A new approach to community engagement

The Importance of Community Engagement

Ainea works as a pump attendant in Seluka, Mpwapwa district, Dodoma. He is also a member of the water committee in the village.

The SAY Project

He got involved when Raleigh, Tanzania, introduced the SAY project in this community in 2018. The project aims to empower young people, women, and people living with disability to become project monitors and resolve their challenges by forming a Joint Working Group. The Joint Working Group includes a diverse representation of people from different backgrounds with expertise in the community who will be responsible for resolving any identified challenges.

Ainea explains the challenges they faced as a community when monitoring the building of a new health facility, an MKAJI project funded by SIMAVI, before the introduction of a new Joint Working Group:

 ’There was no one to report to – and we didn’t understand much information about the project, but now we have the Joint Working Group in our village where we have meetings and open discussions. These meetings have opened our eyes, and we have all the relevant information about this project, which I think is essential for everyone in the community.

Ainea explains how the Join Working Group works

“First, the community monitors visit the MKAJI health facility project and identify any challenges, and then report it to the Joint Working Group through a meeting. Then, the Joint Working Group, a group of community members from different backgrounds and expertise, discusses possible solutions to the identified challenges. The Village Chairperson and Village Executive Officer lead the JWG. After agreeing on a solution to the challenge, it is the role of the VEO to feedback what has been suggested/ agreed to the entire community, through a community meeting. This is where everyone is involved, and information is shared with every community member.”

The system doesn’t leave anyone behind – as everyone can share their views and their voice is heard. It is a new way of solving problems, and thus far, it is proving very effective.

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