USAID’s Civil Society project in Djibouti is strengthening the capacity of local associations throughout Djibouti’s five regions.
USAID’s support to civil society associations enhances their operational structures, provides training on rigorous monitoring and evaluation, and strengthens their ability to measure the impact of their activities.
One organization that benefited from the USAID’s support to civil society is the Association Jeunes de Château d'Eau (AJCD), Youth Water Tower Association in English, in Ali Sabieh. USAID built AJCD’s capacity in strategic planning, resource mobilization, finance, administration, and monitoring and evaluation. These trainings enabled AJCD to develop a stronger organizational structure, attract new funding, and improve program outcomes. Souleiman Elmi Kayad, AJCD president credits USAID for “confidence gained, thanks to the project's ongoing support, has strengthened our position in the market”.
AJCD quadrupled its funds mobilized in the two-years since they received capacity building from USAID. In 2023, AJCD was able to secure 7,350,000 FDJ investment ($42,000) in new funding from the French Embassy in Djibouti to construct sports facilities. They have also been selected as a local partner in the rehabilitation and construction of educational and sports infrastructures and were awarded 13,500,000 FDJ ($75,900) in funding from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). The association is currently in discussion with the other donors for additional funding.
Thanks to the capacity building they received from the USAID Civil Society Activity, AJCD now works closely with other regional associations and local authorities to coordinate their actions. Recently, in close collaboration with local authorities and associations, AJCD organized a monthly clean-up in Ali Sabieh.
Now, AJCD is positioned as a partner of choice to implement local projects. Souleiman said, "we are, now more than ever, ready to collaborate with other regions to assess ways and means of supporting the community."
