Capable Partners (CAP) Botswana Project

From the document "Towards Improved Management of HIV Prevention Activities: Practical Experiences from the Capable Partners (CAP) Botswana Project", available through the contact information below, the following strategy information has been collected:

An assessment of capacity was conducted to understand communities at risk and  identify NGOs that have adequate resources to conduct HIV prevention activities, and other key characteristics such as: credibility within their communities; experience providing community services (including health education); and an existing infrastructure. The task then was to build the actual capacity of the NGO.

Following the initial assessment, the CAP model for capacity building was instituted. It involves a cyclical process that includes assessment, prioritisation, planning, and provision of technical assistance (TA). This tailored assistance includes one-on-one mentoring and systems and tools development (a number of these tools are available online and from the CAP contact below; several are reviewed in related summaries), supported by periodic monitoring and evaluation (M&E). Regular communication and close liaison with partners is a key feature of this approach.

A particular feature of the ongoing assessment is the Organisational Capacity Assessment (OCA) tool: The OCA scoring and assessment process is participatory, and all individuals from the partner organisation play a part in administering the assessment, in reviewing it, and in finalising scores. The prioritisation exercise which follows the assessment allows partners to take the lead in determining their priority needs and planning the TA from the CAP team.

HIV.

This initiative is based on the premise that: "To combat the HIV epidemic health service providers and public health professionals must use the best possible science and proven programme models to reach and influence HIV positive individuals and those at high risk of becoming infected. The large number and complexity of approaches that are necessary to institute and maintain HIV prevention programmes make capacity building for effective health outcomes essential. This capacity is needed among individuals, organisations, and communities affected by HIV and AIDS."

The project learned through its development of tools that capacity can be objectively assessed, and capacity building efforts are measureable, allowing the CAP team to identify common challenges and assist with system-wide improvements across multiple partners, as well as evaluate progress and meet individual partner-specific needs.