On Monday, February 10, 2025, Cedric Dzelu, the Executive Director of Frontline for Climate Action, and Solomon Djangmah, the Head of Programs, participated in the Induction Meeting of the Response and Resilience Strengthening Programme, organized by the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). This crucial meeting set the stage for an intensive capacity-building initiative focusing on resource mobilization and advocacy.
The Response and Resilience Strengthening Programme is designed to equip civil society organizations (CSOs) with the tools and knowledge necessary to effectively advocate for change and sustain their initiatives. The training, which targets selected participants from Ghana and Liberia working in the areas of conservation, climate change, and sustainability, aims to:
Strengthen the ability of target partners to mobilize support for holding duty bearers accountable.
Explore diverse approaches to mobilize resources and trigger positive social change.
Provide a deeper understanding of operational contexts to design effective advocacy and support strategies.
Expose organizations to alternative methods of resource generation.
The meeting emphasized the need for CSOs to adapt to global challenges, particularly in light of lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and recent economic fluctuations. It highlighted the increasing pressure on CSOs to remain responsive and resilient amid dwindling financial support from traditional sources. The closure of USAID offices was cited as a case study illustrating the urgency for sustainable resource mobilization strategies.
As part of the induction, selected applicants were invited to participate in a six-month journey featuring training, virtual coaching sessions, and learning events. The program will be implemented with an emphasis on knowledge-sharing, ensuring that participating organizations pass on insights and strategies to their members as part of their implementation and feedback mechanisms.
WACSI, established in 2005 by the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) and operational since 2007, remains committed to enhancing the capacity of civil society organizations. Through its Capacity Development Unit, WACSI aims to reinforce legitimacy, transparency, accountability, and resilience within civil society groups. Their structured training, mentoring, and coaching programs serve as a vital platform for strengthening advocacy efforts across West Africa.
Frontline for Climate Action’s participation in this initiative underscores its commitment to building a strong foundation for climate advocacy and sustainability. By leveraging this training, the organization aims to enhance its ability to mobilize resources effectively and drive impactful environmental and social change in Ghana and beyond.
The training under the Response and Resilience Strengthening Programme presents a valuable opportunity for Frontline for Climate Action to enhance its resource mobilization and advocacy efforts. By equipping the organization with strategic tools and alternative approaches to sustainability, it will strengthen its capacity to hold duty bearers accountable and drive meaningful change in climate action. Cedric Dzelu and Solomon Djangmah, having participated in the induction meeting, are eager to share their learnings with the broader Frontline for Climate Action team. Their commitment to knowledge-sharing will extend beyond the organization, as they plan to engage young people through various programs and initiatives, ensuring that the insights gained contribute to building a more resilient and proactive youth-led climate movement in Ghana and beyond.
Peter Martin
Communication Officer
Frontline for Climate Action
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