Capacity Development and Support Program (CDS) Quarterly Progress Report January 1, 2015 to March 31, 2015

The project focuses on developing the organizational management and technical capacity of indigenous organizations in South Africa. The CDS project aims to improve the capacity of these organizations to deliver services to orphans and vulnerable children (OVC), as well as to address the root causes of HIV and AIDS. The project's geographic scope includes South Africa, with a focus on the provinces of Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape. The program objectives and components include grant award and management, institutional capacity development of indigenous organizations, capacity development assistance to the South African Government (SAG), and monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and learning (MERL). Capacity Building Approach and Methodology The CDS project employs a capacity building approach that focuses on strengthening the organizational management and technical capacity of indigenous organizations. This approach includes providing training and technical assistance to organizations, as well as supporting the development of their institutional capacity. Program Monitoring The project is monitored through a variety of mechanisms, including regular meetings with stakeholders, progress reports, and evaluations. The project's monitoring and evaluation framework is designed to track progress towards the project's objectives and to identify areas for improvement. Staff Recruitment During the reporting period, the project recruited several staff members, including a Chief of Party, a Capacity Building Manager, and a Monitoring and Evaluation Officer. These staff members are responsible for implementing the project's activities and ensuring that the project's objectives are met. Consortium Steering Committee (CSC) Meeting The project held a CSC meeting in February 2015, which brought together representatives from FHI 360, the South African Government, and other stakeholders. The meeting provided an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss project progress and to identify areas for improvement. Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR) Review Meeting The project held an AOR review meeting in March 2015, which provided an opportunity for the AOR to review project progress and to provide feedback to the project team. Component 1: Grant Award and Management During the reporting period, the project awarded several grants to indigenous organizations, including the Community Care Project Trust (CCP) and the Community Child and Youth Care (CCYC). The project also managed several contracts with consultants and service providers. Component 2: Institutional Capacity Development of Indigenous Organizations The project made significant progress in institutional capacity development during the reporting period. The project developed a capacity assessment tool, which was used to assess the capacity of indigenous organizations. The project also developed curricula and training materials for indigenous organizations, which were used to provide training to staff members. Component 3: Capacity Development Assistance to SAG The project provided capacity development assistance to the SAG during the reporting period. The project recruited and placed several technical advisors with the SAG, who provided technical assistance to the government. Component 4: Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting, and Learning (MERL) The project made significant progress in MERL during the reporting period. The project conducted several evaluations and assessments, including a midterm evaluation of the project's progress. The project also developed a performance management framework (PMF) for the SAG technical advisors. Challenges The project faced several challenges during the reporting period, including delays in staff recruitment and difficulties in managing grants and contracts. The project also faced challenges in implementing the project's activities, including difficulties in accessing certain communities. Planned Activities for the Next Quarter The project plans to continue implementing its activities during the next quarter, including providing training and technical assistance to indigenous organizations and recruiting and placing technical advisors with the SAG. The project also plans to conduct several evaluations and assessments, including a final evaluation of the project's progress.