Our Approach
The Cluster Partnership Approach
At the heart of CRVPF’s work is the Cluster Partnership approach. Clustering is a philosophy based on the core principles of integration (of activities) and collaboration (of members) for mutual benefit. This collaboration captures the potential of diverse actors for deeper
impact.
We provide grants and capacity development support to community based organisations and local Non- Government Organizations in Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and Ethiopia. CRVPF encourages two to five community organizations to work jointly on one project with one funding grant, in the same geographical area.
We believe the cluster approach takes full advantage of the knowledge, skills, reach, and experience that partners offer each
other and together they can have greater impact than working in isolation.
Clusters at Work: A Case Study
The Mwangaza cluster, composed of two community organizations—Trace Kenya and Mwangaza Initiative CBO—in Kilifi, Kenya, received support from CRVPF to conduct a situational analysis and baseline assessment. Their focus was on understanding the prevalence of violence against children and adolescents in Junju ward, Kilifi County.
During the analysis, data was gathered from 625 households, involving 317 parents and 306 adolescents. The results highlighted sexual, physical, and psychological violence as the most common forms of violence affecting children in the area. In response to these findings, the cluster, in collaboration with the community, crafted targeted interventions for their violence prevention project.
The community’s response to the cluster’s presence was positive. Residents, including both children and parents involved in the study, expressed enthusiasm about having two pre-existing community-based organisations, working in a cluster and with them to prevent violence against children and young people. A community leader emphasized the significance of the approach: “This approach is good because we need interventions that we recognize and accept within our community for them to be effectively executed in the fight against violence against children.”
Benefits of the Approach
Collective action proves more impactful than individual efforts, as clusters harness the combined knowledge, skills, reach, and experience of each partner. This collaborative approach enables the implementation of interventions that are not only more sustainable but also locally owned, fostering a greater impact on the community.
The process of collective reflection on lessons learned yields a wealth of insights, contributing to improved programming. By engaging in this collaborative evaluation, a diverse range of perspectives and experiences comes together, enhancing the depth and quality of the insights gained for more effective and refined program development.
Clusters facilitate a more responsible and optimal utilization of funding by promoting collaboration and joint accountability. Through the shared efforts of partners, resources are allocated more efficiently, ensuring that funds are used judiciously and transparently. This collaborative approach enhances the overall impact of initiatives by fostering a collective commitment to fiscal responsibility.
Community organizations within clusters already operate within the community, establishing pre-existing relationships with community stakeholders and possessing a deep understanding of the development issues within the community. This established connection facilitates smoother collaboration between clusters and community stakeholders, including local leaders and schools. The familiarity and existing rapport streamline the process, making the interventions and strategies more effective when the cluster implements them.
