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WaterCan’s Partnership Model
WaterCan’s partnership model relies on overseas NGO partners who have their own local field staff and who require a minimum of in-country supervision. Such a model requires the identification of reliable and competent local partner organizations with existing programming capacity in the water supply and sanitation sector. Local NGO partners have the advantages of: language and cultural sensitivity; existing good relationships with communities and local government officials; they operate in a cost-effective manner; and, are in a better position to assess and respond to the water and sanitation needs of local communities. Moreover, local NGO partners are well placed to provide input on in-country water and sanitation sector policies.
WaterCan’s experience reveals that indigenous NGOs need more capacity building assistance than branch offices of international NGOs. The latter have the advantage of richer resources and ready technical assistance. Given WaterCan’s emphasis on building partnerships with indigenous NGOs, it is recognized that the organization must meet the challenge of providing adequate resources to support capacity building activities.