Local Solutions Support for Laos FY19 Annual Report

The project's primary objective was to enhance the capacity of nonprofit associations (NPAs) and other local entities in Laos, with a focus on gender equity and social inclusion. During Fiscal Year 2019, the project's activities focused on establishing a successful foundation for the project. Key personnel, including the Chief of Party (COP) and Capacity Development Lead, were recruited and onboarded. The COP, with over 21 years of experience in capacity development, brought combined skills in people and project management, project design, implementation, and evaluation. The Capacity Development Lead, with over 18 years of experience, led the design and delivery of capacity building assistance to NPAs. The project prepared key deliverables, including the Activity, Performance, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (APMELP), FY19 Annual Work Plan, and Grants Under Contract (GUC) Manual. The APMELP serves as a formal guide to all monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities, containing an overview of the project's theory of change and logic model, routine performance monitoring systems, evaluation questions, learning agenda, and performance indicators. The project also conducted outreach and discussions with other international organizations in Laos to learn about their capacity development work and avoid duplication of research. A research methodology and interview questions were finalized to evaluate the capacity development needs of NPAs and other local entities, identify capacity building providers, and possible grantees. A sample size of 40 institutions was selected for interviews, and project field staff and local consultants were trained to conduct the interviews. Capacity development resources were compiled to tailor them after identifying needs through the research. Gender, equity, and social inclusion (GESI) questions were prepared to be included in the interviews, and potential representatives of NPAs were informed about upcoming focus group discussions. The project's financial performance was also monitored, with a focus on ensuring that funds were allocated efficiently and effectively. The project's database of local organizations and list of organizations to interview were compiled and maintained. The project's research on capacity development challenges in Lao PDR and mapping of capacity building providers was ongoing, with a focus on identifying the needs of NPAs and other local entities. The project's compilation of capacity development resources was also ongoing, with a focus on tailoring them to meet the identified needs. The project's geographic focus was on Laos, with a specific emphasis on supporting the development of local organizations in the country. The project's timeframes were from October 1, 2018, to September 30, 2019, with a focus on establishing a successful foundation for the project during the first year. Overall, the Local Solutions Support Laos project aimed to enhance the capacity of local organizations in Laos, with a focus on gender equity and social inclusion. The project's activities during Fiscal Year 2019 focused on establishing a successful foundation for the project, including recruiting and onboarding key personnel, preparing key deliverables, and conducting research on capacity development challenges in Lao PDR.