ChildFund New Zealand's involvement in the Asia Development Bank (ADB)-funded WASH Community Partnership in Kiribati represented a significant step for the NGO’s work in Kiribati. Despite not securing the contract, the initiative highlighted ChildFund's growing influence and capability in the region.
ChildFund's Journey in Kiribati
ChildFund New Zealand has been instrumental in establishing ChildFund Kiribati, focusing on resource mobilisation and programme expansion. When the ADB tendered for community engagement expertise in Kiribati's WASH sector, ChildFund eagerly stepped forward, recognising the opportunity to further its mission.
Kirsty Burnett played a pivotal role in this endeavour. Tasked with navigating the ADB's intricate application process, Kirsty's expertise was invaluable. She guided the team through methodology development, form completion, team assembly, and overall quality assurance. Her knowledge of Kiribati and previous WASH projects with MFAT and UNICEF meant she could effectively lead from afar, overcoming the challenges of remote work.
Achievements and Learning
Although ChildFund NZ placed second in the tender process, the experience was rich in learning and growth. The team's ability to meet ADB's rigorous standards in methodology and budgeting did not go unnoticed. This visibility has positioned ChildFund as a strong contender for future opportunities with ADB and other funders.
Interestingly, the winning bidder recognised ChildFund's expertise and has since engaged them for specific tasks, allowing ChildFund to benefit from the project without bearing the full contract's risks.
Reflections from ChildFund
Quenelda Clegg, former Director of Programmes at ChildFund New Zealand, reflected on the journey: "We learned a lot; our team in Kiribati did us proud, and Kirsty brought it all together. Her ability to navigate complex processes and resources was invaluable to our organisation."
ChildFund New Zealand's experience in the ADB-funded WASH Community Partnership underscores the importance of strategic partnerships and adaptability in international development. Through this endeavour, ChildFund has reinforced its commitment to making a tangible impact in the Pacific Islands and beyond.
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