Table 1
Major themes emerging from informal FGD
| Major Themes | Supporting FGD Comments |
|---|---|
| Safe and Nurturing Environment | “The CHAs didn’t have to impress IMA or ACHAP and act like they could do everything. They felt comfortable simply asking for help to progress toward greater self-reliance.” “IMA focuses on the process and values the opportunity to connect – it’s not only results-driven. The process is important, and the relationship is prioritized.” “There is a shared vision that is not just funding driven.” “IMA and ACHAP approach partners with humility. This is not just a CoV-FaB program approach; it is in their DNA.” “IMA considers its partners to be family and sees them as equals on projects.” |
| Openness and Shared Decision Making | “IMA began by asking ‘What is happening on the ground?’ rather than assuming they knew what the situation was.” “IMA treats each CHA individually, meets them where they are, and then works to strengthen capacities. When IMA personnel assess local capacity, it is not shaming; it’s simply identifying a starting place for the partnership.” “Our relationship with Internews was flexible. They ‘worked outside the box’ and communicated that there are many things we can do and many approaches we can take. That’s how things evolved.” “IMA has made the decision to not form their own local NGOs, but rather partner with existing local organizations. IMA puts forth much effort and intentionality to not be territorial, but rather remain collaborative in nature.” |
| Organizational Humility | “ACHAP approaches each CHA with humility realizing that it will not be able to solve every issue from its headquarters in Nairobi.” “IMA asks, ‘What are your needs?’ and ‘What are you best positioned to do?’ As an organization, it is not heavy-handed with expectations. IMA says, ‘Give us an outline, and we will help you!’” “IMA has developed great institutional humility and created a ‘family’ atmosphere. ACHAP has access to IMA headquarter leadership, and HQ leadership takes time with ACHAP personnel and shows genuine interest.” “When relationships are approached with humility, reciprocal learning occurs because ‘they’ have some skills and information and ‘we’ have some skills and insights that can all be brought together.” |