Supported and self-help groups (SSGs) capacity building and development program

Funded by United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in 2009-2012 period, Health policy Initiative Viet Nam (USAID/HPI) has implemented capacity building for SSGs of people living with HIV/AIDS and other community-based organizations (hereafter referred to as SSGs). Based on capacity building need assessment of 122 SSGs in 7 target provinces/cities in PEPFAR program and discussion with the partners providing training, capacity for SSGs, HPI developed 3–tiered capacity building and institutional development program (basic, intermediate and advanced levels)  for SSGs with special focus on those that have intention to operate independently and achieving legal registration. This program includes training courses of different topics, institutional development skills, mentoring and on-site coaching and small grant for the SSGs to practice their learned skills and help the groups have access to information regarding legal registration through legal registration handbook, experience-sharing workshops and policy dialogue. These activities are implemented in an enabling legal environment revealed in a close partnership with (Viet Nam Administration of HIV/AIDS Control – VAAC, Provincial AIDS Centers – PACs)  social political associations (Women Union-WU, Red Cross), and occupational social associations(Viet Nam Association for Prevention and Fighting HIV/AIDS and Viet Nam Lawyers’ Association).

There are 3 phases of the capacity building process,

• Phase 1: Build up basic capacity for group management and development skills.
• Phase 2: Capacity building in the intermediate level including basic management and on-site coaching on administration management, project management skills through practicing management of small grants.
• Phase 3: Capacity building for sustainable development including the advanced level for “start-your own business (SYB) training; support for operation and governance of small business and legal registration. 

Project’ 3-tiered capacity building model:

Project: Supported and self-help groups (SSGs) capacity and development program

Project site: 7-province PEPFAR:  An giang, Can tho, Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh city, Nghe An, Quang Ninh, and Hai Phong.

Funded Agencies: USAID/HPI

Partners: SSGs

Beneficiaries: SSGs and its members

Time: 2/2010-2/2012

Objective: To build capacity for HIV/AIDS supported and self-help groups (SSGs) to control HIV/AIDS

Description:  This project aims at providing a strong capacity for self-help groups (SHGs) through a series of training, coaching and mentoring in organizational development, proposal writing, project management, and networking to be registered as legal entities to be received small grants. The main activities as follows:

• Selected the potential SGHs to participate the project through an opened and accountable process.
•  Developed and used relevant tools for providing capacity for SHGs.
• Tailor-made a suitable training and coaching, mentoring program such as organizational development, project management, financial management, public relation, and start your own business (SYB), etc.
• Provided small grants for their practices on management topic.
• Provided consultancy for their OD and supported to develop a network among SHGs.
• Support SHGs network with local authorities and communities to strength their public relation.

Results

• Developed a supportive tool and guideline package for selecting SSGs through 03 levels of the institutional capacity building for SSGs in 7-PEPAR provinces on a competitive basis with full transparency.
• Developed 05 training curriculum package in 2010-2011 including a basic proposal writing curriculum, a basic project management curriculum, an advanced proposal writing, an advanced project management, a start your own business (SYB) curriculum.
• Conducted  05 training courses for 168 members of SSG’s management board.
• Conducted 06 on-site visits in 2010 and 2012 to provide timely o n- site technical assistance for SSGs in organizational governance.
• Successfully conducted the dialogue workshop on organizational governance and sharing experience in running a SSG as a legal entity.
• Provide project management skill for SSGs to manage 15 small grants (about $US 300 - 400/each) and seed grant ($ US 2000/each).
• Finalized the operation manual for SSGs with focus on organizational management.
• Provided on-line support for 5 SSGs on management of business and networking with relevant agencies.