The USAID-funded Connect and Learn for Sustainable Associations (CLOSA) Project recently held a two-day peer learning and capacity building workshop in Dakar – Senegal. The primary objective was to bolster the capacity of private sector associations to better engage their members and enhance their Financial Management Systems (FMS).
During the first day, the workshop focused on strategies for boosting membership engagement with subject-matter experts guiding participants through various innovative approaches based on global best practices. Additionally, a panel discussion featuring an expert facilitator and representatives of PSAs including Union des Jeunes Agriculteurs de Koyli Wirndé (UJAK), Association des Femmes pour l’appui Aux Actions de Développement (AFAAD), and Calebasse de l’emergence shed light on some challenges they faced while implementing member engagement strategies and proffered practical solutions for overcoming these challenges. The participants also engaged in group discussions, using a membership engagement template to develop adaptable plans for fostering membership engagement and retention within their respective associations.
The second day of the workshop involved a deep dive into financial management and participants were introduced to a range of concepts and relevant topics including financial policies, accounting principles and global best practices for financial reporting leveraging case studies and demonstrations. The sessions were co-facilitated by an expert facilitator and financial management experts within HSDF.
Sharing his thoughts on the workshop, Mr. Babacar Sene, the General Secretary of the Association Sahel Aide Development (ASAD), expressed his delight, stating, “Participating in this workshop has been a delight. The insights gained are easily understandable and will greatly facilitate the development of a comprehensive strategic action plan for our association.”
The two-day workshop imparted more than 55 participants from 19 PSAs, equipping them to position their associations for success in the two areas of learning.
