Pillar for African Development (PAD) is a refugee-led organization in Rwamwanja settlement camp that has received significant support from Tomorrow Vijana. In an interview with Munyamirindi Gatware, the Chief Executive Officer of PAD, he shared the following insights on the impact of Tomorrow Vijana's support:
Question 1: Did your organization receive any support from Tomorrow Vijana? If so, what kind of support did you receive?
Munyamirindi Gatware: Yes, PAD received the following support from Tomorrow Vijana:
Capacity building: Tomorrow Vijana provided PAD with capacity building support in project planning, proposal writing, financial literacy, and applying for funding. This support has helped PAD to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to implement its projects and achieve its goals.
Networking: Tomorrow Vijana has connected PAD with other partners who offer funding opportunities and other forms of support. This has helped PAD to expand its network and reach a wider audience.
Question 2: How has this support impacted your organization?
Munyamirindi Gatware: Tomorrow Vijana's support has had a significant impact on PAD in the following ways:
OPM compliance: With Tomorrow Vijana's assistance, PAD was able to successfully register and obtain all the necessary documents from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM). This has enabled PAD to operate legally and access government funding and other resources.
Increased knowledge and skills: PAD's team has gained valuable knowledge and skills in areas such as project planning, proposal writing, financial management, and applying for funding. This has helped PAD to improve its efficiency and effectiveness.
Increased funding opportunities: Tomorrow Vijana has connected PAD with potential donors, which has expanded PAD's funding opportunities. This has helped PAD to scale up its operations and reach more people.
Improved reputation: Tomorrow Vijana's support has helped PAD to gain recognition from the OPM and other stakeholders. This has improved PAD's reputation and credibility, which has made it easier for the organization to attract partners and resources.
Question 3: What suggestions do you have for Tomorrow Vijana to further support your organization's growth or assist other RLOs?
Munyamirindi Gatware: I have the following suggestions for Tomorrow Vijana:
Collaborate with small RLOs: Tomorrow Vijana can collaborate with small RLOs by providing sub-activities that help these organizations to become OPM compliant. This would help small RLOs to access government funding and other resources.
Provide start-up capital: Many RLOs, including PAD, have limited financial capacity despite acquiring valuable skills. Tomorrow Vijana can provide start-up capital to RLOs to help them to implement their projects and achieve their goals.
Continue connecting RLOs with potential donors: Tomorrow Vijana can continue to connect RLOs with potential donors to expand their funding opportunities.
Provide additional capacity building: Tomorrow Vijana can provide additional capacity building sessions to RLOs in areas such as digital training, data collection using online platforms, and access to computers. This would help RLOs to improve their efficiency and effectiveness.
I believe that by implementing these suggestions, Tomorrow Vijana can continue to play a vital role in empowering RLOs and helping them to achieve their goals.
Conclusion
The success of Pillar for African Development is a testament to the importance of supporting refugee-led organizations. Tomorrow Vijana is playing a vital role in empowering RLOs and helping them to achieve their goals. By continuing to provide capacity building, networking, and other forms of support, Tomorrow Vijana can help RLOs to make a positive impact on the lives of refugees and the communities in which they live.