The Inclusive Skills Development Initiative (ISDI), in collaboration with the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD National) and with support from the MacArthur Foundation, has hosted a two-day Organizational Strengthening Workshop aimed at enhancing the capacity of staff in program implementation, financial management, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E).
The workshop, held under the theme “Building Resilient Systems: Empowering Teams for Excellence in Program Delivery, Financial Stewardship, and Result-Driven Monitoring and Evaluation,” was designed to equip participants with vital skills to ensure excellence and efficiency in their organizational activities.
Speaking to The Qualitative Magazine, the Executive Director of ISDI, Mrs. Angelina Ugben, explained that the workshop is part of her organization’s commitment to empowering its team with the tools and knowledge necessary to deliver impactful projects.
“This workshop is not just a training session; it is a step towards strengthening our internal systems to ensure we are delivering high-quality programs. Our goal is to empower our team with skills that will enhance their ability to implement projects efficiently, manage financial resources responsibly, and ensure robust monitoring and evaluation processes,” she said.
A Focus on Excellence and Resilience
The event brought together staff members from ISDI and JONAPWD National, creating an engaging learning environment that combined lectures, interactive sessions, and practical exercises. Facilitated by a seasoned program management expert, the workshop focused on three key pillars critical to organizational success: program implementation, financial management, and M&E.
Participants were trained on innovative approaches to designing and delivering programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and community needs. In addition, the financial management sessions provided practical insights into effective budgeting, transparent reporting, and ensuring accountability in resource utilization.
Monitoring and evaluation, a cornerstone of project success, received particular emphasis. Participants were introduced to result-oriented M&E strategies, data collection tools, and techniques for analyzing outcomes to drive continuous improvement.
Empowering Teams for Greater Impact
Mrs. Ugben stressed that building resilient systems is crucial for achieving long-term organizational impact, especially in the field of disability advocacy and inclusion.
“As an organization committed to empowering Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and ensuring their inclusion in all aspects of society, we must first ensure that our systems and staff are equipped to deliver on this vision. This workshop is a critical step toward achieving that,” she noted.
The workshop also served as a platform for participants to share experiences and exchange ideas on overcoming challenges in program delivery. Through open discussions and collaborative exercises, the participants explored innovative ways to tackle real-world challenges, including limited resources, stakeholder engagement, and the need for adaptive strategies in the face of emerging issues.
Support from MacArthur Foundation
The involvement of the MacArthur Foundation was highlighted as a testament to the importance of strengthening organizational capacity for sustainable development. With the Foundation’s support, ISDI and JONAPWD National were able to provide a comprehensive training program that underscored the need for accountability and excellence in program delivery.
One participant, who shared their experience during the closing session, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn and grow. “This workshop has been transformative. I now have a better understanding of how to align program goals with measurable outcomes, manage resources effectively, and ensure transparency in all processes. I’m excited to apply these skills to my work,” they said.
A Call to Action for Sustainability
The two-day workshop concluded with a renewed commitment by ISDI and its partners to drive meaningful change through well-managed and impactful projects. Participants were encouraged to put their newly acquired skills into action and continue striving for excellence in their respective roles.
Mrs. Ugben emphasized the importance of sustainability, stating, “This is not the end; it is the beginning of a stronger and more resilient team. We must ensure that everything we have learned here is implemented to the letter, and we must hold ourselves accountable to the communities we serve.”
The workshop underscored the critical role of capacity building in achieving organizational resilience and impact. With stronger systems and empowered teams, ISDI and JONAPWD National are better positioned to advance their mission of fostering inclusion and creating opportunities for Persons with Disabilities across Nigeria.
As the participants return to their roles armed with new knowledge and skills, the impact of this workshop is expected to resonate far beyond the training room, driving greater efficiency and accountability in their work and reinforcing their commitment to building an inclusive society.
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