By Bernard Nande , Ialibu, Southern Highlands Province
A newly revitalised community-based organisation is positioning itself to unlock greater development opportunities in the Eastern part of Southern Highlands Province.
The Eastern Southern Highlands Community Development Association (ESHCDA) officially launched its program at Imboggu District Centre in Walume, drawing support from district leaders and development stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, former Highlands and Momase Regional Coordinator with the Community Development Scheme, Francis Kup, stressed that strong capacity building and prudent governance are essential for attracting funding from international donors.
He said meaningful support from District Development Authorities (DDAs) and the Provincial Government must go beyond “empty promises” and translate into real action to enable organisations to access donor funding.
Mr Kup commended the Ialibu/Pangia District and Imbonggu District DDAs for supporting the launch, noting that such partnerships are key to strengthening technical capacity and delivering programs at the community level.
Representing the districts were Ialibu/Pangia Deputy CEO Michael Ariando and former Imbonggu CEO Joseph Timothy.
Mr Ariando reaffirmed his district’s commitment to partner with ESHCDA, particularly in capacity building initiatives such as training, provision of office equipment, and encouraging public servants to support community-based organisations in delivering services.
Mr Timothy highlighted that while district grants are limited to about K10 million, donor funding often comes in significantly larger amounts. He said strengthening organisations like ESHCDA would enable them to secure larger grants to support development projects and ease funding pressures on districts.
Established in 2003 under an AusAID-funded Community Development Scheme, ESHCDA was formed to promote coordinated, community-led development efforts.
The organisation focuses on empowering communities through capacity building, effective project management, and sustainable development aligned with local needs.
Since its inception, ESHCDA has successfully delivered more than 11 community projects valued at approximately K1.1 million, funded mainly by AusAID and the European Union. These projects span key sectors including water and sanitation, environmental conservation, cultural tourism, skills training, and law and justice.
Many of the projects remain operational nearly two decades later, reflecting strong community ownership and effective planning.
ESHCDA has also trained certified Community Development Workers who serve as a vital link between donors, government agencies, and local communities.
Although headquartered in Ialibu, its programs extend across multiple districts, including Ialibu/Pangia, Imbonggu, Mendi/Munihu, Kagua/Erave, and Nipa/Kutubu.
Despite its achievements, the organisation faces ongoing challenges, particularly in securing core funding for operational sustainability beyond project-based grants.
ESHCDA is now calling on DDAs and the Provincial Government to recognise the critical role of civil society organisations and provide core funding support.
Such funding, it says, would strengthen institutional capacity, retain skilled personnel, and improve responsiveness to emerging community needs ultimately accelerating development and building resilient communities across the province.