Development conversations often focus on activities completed, targets achieved, and reports submitted. Yet lasting community impact is rarely built through activities alone. It is often shaped by something less visible but far more important, strong local organisations with the systems, leadership and capacity to respond to the realities facing their communities.
This is the vision behind the Civil Society Strengthening Fund (CSSF), which is part of the Shifting the Power (STP) programme, a 10 year initiative supported by Comic Relief and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and implemented in Zambia by the Zambian Governance Foundation (ZGF).
During a recent monitoring visit to Southern Province under the CSSF initiative, one thing became increasingly clear. Sustainable community transformation depends not only on projects, but on the strength and sustainability of the organisations leading them.
Building Stronger Community Voices
For Tusole Theatre and Youth Friendly Association (TTYFA), community engagement has always been rooted in creativity, participation and grassroots mobilisation.
What began as a drama club in Livingstone in 2004 has evolved into a recognised organisation using participatory theatre and social and behaviour change communication to address social and developmental challenges within communities.
According to TTYFA Chief Executive Officer Daniel Ngoma, one of the most significant areas of growth under CSSF has been institutional strengthening.
“The CSSF has strengthened governance within our organisation because our board is now more functional,” he explained. “It has also helped improve staff management systems and increased our organisational visibility.”
The organisation has since expanded its presence into Western Province and is currently implementing adolescent and young people focused projects in Mwandi and Sesheke with support from the Global Fund.
Ngoma also highlighted the confidence and exposure gained through working alongside ZGF and other organisations under the CSSF initiative.
“The unique experience for us has been the confidence we have gained and the exposure to learn from other organisations,” he said.
Strengthening Skills and Sustainability
Environment Africa Zambia (EAZ), which works in environmental sustainability, climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and youth empowerment in Kazungula District, has also experienced significant institutional growth under the CSSF initiative.
According to Training Officer Stanley Chibunnde, CSSF support has strengthened governance systems within the organisation by enabling more structured and consistent board meetings.
“The support has helped us improve our governance systems and also strengthen the way we manage the organisation,” he said.
The organisation has also increased the number of TEVETA accredited courses offered at its skills training centre, creating more opportunities for young people seeking practical vocational training.
In addition, Environment Africa Zambia is exploring sustainability initiatives such as poultry farming and solar battery related ventures to strengthen long term organisational resilience.
Chibunnde further noted that resource mobilisation training has been one of the most valuable aspects of the initiative.
“It has helped us think beyond depending on donor support and start looking at sustainability and growth differently,” he explained.
Before joining the CSSF initiative, the organisation had no students enrolled under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). Today, Environment Africa Zambia has successfully recruited 90 students under the programme.
Creating Community Impact Through Inclusive Development
For Healing Balm Foundation, the CSSF initiative has supported efforts aimed at improving livelihoods and responding to the needs of vulnerable communities through practical and community driven interventions.
The organisation works in areas including governance, climate justice, disability inclusion, gender equality and community empowerment across Southern Province.
According to Communications Lead Eddie Mwanga, one of the organisation’s notable milestones under CSSF has been the construction of houses for vulnerable women.
“We recently commemorated our first house for a vulnerable woman in Mukuni Village, and that was a very important milestone for us as an organisation,” he said.
Beyond housing support, the organisation has also focused on strengthening economic resilience among young people through entrepreneurship and alternative source of income trainings in Gwembe.
“We want young people to have skills that can help them become self sustainable and improve their livelihoods,” Mwanga explained.
The organisation has also strengthened its institutional systems in areas such as monitoring and evaluation, networking, safeguarding, financial management and resource mobilisation, positioning it for expanded programme delivery and long term sustainability.
Beyond Activities and Outputs
While the work of the three organisations differs in focus, their experiences under the Civil Society Strengthening Fund reveal a common reality. Sustainable community development requires strong local institutions.
Too often, development conversations focus mainly on projects and outputs while overlooking the importance of organisational systems, governance structures, leadership development, sustainability planning and local capacity strengthening.
Yet these are the very foundations that allow community organisations to grow, adapt, and continue responding to local challenges long after project cycles end.
The monitoring visit served as an important reminder that when local organisations are empowered, supported, and strengthened, the impact often extends far beyond individual activities.
Because ultimately, strengthening local organisations also means strengthening the communities they serve.
To contribute to this discussion, feel free to reach out via info@zgf.org.zm
