One UN in partnership with Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) held a two-days training to Rwandan Civil Society Organizations which recently received grants under a joint program of Strengthening Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) for Responsive and Accountable Governance in Rwanda. The training which took place from 18th to 19th February 2015, aimed at reinforcing capacities of grantees as they embark on the implementation phase of their projects. The training is the second offered to grantees after being awarded in 2014.

Mr. Lamin M. Manneh, One UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Representative while addressing the participants at the official opening of this training said the training was meant to equip civil society organisations with skills that would help them act as true partners in sustainable development. He further expressed high commitment of One UN to support Rwandan Civil Society for an accountable and democratic Rwanda.

“For the United Nations, we recognize civil society as a key actor to improve the life of Rwandan citizens but also to improve accountable governance. Our partnership will go beyond just formal speeches and financial support”, stressed Mr. Manneh.

On his part, Prof. Anastase Shyaka, CEO of RGB thanked One UN Rwanda as an important partner in improving the lives of Rwandans through capacity building of Civil Society Organizations. Prof. Shyaka urged participants to actively participate in the training and make maximum benefit from it. “Today’s workshop is a great opportunity to get to know each other better but also to learn from other’s experience as each of the grantees has something to learn and share from implementation of the activities proposed,” said Prof. Shyaka.

The training focused on, among others, Policy Advocacy, Human Rights Based Approach (cross-cutting issue), Gender mainstreaming (cross-cutting issue) and Results based Management, focusing on reporting obligations.

Participants were reminded that results based management starts with proper planning because poorly designed programs cannot be effectively implemented. As far as gender mainstreaming is concerned, trainees realized that it is about citizen development and human rights. While concluding the training, trainees were urged to effectively use the gained knowledge focusing on citizens’ needs and how Civil Society Organizations can play an effective role in transforming their living standards.

Three months ago, twenty six national Civil Society Organizations received a total grant of 980,000 USD and are expected to provide their first quarter report of implemented activities by the end of February 2015.In January 2015, a technical committee of 5 organizations was elected among the 26 Civil Society Organizations to represent them and work with RGB and One UN teams for better collaboration. The technical committee is composed of CCOAIB, Rwanda Women Network, IRDP, Conference Episcopale du Rwanda and Rwanda National Union of the Deaf.