Outreach International

COMMUNITY-LED DEVELOPMENT The process of manifesting a clinic in Boyole was long and complex. And, it serves as a perfect example of community-led development. People who live in extreme poverty can learn they have the power within themselves to solve their own issues. This is especially urgent when it comes to the well-being of children. The leaders in Boyole established their own community-based organization, called the Tithandizane Organization. And within the structure of this new group they would set and achieve community development goals, and make life better for everyone. The issue of a lack of regular access to healthcare quickly rose to the top of their list of issues to solve. Learn More: https://outreach-international.org/blog/childrens-clinic-in-boyole/

The community organization of Santa Lucia Old in the Philippines recently mobilized to provide their primary school children with their all-important school supplies. In all, 120 young students received these supplies, and the group considers the project a great success. These children are now able to get so much more out of their opportunity to attend school, and their future is all the brighter for it. Learn more: https://outreach-international.org/blog/school-supplies-help-children-in-philippine-schools/

Sanitation Microloans: The Numbers 118 latrines constructed Over 722 individuals served 56% of expected repayment sum collected Additional projects got funded, including household toilets and infrastructure improvements Community Empowerment The initiative has not only improved sanitation for these participating communities but also has empowered them economically. By reinvesting repayment and interest funds into additional microloans, communities have supported households and grown their assets from interest paid. This has stimulated economic growth and development, leading to greater prosperity and self-reliance for participating families. Learn more: https://outreach-international.org/blog/sanitation-microloans-to-improve-in-home-sanitation/

One of the most important aspects of community development is the ability to measure the results of a completed project. A women-led community-based organization in Bimmangon, Philippines, is serious about measuring the impact of its work, and has started to incorporate technology for effective evaluation of results. The group participated in a two-day community-led monitoring and evaluation workshop during which they chose the indicators of results they wanted to track. They then developed the appropriate survey tools for data collection, and learned how to use software to upload, sort, and analyze their findings. The software is called KoboToolbox, which defines itself as “intuitive, powerful, and reliable software used to collect, analyze, and manage data for surveys, monitoring, evaluation, and research.” In order to use this technology to further their development efforts and increase their rate of future success, they needed a laptop. And thanks to a generous donor, they received one. Having access to laptops, smartphones, and internet service makes all the difference when it comes to successful community-led development. Learn more: https://outreach-international.org/blog/closing-the-digital-divide-bringing-technology-to-low-income-communities/