Roles of NGOs in Community Capacity Building (In Point Form –
Paraphrased)
1. Provision of Skills Training
NGOs organize capacity-building programs that equip community members with
practical skills such as entrepreneurship, vocational skills, leadership, and financial
management. For example, AMREF Health Africa trains community health
volunteers to enhance grassroots healthcare delivery. Such training promotes self-
reliance and competence within the community.
2. Promotion of Education and Awareness
They conduct awareness campaigns on health, environmental protection, human
rights, and social issues. Through workshops and public forums, NGOs empower
people with knowledge that enables them to make informed decisions and improve
their quality of life.
3. Leadership and Governance Strengthening
NGOs build the capacity of local leaders by training them on accountability,
transparency, and effective management. This strengthens community structures and
promotes responsible leadership.
4. Institutional Development Support
They assist in forming and strengthening community-based organizations, self-help
groups, and cooperatives. For instance, Kenya Red Cross Society helps establish and
train local disaster response teams, improving emergency preparedness at the
community level.
5. Resource Mobilization Assistance
NGOs guide communities in identifying funding sources, writing proposals, and
managing project funds. They may also provide financial support or connect
communities with donors and development partners.
6. Encouraging Inclusive Participation
They promote the involvement of women, youth, and marginalized groups in
decision-making and development activities. In areas such as Kibera, NGOs support
vulnerable groups to actively engage in community improvement projects.
7. Provision of Technical Expertise
NGOs offer professional advice and technical support in sectors like agriculture,
water and sanitation, business development, and environmental conservation, thereby
improving project effectiveness.
8. Advocacy and Policy Engagement
They represent community interests at county and national levels, advocating for
policies and laws that promote equality, justice, and access to essential services.
9. Economic Empowerment Initiatives
NGOs support income-generating activities such as savings groups, table banking,
and small enterprises. These initiatives help reduce poverty and increase financial
independence among community members.
10. Networking and Partnership Building
They link communities with government agencies, private sector organizations, and
donors. These partnerships expand access to resources, information, and development
opportunities.
11. Monitoring and Evaluation Capacity Building
NGOs train communities on how to monitor and assess their projects. This improves
accountability, transparency, and the ability to measure impact.
12. Promotion of Sustainability
They focus on long-term empowerment by ensuring communities acquire the
knowledge and systems necessary to maintain projects even after NGO support ends.
13. Conflict Resolution and Peace Building
In areas experiencing tension, NGOs facilitate dialogue and reconciliation programs
that strengthen unity and social cohesion.
14. Environmental Conservation Support
NGOs promote sustainable practices such as tree planting, waste management, and
climate adaptation strategies to protect natural resources.
15. Building Confidence and Empowerment
Through active participation and leadership opportunities, NGOs help individuals
develop confidence and a sense of ownership over community development
initiatives.