Partner Development: A Step Towards Sustainability

CBM does not set up and run projects, but supports about 700 local partners in developing countries in the development and implementation of programmes. Capacity building of partners has a long-lasting effect and thus contributes to sustainability.

CBM needs partners to fulfil its mandate. Therefore, able partners are being identified who share CBM’s values and priorities. In all fields of work, new partnerships are established.

CBM Cooperates With Three Types Of Partners:

• Implementing partners: Development and implementation of programmes.
• Policy partners: Lobbying and advocacy for the integration of disability issues into government policies.
• Alliance partners: Promotion of policies as well as knowledge transfer to partners in developing countries.

Implementing partners—whether church, nongovernmental organisations, disabled person’s organisations, or governments—are supported by CBM in a comprehensive way, in terms of:

• Finance, management, and administration;
• Human resource development;
• Project organisation and total quality management;
• Local fundraising techniques;
• Networking, advocacy, and lobbying skills; and
• Technical skills.

Partner enablement and capacity building take time and effort. Both contribute to a sense of ownership within the communities. The aim is that people do not remain dependent on foreign aid and funds, but that they will gradually be able to rely on their own resources.

Because the need is great and not enough services for people with disabilities exist, CBM has recently developed a strategy to link key partners with smaller partners. These networks are able to address the whole range of disabilities within a region and implement programmes in conformity with the Millennium Development Goals. In addition, networks can work more efficiently and are able to effect sustainable development in wider regions. Thus, South-South relations are going to be established, contributing to the empowerment of people with disabilities in developing countries.

Further information: CBM's Working Standards
Read more: Human Rights Approach
Go back: Principles