With the successful implementation of sub–grants in Denham Town and Trench Town as part of its European Union funded project in 2020–2022, Fight for Peace is calling for on–the–ground guidance for Community Development Committees (CDCs) and Community Based Organizations (CBOs) as a best practice in shaping community projects.

Over 2,900 participants across both communities were involved in resilience-building activities including sports and personal development, psycho-social support and training during the two years. Following a bid process, three community projects were awarded and these focused on education, human rights and employment and life skills training. Fight for Peace credits working with CDCs and CBOs to assist with implementation and the design and execution of the three sub-projects implemented across two communities as its greatest success.

Kellie Magnus, Country Lead, Fight for Peace, said the success of the sub-grant model was a result of the governance mechanism used: creating a process to manage funds and make payments for small and emerging community organizations. This allowed for maximum participation by community-based organisations, particularly those made up of residents with a track record of working in the target communities. Applicants were required to have a partner and to have a history of presence in the community.

Magnus further noted that one of the most important contributions was sustainability of the benefits by training community members including youth leaders and employability coaches who are now involved in other programmes. In addition to ongoing capacity building, Fight for Peace’s involvement in the execution of the sub-grants facilitated ongoing communication and collaboration between community members and security forces and resulted in more than a dozen instances of working together to host community forums, the creation of three peace gardens and the selection and orientation of the sub-grant partners.

Working with a wide cross-section of CSO and CBO partners confirmed for the organization the need for capacity building support for the sector at large and, in particular, for CSOs and CBOs working in communities with high levels of violence undertaking projects with violence prevention objectives.

Fight for Peace also had to have a longer on-boarding process where it became obvious these community organizations needed assistance with project planning and recruitment.

In addition, there were significant challenges in making sub– grant organisations maintain their budgets. For the Trench Town and Denham Town CDCs – the primary citizen bodies in the ZOSO – this was their first opportunity to jointly deliver a project.

Over the two year period, the value of collective impact was seen at the grassroots level. Fight for Peace decided to award multiple sub-grants, therefore reducing redundancies and required groups to work together; providing an opportunity for peer-sharing and referrals which strengthened sub-grantees projects and the community as a whole.

All participating teams were trained in the administrative and governance protocols and monitored in the conduct of their projects to ensure adherence. One sub-grant partner adjusted its project to allow for the introduction of environmental sustainability through collaboration between the community members and the security forces further contributed. Three sub-grant partner administrators were also trained in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning and Communications.

Subgrant partners gave positive feedback; and indicated the reality of violence and the effects on children and reinforced the need for both educational support for young people as well as psycho-social support for students and their families.

Since the completion of the project, Fight for Peace has continued to work closely with CBOs to implement their five pillar methodology. As a result, young people in Denham Town, Trench Town and Parade Gardens continue to have access to combat sport sessions, psycho-social support and employment opportunities and training.

In the first quarter of 2023, more than 180 persons received training in psychological first aid (PFA) and safeguarding; with over 150 young people benefitting from sports sessions and coach mentorship.

Fight for Peace has coordinated the UP Unity and Peace programme since 2016. The programme brings together NGOs, sports federations and state partners to jointly deliver programmes to young people in communities in high levels of violence. Using the collective brand UP Unity & Peace, the programme offers services for youth aligned with the FFP Five Pillar Methodology; support for parents and caregivers; and capacity-building support for organisations that work with young people. The programme has reached more than 3,000 young people and has provided training and support to more than 50 NGOs and partner organisations.