Bangladesh

INTRAC is excited to be involved in a new capacity building programme in Bangladesh. The programme, ‘Small Initiatives by Local Innovative NGOs (SMILING)’, is being implemented by the PRIP Trust, a leading capacity building NGO in Bangladesh, between 2007 and 2011. The programme focuses on the 15 worst-affected and vulnerable disaster-prone districts, around the Padma and Jamuna River basin areas of Bangladesh.

INTRAC is also initiating the development of a regional programme for South Asia, which will operate in partnership with local NGO support organisations to strengthen civil society and CSOs across the region.

What is the SMILING Project?

The SMILING Project aims to enhance the capacity of local NGOs who are working to improve the quality of life of the most disadvantaged communities.

The capacity development project is focused on small, local NGOs involved in implementing initiatives at the grassroots level in partnership with local government. These initiatives are working towards better service delivery to disadvantaged communities, particularly in the areas of local governance, disaster management, arsenic mitigation, safe drinking water and sanitation.

SMILING will build the institutional and technical capacities of these NGOs to manage and implement development initiatives effectively.

How is INTRAC involved?

INTRAC is providing key technical advice and support to help the project develop. INTRAC will work with the SMILING project team to contribute to developing both their capacity and that of partner organisations.

This will include both assistance to the PRIP Trust in management and compliance issues as well as direct delivery on topics, such as advising on the design of capacity building interventions; working with project staff to develop an effective and meaningful participatory monitoring system; assisting in designing and conducting research and learning activities.

INTRAC will also provide consultancy input. This will focus on training, mapping CSOs, developing resource materials, and developing relevant monitoring and evaluation systems.