The COVID-19 pandemic has created a heightened need for support from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to mitigate the severe social and economic impact on at-risk populations. In response to this urgent situation, GDI, Instiglio, and a donor have jointly launched the COVID-19 Adaptation Fund in Rwanda and Kenya.
Over the period of approximately October 2020 to April 2021, this initiative will provide assistance to nine highly effective NGOs in Rwanda and Kenya, empowering them to innovate and adapt their programs and operations in order to effectively serve their beneficiaries. The objective is to move away from the traditional “business as usual” approach and embrace innovative strategies that can better address the needs of vulnerable populations. These innovations will be implemented across various sectors such as agriculture, social protection, and enterprise development, targeting diverse populations including women, youth, and refugees. The geographical scope will encompass different regions within Rwanda and Kenya.
By the end of the implementation period, the selected NGOs will have successfully implemented and tested their innovative approaches, while also building their capacity to adapt and continue providing essential services to vulnerable populations during times of public health crises.
Throughout the implementation, a comprehensive learning agenda will be undertaken, and the findings will be compiled into a final report that will be shared with relevant stakeholders. The report will highlight the lessons learned, identify scalable and replicable innovations, and shed light on enabling factors and challenges. The aim is to inform government, donor, and NGO decision-making processes, enabling the design of effective programs and services that can address not only the current COVID-19 context but also future challenges beyond this crisis.