The FAWE Regional Secretariat has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting national chapters through a dedicated capacity-strengthening mission to FAWE Zanzibar, aimed at enhancing the effective implementation, monitoring, and accountability of the Echidna IV Project.
The engagement focused on reviewing programme and monitoring checklists, with the Regional Secretariat team conducting a detailed assessment of the chapter’s recent project report. Discussions identified critical gaps in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) documentation and reporting, while also clarifying follow-up actions needed to address outstanding issues. The team underscored the importance of strengthening data collection, documentation, evidence generation, and reporting processes to improve project accountability and demonstrate measurable results.
Leading the M&E support session, James Njuguna, Monitoring and Evaluation Lead, worked with the FAWE Zanzibar team to deepen their understanding of donor reporting expectations. The session ensured that monitoring systems are better equipped to capture progress, outcomes, and lessons learned throughout project implementation.
On financial management, John Meekisho, Finance Lead, provided comprehensive guidance on donor compliance requirements. He emphasized the need for strict adherence to approved project budgets and donor regulations, stressing that all expenditures must be directly linked to project objectives, supported by appropriate documentation, and aligned with established financial management procedures. The session also reinforced the importance of timely financial reporting, accountability, and prudent utilization of project resources.
The Finance Lead further facilitated a detailed review of the Chapter Capacity Assessment Tool, helping the FAWE Zanzibar team identify key institutional capacity gaps requiring additional support. Discussions covered critical organizational areas, including governance structures, financial management systems, policy and guideline alignment, internal controls, and organizational sustainability mechanisms.
In addition, Annah Katuki, Senior Gender Officer, provided insights on strengthening gender-responsive programming and ensuring that project implementation remains aligned with FAWE’s commitment to advancing gender equality and inclusive education outcomes.
This engagement forms part of the FAWE Regional Secretariat’s ongoing commitment to supporting national chapters in building robust systems, enhancing compliance with donor requirements, and improving programme quality. Through continuous technical assistance and mentorship, the Regional Secretariat aims to strengthen institutional capacities that contribute to more effective implementation and sustainable impact of the Echidna IV Project across the region.
The FAWE Zanzibar team expressed appreciation for the continued support and guidance from the Regional Secretariat and reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the agreed action points to improve programme performance, reporting quality, and organizational effectiveness.
The support mission was led by John Meekisho, Finance Lead, alongside James Njuguna, Monitoring and Evaluation Lead, and Annah Katuki, Senior Gender Officer. The session focused on strengthening the chapter’s capacities in programme implementation, monitoring and evaluation, financial management, and organizational systems to ensure quality delivery of project interventions.