EXPRESSION OF INTEREST TO BE CONSIDERED FOR FUNDING TO IMPLEMENT THE SELF-HELP GROUP APPROACH FROM 2025 - 2032

Background

Kindernothilfe e. V, which stands for ‘help for children in need’, is a German non-governmental child rights Organization that supports more than 2.1 million children and young people in 36 countries in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. In Rwanda, Kindernothilfe (KNH) has been working in cooperation with two local Organizations in the Promotion of the Self-Help Group Approach (SHGA) since 2002. For more information, visit our website: https://www.kindernothilfe.de/en

The overall Self-Help Group program in Rwanda is coordinated by the SHGA National Coordination Office which is executed by RUMA Consult in 3 Countries of East Africa - Rwanda, Burundi, and Kenya. RUMA Consult is a Rwandan management consultancy firm founded in 2012 as an off-shoot of RUMA CPA. RUMA Consult executes the SHGA program based on the approach developed by Kindernothilfe.

The Self-Help Group Approach (SHGA) is a rights-based approach that views poverty as the denial of rights and poverty alleviation as a process of reclaiming one’s rights. Given the multi-dimensional nature of poverty, however, the SHGA puts equal emphasis on the goals of economic, social, and political empowerment. To achieve these goals, it offers a framework and guidance for establishing a ‘People’s Institution’ which provides an environment of trust and cooperation in which people come to realize that they can help themselves to achieve the economic, social, and political goals that they themselves define.

Presently, two KNH partners are implementing the SHGA in 18 Districts: Gasabo, Nyarugenge, Kicukiro, Kamonyi, Muhanga, Ruhango, Huye, Gisagara, Nyamagabe, Nyaruguru, Rubavu, Rutsiro, Nyabihu, Musanze, Gicumbi, Rulindo, Rwamagana and Kayonza. Since 2002, the SHGA reached 206,840 women and 302,042 children through 8,333 SHGs; 835 CLAs, 24 Federations, and 1,328 children’s groups (CGs). Through the community-based training (CBT) program - an apprenticeship program aimed at providing vocational skills for youths – 1,611 youths have been reached (through CBT) and a total of 7,652 youths received life skills training. The lives of women, children, and entire households have changed. Increased access to finances for household consumption and business start-ups has given the groups’ members a sense of dignity as they reduce dependence on external support from family or the community. The social status of most groups’ members has improved as the self-help groups become the go-to entity for grassroots leadership.

EXPANSION OF THE SHGA IN RWANDA

The Self-Help Group Approach in Rwanda has successfully demonstrated its importance and role in economically, socially, and politically empowering the poorest of the poor people from the different communities especially women by enabling them to be active participants in their development through the People’s Institutions and their initiatives. The rights of children are the main focus of SHGA among others. As a result of the observed effectiveness and the changes created by the SHGA, the SHGA National Coordination Office would like to increase the number of partners implementing the SHGA in Rwanda and is therefore inviting suitable and experienced local NGOs, to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) to be considered for funding to implement the SHGA from 2025 – 2032 in 5 districts (Southern Province: Nyanza; Northern Province: Burera; Western Province: Nyamasheke, Karongi, and Ngororero)

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The implementation of the SHGA is done through local NGOs that have experience in community development and empowerment of vulnerable people, especially women and children, known in the area but not known for giving free hand-outs.

Some criteria to consider:

• Having a legal registration certificate in Rwanda
• Having adequate knowledge and understanding of the general and specific development issues in Rwanda or affecting Rwanda
• Willing to take up a Rights-Based Approach in its interventions.
• Comfortable to work with volunteers.
• Willing to work towards handing over responsibilities (gradual role transfer).
• Having experience in implementing (impact-oriented) community development projects, with a focus on working with groups.
• Having experience in using different resource mobilization strategies and non-dependence on one donor.
• Willing to commit some funds to contribute to building the capacity of own staff (Project Officers) and community volunteers.
• Being dynamic and willing to adopt new approaches to addressing poverty.
• Believing in communities’ abilities to analyze their situations, identify alternatives, and select the best solutions for their challenges.
• Willing to promote women empowerment, including representation and position of women in your organization
• Good reputation and working relationship with Government structures and other donors
• Having at least 5 years of experience working with poor communities.

SCREENING OF EOI AND SELECTION OF ORGANIZATIONS

Screening of EOI and selection of Organizations will be based on the soundness of argumentation concerning the eligibility mentioned above criteria. The EOI should also clearly state the Organization’s motivation and interest in the SHGA. The EOI should not be more than 2-3 pages long.

Shortlisted Organizations will be invited to attend a SHGA Orientation Workshop scheduled for 3^rd - 4^th December 2024. At the end of the workshop, the next steps will be elaborated for subsequent engagement.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested Organizations are required to submit an EOI to: etienne.ndutiye@kindernothilfe.com

Copy to: ernestine.uwamwezi@kindernothilfe.com; jethro.bamutungire@kindernothilfe.com

Applicants should indicate “EOI-SHGA Partners” as the subject. The following documents must be submitted as part of the EOI (attachments):

• Summary of the Organization`s profile showing experience in implementing community development programs.
• Audit reports/statements (2 previous years).
• Certificate of legal registration in Rwanda.
• List of current board members/trustees.
• A list of top Management - to include their qualifications and competencies.

For more information and other documents needed, please contact: The SHGA National Coordination Office, KG686ST, No 1 Kacyiru, Telephone: +25078 5706502

The deadline for receipt of applications is 25^th October 2024. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.