[fusion_text]Counterpart International celebrated the launch of one of its newest projects in Malawi, Supporting the Efforts of Partners (STEPS).

Counterpart International celebrated the launch of one of its newest projects in Malawi, Supporting the Efforts of Partners (STEPS).
The project will work directly with local civil society organizations across the country, providing organizational capacity development and service delivery grants to help create stronger responses to some of Malawi’s most urgent needs, including HIV/AIDS, malaria and disabilities.

“We are looking forward to effective collaboration with civil society organizations in Malawi during this exciting journey in 2015 and beyond as we work together to improve people’s lives,” said Bedilu Shegen, Counterpart’s Chief of Party for STEPS. “Counterpart is coming to Malawi with extensive experience in civil society engagement around the globe, and I’m confident that, in collaboration with our country partners, we will make the STEPS project a success.”

STEPS will help civil society organizations become an integral participant in addressing the social, economic and environmental challenges that impact the people of Malawi.

USAID Mission Director Douglas Arbuckle attended the launch of the project, stating at the ceremony that “civil society organizations bring knowledge and passion to the field but have a need for capacity development. Vibrant civil society organizations provide critical services to citizens. STEPS is our flagship civil society program in the region and we are excited to celebrate this new initiative with Counterpart.”

STEPS will strengthen internal organizational structures, systems, management, leadership, governance and staff capacity to improve organizational performance of local civil society organizations. It will also develop, award and manage sub-grants to support the technical ability of local civil society organizations to work on HIV/AIDS, malaria and disabilities initiatives and improve the sustainability of these organizations.

The STEPS Project, a five year, $ 12.5 million USAID funded project, contributes to the USAID Country Development and Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) for 2013-2018 and is aligned with the Republic of Malawi’s National Strategies and Action Plans, including the National Response to HIV/AIDS and National AIDS Commission (NAC).