28/05/2024
The Orphan Empowerment Society Sierra Leone (TOES) implementing a Grant from Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) to carry out an innovative methodology for a anti-Corruption issue advocacy campaign developed by connected Development (CODE) and it sister Movement, Ifollow The Money (FTM) initiate a one day capacity building workshop for campaign volunteers on how to advocate, visualize and track government and international aid spending in rural grassroots communities in Sierra Leone.
In Sierra Leone, grassroots advocacy has taken a significant step forward with the efforts of The Orphan Empowerment Society Sierra Leone, supported by Follow the money international. Together, they have capacitated over 100 young people through the Follow The Money Capacity Building training for campaign volunteers.
This initiative aims to empower youth to advocate, visualize, and track government and international aid spending in rural communities, thereby promoting transparency and accountability.
Follow The Money Capacity Building: Training for Transparency and accountability.
The Follow The Money Capacity Building training is a critical initiative designed to equip people especially young people with the skills and knowledge needed to track and monitor the allocation and utilization of government and international aid spending.
By focusing on data for advocacy, the training emphasizes the importance of using empirical evidence to hold authorities accountable. Participants learn how to gather, analyze, and visualize data effectively, enabling them to present compelling arguments for financial transparency and proper use of resources.
Importance of Grassroots Advocacy
Grassroots advocacy plays a pivotal role in promoting transparency and accountability, particularly in rural and underserved communities. It empowers citizens to take an active role in governance, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met. In Sierra Leone, where corruption and mismanagement of funds can hinder development, grassroots movements are essential for fostering a culture of accountability.
By training young people in advocacy, the initiative not only builds their capacity but also strengthens the broader community’s ability to demand better governance.
CIPE's Role in Supporting Grassroots Movements
The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) has been instrumental in supporting grassroots movements and financial transparency initiatives. CIPE’s involvement in the Follow The Money Capacity Building program underscores its commitment to promoting democratic governance and economic freedom. By providing resources, expertise, and platforms for training, CIPE helps grassroots organizations like The Orphan Empowerment Society Sierra Leone to flourish. CIPE’s support is crucial in nurturing a generation of informed and active citizens who can lead the charge in advocating for transparency and accountability.
Budget Literacy and Data Collection Methods
An essential component of the training is budget literacy, which involves understanding how government budgets are formulated, approved, and implemented. Participants are taught how to read and interpret budget documents, identify discrepancies, and track expenditures. Moreover, the training includes various data collection methods such as surveys, interviews, and participatory monitoring. These techniques enable participants to gather firsthand information on how funds are being utilized in their communities, providing a solid foundation for evidence-based advocacy.
Empowering Communities to Hold Authorities Accountable
One of the primary goals of the training is to empower community members to hold the government, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) accountable. This involves educating citizens about their rights and the mechanisms available for demanding transparency. By equipping them with the skills to track spending and report irregularities, the initiative fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members. They become active participants in the governance process, ensuring that funds meant for development are used appropriately and effectively.
Conclusively, the partnership between The Orphan Empowerment Society Sierra Leone and CIPE through the Follow The Money is a beacon of hope for rural grassroots communities in Sierra Leone.
By empowering over 100 young people with the skills to advocate for transparency and accountability, this initiative lays the groundwork for a more open and just society. Grassroots advocacy, supported by robust training and the involvement of organizations like Connected Development, CIPE, is crucial in promoting financial transparency and holding authorities accountable.
Through budget literacy, effective data collection methods, and community empowerment, this initiative is a significant step towards ensuring that government and international aid spending truly benefits the people of Sierra Leone.
