessions ensure that fellows not only develop technical competence but are also prepared for the personal and emotional demands of development practice.

    Looking Ahead

    With its blend of theory, practice, reflection, and community immersion, the Sora Kaufman Fellowship continues to establish itself as a leading program shaping Africa’s next generation of community development leaders.

    As Cohort 2 begins their journey in Asiakwa, they carry forward a growing legacy, one grounded in collaboration, empowerment, and a deep commitment to ensuring communities across Africa have a stronger voice in shaping their own development futures.

  • Hope on the rise: Grassroots communities in Ghana build big dreams with small grants

    In the heart of Ghana’s Bono East and Eastern Regions, something extraordinary is happening — not from the top down, but from the ground up.

    Jonathan Kaufman, Executive Director of Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA), recently toured five rural communities where residents are rolling up their sleeves and transforming their lives through a bold initiative known as the Facilitated Collective Action Process (FCAP), locally dubbed “Oman yie die.”

    With support from ACA and $8,000 in seed funding per community, places like Asuano, Johnkrom, and Nkwabeng in Nkoranza South, along with Ntabea and Abesim Yeboah in Abuakwa South, are turning microgrants into major milestones.

    In Asuano, construction is well underway on a new three-unit Junior High School block, complete with an ICT lab and teacher offices — a dream come true for students who previously studied under trees or in cramped conditions. In Johnkrom, women and youth are eagerly watching a new gari processing and milling center take shape — a move expected to boost local income and food security.

    But perhaps the most ambitious vision comes from Nkwabeng. Originally aiming for an outpatient department, the community is now rallying additional funds to build a 24-room health facility. Their goal is to upgrade their modest clinic into a fully functional polyclinic — a leap forward in rural healthcare.

    “These communities are not waiting for change — they’re building it,” said Mr. Kaufman. “And what’s even more inspiring is how openly and honestly, they’re doing it. I attended two accountability sessions where community leaders detailed every cedi spent. This kind of transparency sets a gold standard.”

    The ACA team, including Director of Community-Driven Development, Nana Ama Nketia-Quaidoo, also met with local government officials who are not just observing, but actively participating. Nkoranza South’s MCE, Godfred Dapaah, was praised for helping secure vital permits, including clearing hurdles with the Forestry Commission to allow timber harvesting for roofing.

    In Atiwa West, the spirit of partnership was equally strong. District Chief Executive, Amo Johnson Anom, personally donated building materials to a community project and even mediated a local conflict, urging unity for the greater good.

    “These leaders are not just sitting in offices — they’re getting their hands dirty for their people,” Mr. Kaufman added.

    Nana Ama noted that despite setbacks like seasonal storms and occasional leadership disputes, progress has been swift and spirited.

    “In just two months, most projects already have their roofs on. The communities have gone above and beyond — raising funds locally, contributing to labor, and staying resilient. That’s real ownership,” she said.

    From new classrooms to life-saving health facilities and income-generating centers, these projects are a testament to what happens when communities lead their own development — with a little support and a lot of heart.

  • A transformative journey of learning, connection, and impact

    A Sora Kaufman Fellow, Margaret Afia Konadu, maintains that her experience with the program remains a cornerstone of her personal and professional journey as it has reinforced her belief in the power of collaboration, adaptability and empathy to drive meaningful change. 

    According to her, the one-month in-house training and community engagement experience as part of the Fellowship was a unique blend of personal growth, professional development, and meaningful connections. It offered a holistic approach to building leadership and entrepreneurial skills while fostering a deeper understanding of community-driven development.

    Sharing her experiences with the SK Fellowship, she applauded the training session organized for the six pioneering members of the Fellowship, noting that it covered a wide range of topics that were not only educational but also deeply practical.

    “Sessions on financial management provided valuable insights into resource allocation and sustainability, which I plan to incorporate into the operations of Margees Craft and Training Center. Discussions on self-discipline emphasized the importance of personal accountability, an attribute that is vital in both professional and personal spheres”, she said.

    Interactive moments

    “We had the privilege of interacting with notable leaders like Captain Prince Kofi Amoabeng, whose experiences and wisdom underscored the importance of ethical leadership and resilience in the face of challenges.”

    Touching on the session on “balancing family and work”, Madam Afia Konadu said it was a crucial topic for anyone striving to excel professionally without neglecting personal responsibilities, adding that: “These discussions were complemented by practical topics such as monitoring and evaluation, which emphasized the importance of tracking progress and ensuring impact in all projects, and local governance and advocacy, which illuminated the role of community stakeholders in driving sustainable change.”

    Community engagement

    “Beyond the classroom, the community engagement at Bepoase was a transformative experience. The warm reception by Ma Selina and the local leaders was a reminder of the strength and resilience of grassroots communities. Observing ongoing development projects like the mechanized borehole and witnessing the role of community leaders reinforced the value of collaboration and stakeholder ownership in achieving meaningful change.”

    “Equally significant were the bonds formed during this journey. Whether it was through shared meals, heartfelt conversations, or participating in local activities, every interaction strengthened the sense of camaraderie among participants. These relationships have not only enriched my network but have also inspired a deeper commitment to fostering collaboration in my professional endeavors.”

    Challenges

    Madam Afia Konadu also made some observations regarding some challenges she encountered during the program.

    She mentioned some of them as “logistical difficulties and limited interaction time due to community activities.”

    “These obstacles became opportunities to practice adaptability and problem-solving, skills that are essential in leadership roles.”

    Knowledge gained

    It is instructive to note that the knowledge and insights she gained during this experience have already begun to shape her vision for Margees Craft and Training Center.

    She said the emphasis on community engagement and sustainable solutions will drive her efforts to expand weaving and skill development programs while the lessons on monitoring and evaluation will enhance our ability to measure impact effectively, ensuring that our initiatives truly address the needs of our beneficiaries.

    “As I move forward, this. The lessons learned, bonds formed, and memories created will continue to inspire me to lead with purpose and resilience in every endeavor.”