CSSP strengthens Salima CSOs' budget tracking
The workshop convened 15 CSOs from Salima and was facilitated by experts from CSSPN and the International Labour Organization.
SALIMA, Malawi — The Civil Society Social Protection Network (CSSPN) has conducted a workshop to empower Salima-based Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) with budget-tracking skills, aiming to optimise the effectiveness of poverty-alleviation initiatives in the country, writes Alinafe Mkwezalamba.
Funded by Irish Aid through the International Labour Organization, this workshop had the primary objective of bolstering the capacity of CSOs to oversee and monitor the execution of social protection programs.
Amon Lukhere, Chairperson of the CSSPN, emphasized the critical role of CSOs in ensuring transparency and accountability in social protection projects, ultimately to maximize their intended impact.
"CSOs play a pivotal role in the oversight and assessment of social protection initiatives," Lukhere stated.
"Our duty is to guarantee that these initiatives reach their intended beneficiaries and effectively contribute to poverty reduction."
Paul Duncan, Chairperson of the Salima CSO Network, echoed Lukhere's sentiments, declaring the workshop an eye-opener.
He expressed confidence that the newfound knowledge and skills would enable CSOs to vigilantly monitor social protection initiatives, ensuring that they genuinely benefit those for whom they are designed.
Phina Rocha, Social Protection Advisor at the Irish Embassy in Malawi, explained Ireland's commitment to investing in social protection as a means of elevating many Malawians out of poverty.
"Social protection is a crucial instrument for mitigating poverty and inequality," Rocha emphasized.
"We are dedicated to supporting the Malawian government in implementing social protection programs."
The workshop convened 15 CSOs from Salima and was facilitated by experts from CSSPN and the International Labour Organization.
Its success is anticipated to contribute significantly to the efficient implementation of social protection initiatives in Salima.
This effort is part of CSSPN's broader initiative to enhance CSOs' capacity to monitor and assess social protection programs. CSSPN is also actively advocating for increased investment in social protection in Malawi.
Social protection stands as a vital tool in accomplishing the sustainable development goals outlined by the United Nations.
These goals call upon nations to institute suitable social protection systems and measures, including social protection floors, with the objective of eradicating poverty by 2030.