Download report (PDF | 4.53 MB)
A two-way model for sharing capacity and strengthening a localised response
Purpose of the report
This report outlines and analyses the implementation of the Bridge Builder Model. This is a two-way, capacity-sharing model aimed at bringing together local faith actors (LFAs) and international humanitarian actors to increase understanding, trust, coordination and collaboration.
The model was developed by the Bridging the Gap Consortium (Tearfund UK, Tearfund Belgium, Tearfund in South Sudan, RedR UK, Islamic Relief Worldwide, Islamic Relief in South Sudan, the Joint Learning Initiative on Faith and Local Communities [JLI] and the University of Leeds) and piloted in 2018–2019 in South Sudan.
The overarching goal of the model is for a more effective and timely humanitarian response that best supports those affected by humanitarian crises, in part by integrating LFAs into the response. The model responds to gaps in localisation, where international humanitarian actors have not built partnerships with LFAs and efforts often run in parallel rather than being coordinated. The model provides capacity strengthening for both LFAs and international humanitarian actors, supported by a number of other activities such as small grants and mentoring for the LFAs, and networking workshops for the international humanitarian actors and LFAs.
The report highlights findings from our research and recommendations from the pilot of the Bridge Builder Model for humanitarian organisations and donors seeking ways to increase localisation in humanitarian response.
Structure of the report
Section 2 provides a background to localisation and LFAs, as well as giving an outline of the context of South Sudan. Section 3 outlines the main elements of the Bridge Builder Model, before Section 4 sets out the research methodology. The key findings from the research are presented in Section 5, followed by conclusions and recommendations.
Research methodology and context
The research team employed an ethnographic model to follow the pilot project closely. Two researchers were embedded in the project, attending and observing the training sessions, meetings and workshops.Interviews with 47 research participants, both connected and external to the project, complemented the observation, along with analysis of key documents linked to the project.
LFAs are frequently marginalised from internationally led humanitarian responses, even though they are often front-line responders in crises. This is certainly true in South Sudan, a nation that has known cycles of conflict and disaster in its short history as the world’s newest nation. The project was piloted in South Sudan because of the high number of international humanitarian actors working there, alongside frequent efforts by LFAs to respond to the humanitarian needs of the population.
Overview of key findings
The model demonstrated significant innovation in capacity sharing to create a more localised response.Key innovations included:
• strengthening the capacity of LFAs through humanitarian skills training, which was spread out in three four-day sessions over the course of six months to mimic a project cycle
• concurrent small grants for the trained LFAs so they could put into practice the skills they learnt at each stage of the training
• mentoring for the trained LFAs while they were receiving their small grants, and training local mentors to continue the mentoring process beyond the end of the project
• strengthening international humanitarian actors’ understanding of LFAs’ contribution through two training days that outlined why and how to work with LFAs
• providing multiple networking opportunities where LFAs and international humanitarian actors could meet, such as ‘Linkages Workshops’ hosted by the consortium and additional informal networking opportunities
In implementing the pilot, an initial challenge was selecting and assessing LFAs as several of those interested in taking part did not meet the eligibility requirements, underlining the need to strengthen LFAs' capacity. It was also a challenge to gain buy-in from some international humanitarian actors and therefore to have an impact in the humanitarian system more generally. Despite some challenges in the pilot, the model proved to be useful and effective overall.
Newer articles:
- Priest Decries Youths on ‘Path of Death’ After Latest South Sudan Violence - 29/06/2020 19:12
- Feature: South Sudan's visually impaired persons bear the brunt of COVID-19 - 29/06/2020 13:33
- Dozens killed and injured in southern Sudan clashes - 29/06/2020 13:00
- South Sudan's Changing Tastes: Conflict, displacement and food imports - 29/06/2020 11:20
- Solar-powered radios to battle misinformation on COVID-19 in Eastern Equatoria - 29/06/2020 11:18
Older news items
- South Sudan: Covid-19 cases rise to 1,989 - 29/06/2020 05:55
- Australia: Peta Credlin apologises for inaccurately blaming South Sudanese for coronavirus outbreak - 29/06/2020 00:03
- Caritas Equips COVID-19 Frontline Health staff in State of South Sudan - 28/06/2020 14:27
- Covid-19, violence spreading in South Sudan, UN envoy warns - 28/06/2020 01:02
- Hollow Promises: The Risks of Military Integration in Western Equatoria - 26/06/2020 16:56
Latest news items (all categories):
- South Sudan declares massive Red Eye (Conjunctivitis) outbreak on Uganda border - 23/04/2024 15:13
- EU Votes to Keep UAE on Grey List - 23/04/2024 15:08
- Amnesty International: Government should come clean on enforced disapperance of Juba’s ex-mayor - 22/04/2024 16:07
- Peter Biar a Bethesda-based peace activist is charged with being a would-be revolutionary in Africa - 22/04/2024 15:53
- Ramaphosa hails progress in building South Sudan - 22/04/2024 15:36
Random articles (all categories):
- East African leaders set new talks deadline for South Sudan - 26/08/2014 08:43
- Sudanese March Again Over Worsening Economic Crisis After Coup - 18/03/2022 02:11
- At least 5 dead as violence erupts at UN base in South Sudan - 18/02/2016 07:58
- South Sudan: Uncertainty Over Rebel Leader's Expected Return - 19/04/2016 10:10
- Roles of Cde Jemma Nunu Kumba, the Warrior of good cause - 19/01/2021 11:01
Popular articles:
- Who is the darkest person in the world, according to Guinness World Record? - 25/10/2022 02:34 - Read 31301 times
- No oil in troubled waters - 25/03/2014 15:02 - Read 21854 times
- School exam results in South Sudan show decline - 01/04/2012 17:58 - Read 20736 times
- NDSU student from South Sudan receives scholarship - In-Forum - 29/09/2012 01:44 - Read 17267 times
- With prisons full, South Sudan to introduce mobile courts to clear backlog of cases - 11/10/2012 11:29 - Read 14210 times