Five Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) under GVH Mjalewana held a review meeting at Chihepusha to assess progress made in the implementation of community development activities. The meeting provided a structured platform for reflection on achievements, challenges, and coordination of ongoing interventions aimed at improving the wellbeing of vulnerable households.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders from both community and government structures. These included the Principal Group Village Head (PGVH) Chikomphola, Group Village Heads (GVHs), Village Development Committee (VDC) members, church representatives (Catechists), government extension staff, lead farmers, Community Adolescent Health Workers (CAHWS), Smart Couple facilitators, mentors, Community Agents (CAs), and Lusubilo Community Care field officers.
Discussions focused on progress in supporting vulnerable children and households through integrated community interventions. These included feeding programmes, safety net cash transfers for vulnerable households supported by Lusubilo, CBO grant implementation updates, and graduation activities. Participants also reviewed livelihood initiatives such as Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) interventions, household business development, and savings and lending group activities.
Mentor presenting during the meeting
The Community Child Protection Worker for Mwilang’ombe presented a detailed update on reintegration and child protection activities implemented during the reporting period. Smart Couple facilitators also shared progress on household relationship-strengthening sessions conducted within the communities.
Lusubilo field officer provided updates on the implementation of the Integrated Orphans and Vulnerable Children and Youth (IOVCYII) Project, with emphasis on safeguarding, child protection, and adherence to implementation standards across all programme components. The meeting also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to share experiences, lessons learned, and recommendations for strengthening future programming.
Stakeholders commended the progress made by the CBOs and reaffirmed the importance of continued collaboration between community structures, government representatives, and implementing partners in addressing development challenges at grassroots level.
A Couple presenting about SMART Couple lessons
In his remarks, PGVH Chikomphola commended Lusubilo Community Care for the continued implementation of diverse interventions that are contributing to improved livelihoods and wellbeing of community members in the area.
Supporting CBOs remains a key component of Lusubilo Community Care’s interventions under the IOVCYII Project, which is being implemented with financial support from the Coppel Family and technical assistance from Catholic Relief Services (CRS).