NGOCC Gives Out Over K1, 800, 000 Million to 16 Member Organisations

By Staff Reporter

The Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has disbursed over K1, 800, 000 million to 16 Member Organisations (MOs) for the implementation of various projects.

During the orientation for NGOCC Member Organisations (MOs) granted from the Swedish Embassy supported basket fund in Lusaka yesterday, NGOCC Executive Director Engwase Mwale who was being represented by the Programs Manager Chilufya Siwale said the projects being supported fall within the NGOCC strategic pillars of Women’s Economic Empowerment, Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights, Governance and Women’s Leadership, Climate Change Mitigation and Resilience, and Institutional Development and Sustainability.

“Allow me to congratulate you all for having been successful with your applications to access funds from the basket under the second call for proposals. As a matter of fact, you are here today primarily because you put together convincing and bankable project proposals that are aimed at contributing to the overall organisational strategic goal, for women’s empowerment and gender equality to be attained in Zambia,” Ms. Mwale said.

“Under this particular call, a total of K1, 886, 000 million is being disbursed to 16 Member Organisations (MOs) to implement various projects. The importance of this orientation cannot be overemphasised. As you may all be aware, the basket fund is supported by various donors. Currently, the main supporters are the Swedish Embassy, the European Union and the Churches Health Association of Zambia (CHAZ). It is therefore prudent that even as we grant these funds to you, we also orient you on the expectations of these donors. Apart from the very fact that your projects should produce results/impacts, the donors are keen on the prudent utilisation of these resources especially creating change in society among the most vulnerable who are the women and children.”

Ms. Mwale said during the orientation, Member Organisations would be taken through various presentations on how to manage the funds and monitor and evaluate their projects for change.

She said Member Organisations would also be provided with capacity on how they could enhance the visibility of the projects and ensure sustainability.

“As stated, the grants you have received come from tax-payers and we as recipients are expected to prudent and ensure that each and every coin is accounted for and put to good use. In your various proposals, you planned to undertake specific activities. It is our expectation that you will undertake the said activities accordingly. As a network, NGOCC is anchored on a strong foundation of beliefs and principles in undertaking our core functions. In discharging our mandate during the strategic period 2018-2022, the coordinating body and its members believe in ,” Ms. Mwale said.

“Most importantly, NGOCC believes in transparency and accountability that is to say we remain responsible for our actions and we will justify them in an open manner. It is our expectation therefore that you our network members will also embrace these core values especially the aspect of transparency.”