Background
Company number 12032832
WHO WE ARE
Community Initiatives for Africa (CIfAfrica), formerly known as South Sudanese Community Initiatives Centre, is a community based organisation (CBO) legally incorporated in England and Wales on 4th June 2019 (company registration No. 12032832), and also a duly registered member of the National Council of Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) in England.
Based on its principles, the CIfAfrica is a non-governmental, not-for-profit and non-political organisation that socio-economically empowers South Sudanese people, irrespective of disability, gender, religious and political affiliation, language or sexual orientation. The organisation's primary aim is to support South Sudanese locals achieve a thriving social and economic integration into British society, but also work for the unity and development of our community back home.
MISSION
To promote sustainable development in all facets of life in Sudanese local communities and the larger East African Community ( EAC) region as a whole.
CIfAfrica is committed to facilitating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa, by partnering with governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), civil society organisations and grassroot communities to promote inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development that leaves no one behind.
VISION
The vision of CIfAfrica is a prosperous, equitable, and sustainable Africa that fully realises its development potential through the effective implementation of the SDGs. The organisation strives to promote prosperity, equity, sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity, working collaboratively with various entities to drive progress towards the SDGs.
Our organisation envisions a future where Africa is a prosperous, equitable, and sustainable continent that fully realises its development potential. We believe that by implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs-literacy, human rights, health), we can catalyse social and economic transformation and create a better future for the Sudanese local population.
Key elements of our vision
1. Inclusive and Equitable Development:
Our vision is for a future in which development is inclusive and equitable, and no one is left behind. We believe that development should prioritise the needs of the most vulnerable and marginalised populations, including women, children, and people with disabilities.
2. Environmental Sustainability:
Our vision is for a future in which development is environmentally sustainable, and Africa's natural resources are preserved for future generations. We believe in promoting sustainable use of natural resources and protecting biodiversity to support sustainable development.
3. Innovative Solutions:
Our vision is for a future in which innovative solutions are used to address development challenges in Africa. We believe in promoting the adoption of new technologies, approaches, and ideas that can transform development outcomes and drive progress towards the SDGs.
4. Strong Partnerships:
Our vision is for a future in which strong partnerships are formed to promote sustainable development in Africa. We believe in working collaboratively with governments, civil society organisations, communities, and stakeholders to realise shared goals and achieve the SDGs.
5. Evidence-Based Decision-Making:
Our vision is for a future in which decision-making is based on evidence and data. We believe in promoting the use of evidence-based approaches to inform development interventions and drive progress towards the SDGs.
Overall, our organisation's vision is to build a better future for Africa, one where sustainable development is a reality for all, and the SDGs have been fully achieved. We are committed to working towards this vision, by promoting inclusive and equitable development, environmental sustainability, innovative solutions, strong partnerships, and evidence-based decision-making.
FUNDAMENTAL VALUES
We strive to achieve our vision by pursuing the following aspirations:
1. Prosperity:
We envision an Africa where economic growth is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable, and where all people have the opportunity to participate in and benefit from economic development.
2. Equity:
We envision an Africa where social justice and equity are promoted and all people have access to quality education, healthcare, and social services, regardless of their socio-economic background.
3. Sustainability:
We envision an Africa where natural resources are managed sustainably, and where the environment is protected, restored, and enhanced for future generations.
4. Innovation:
We envision an Africa where innovation is promoted and embraced, and where new technologies are harnessed to drive sustainable development.
5. Inclusivity:
We envision an Africa where diversity is celebrated, and where all people are included, empowered, and engaged in the development process.
CIfAfrica is committed to working towards this vision by collaborating with governments, civil society organisations, communities, and stakeholders to drive progress towards the SDGs. We believe that by promoting prosperity, equity, sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity, we can create a future where Africa thrives and all Africans can achieve their full potential.
OUR APPROACH
We believe that achieving the SDGs in Africa requires a comprehensive and integrated approach that addresses the interrelated challenges of poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation.We believe that achieving the SDGs in Africa requires a multi-stakeholder approach that prioritises the following.
1. Partnerships and collaborations:
We will forge partnerships and collaborations with governments, civil society organisations, and the private sector to promote sustainable development initiatives in Africa. We will work to build strategic partnerships that leverage the strengths of different actors to achieve shared objectives. The areas of partnership inter alia include capacity building, mobilisation of funds, synergy, as well as knowledge transfer.
2. Empowerment:
We will empower communities to take ownership of the SDGs by providing them with the resources, knowledge, and skills to participate in and benefit from development initiatives. The organisation is focused primarily on poverty alleviation , illiteracy and challenges of climate change among local vulnerable populations.
3. Innovation:
We will promote innovation and the adoption of new technologies to address development challenges in Africa. We will work to identify and scale up innovative solutions that have the potential to transform development outcomes. The area of agriculture and climate change are key in our mission.
4. Inclusivity:
We will ensure that our development interventions are inclusive and leave no one behind. We will prioritise the needs of marginalised and vulnerable populations, including women and girls, persons with disabilities, and those living in poverty. We will ensure that the SDGs are implemented in an inclusive manner, by considering the needs and perspectives of diverse groups, including women and children, youth, and the Internally Displaced populations (IDPs).
5. Evidence-based interventions:
We will use evidence-based approaches to inform our development interventions. We will prioritise data collection, analysis, and monitoring to ensure that our interventions are effective and achieve the desired impact.
6. Advocacy:
We will advocate for policy and institutional reforms that promote sustainable development in Africa. We will work to influence policy decisions and support the implementation of policies that align with the SDGs.
7. Sustainability:
We will promote the long-term sustainability of development interventions by integrating environmental, economic, and social considerations.
We believe that policy and institutional reforms are necessary to create an enabling environment for sustainable development in Africa. We advocate for policy change and support the implementation of policies that align with the SDGs
The organisation is committed to working towards a future where all Africans can enjoy access to basic services, live in a clean and healthy environment, and benefit from inclusive and sustainable economic growth. We believe that through our collaborative, innovative, and inclusive approach, we can help to achieve the SDGs in Africa and contribute to a better future for all, through strategic partnerships, innovation, inclusivity, evidence-based approaches, and advocacy for policy reform.
STRATEGY FOR ACHIEVING SDGs
A comprehensive strategy for achieving the SDGs in Africa requires a multi-dimensional approach. Below are some key steps that CIfAfrica will take to realise the SDGs.
1. Conduct a Baseline Assessment:
The organisation should conduct a baseline assessment to identify the key development challenges in the areas where they operate. This assessment should take into consideration the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development.
Conduct a baseline survey to identify the current status of the SDGs in the target area or region. The survey should include a comprehensive analysis of the current situation, including strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and identify the most pressing development challenges and needs.
2. Prioritise the SDGs and set targets:
After the assessment, the organisation should prioritise the SDGs that are most relevant to the context of the communities they serve. This will help to focus the organisation's efforts and resources on the areas where they can make the most impact.
Based on the baseline survey, identify the SDGs that are most relevant and important for the organisation to focus on. This can be done by analysing the interlinkages between the SDGs and the local context.
3. Set SMART Goals:
The organisation should set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals for each of the SDGs they prioritise. This will help to ensure that the organisation's interventions are effective and impactful.
Set Specific Targets and Indicators: Set specific targets and indicators for each SDG to track progress and measure success. These targets and indicators should be aligned with the global SDG targets but adapted to the local context.
4. Develop an Action Plan:
The organisation should develop an action plan that outlines the specific activities and interventions that they will undertake to achieve their goals. This plan should also include timelines, budgets, and responsible parties for each activity.
Develop an action plan that outlines the specific activities and interventions needed to achieve the targets and indicators for each SDG. The action plan should prioritise interventions that are evidence-based, cost-effective, and have a high impact.
5. Build Partnerships and Collaborations:
The organisation should build partnerships and collaborations with other organisations, governments, and stakeholders to leverage resources and expertise. This will help to scale up interventions and promote collaboration towards achieving the SDGs.
Implementing the SDGs requires strong partnerships and collaborations with a range of stakeholders, including governments, civil society organisations, communities, and the private sector. Develop partnerships that can help to scale up interventions, share knowledge and expertise, and leverage resources.
6. Mobilise Resources:
The organisation mobilises financial and technical resources to support the implementation of its action plan. This can include seeking funding from donors, accessing government grants, and building partnerships with private sector organisations.
To implement the action plan, it is necessary to mobilise the necessary resources, including financial, human, and technical resources. This can be done through partnerships, grants, fundraising, and other means.
7. Monitor and Evaluate Progress:
The organisation should establish a system for monitoring and evaluating progress towards achieving its goals. This will help to ensure that the organisation's interventions are effective and impactful and can inform any necessary course corrections.
Monitor and evaluate progress regularly to track the implementation of the action plan and adjust strategies and activities as necessary. Use data and evidence to inform decision-making and improve performance.
8. Communicate and Advocate (Raise Awareness):
The organisation should communicate their interventions and raise awareness about the importance of the SDGs. This can include using social media, community outreach programs, and public awareness campaigns to engage stakeholders and promote sustainable development.
Communicate the organisation's progress and achievements in implementing the SDGs to stakeholders and the wider public. Advocate for policies and practices that support the implementation of the SDGs and raise awareness of the importance of sustainable development.
9. Ensure Sustainability
Ensure the sustainability of the interventions by building local ownership, promoting local capacity development, and creating linkages with national and international policies and frameworks.
Overall, a comprehensive strategy for implementing the SDGs in Africa requires a multi-dimensional approach that takes into consideration the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. By prioritising the SDGs, setting SMART goals, developing an action plan, building partnerships, mobilising resources, monitoring and evaluating progress, and communicating and raising awareness, an African organisation can effectively implement the SDGs and contribute to building a better future for Africa.
The key to success in implementing the SDGs is to take a comprehensive and integrated approach, prioritise evidence-based interventions, mobilise resources, build partnerships and collaborations, monitor and evaluate progress regularly, communicate and advocate, and ensure sustainability. The baseline survey provides a solid foundation for developing a strategy that is tailored to the local context and reflects the needs and aspirations of the target population.