Counterpart’s Reducing Child Labor through Education and Services program aimed to eliminate child labor in Burkina Faso’s gold mining and cotton industries. The program educated families and employers about the dangers of child labor, provided social services such as child counseling, and offered alternative livelihood opportunities. Working with the government, private sector, and cotton union, the program established a monitoring system to prevent child labor. As a result, 4,000 child workers were removed from labor, 6,000 at-risk children were enrolled in school, and 1,000 families obtained safe livelihoods.

Counterpart’s People-to-People Reconciliation program, known locally as “Turi Kumwe,” empowered Burundian youth to engage in peacebuilding and improve economic opportunities. Through activities like youth exchanges, peacebuilding dialogues, and leadership training, over 2,000 at-risk young people became change agents for peace. The program also supported over 1,500 individuals, with a focus on women, by increasing their access to economic opportunities through village savings and loans associations, promoting a sense of purpose in their jobs, and contributing to their families’ and communities’ well-being. Turi Kumwe built on the successful Youth for Peacebuilding in Burundi I and II projects (2014-2019) that contributed to preventing youth’s involvement in violence through trainings, dialogues, and providing socio-economic opportunities for positive youth engagement.

Counterpart addressed malnutrition and low school attendance in Cameroon through the USDA Food for Education program which delivered daily school meals, promoted health and hygiene, and engaged parents. It also focused on improving school infrastructure, community gardens, and community education to reduce hunger and strengthen self-reliance. By partnering with local leaders, Counterpart aimed to improve literacy, empower communities, and provide resources for families to break the cycle of poverty.

Counterpart implemented the Positive Prevention, Care, and Support for People Living with HIV/AIDS project to address the growing rates of HIV/AIDS in the country. This project aimed to enhance the capacity of NGOs working with affected individuals. Collaborating with RIP+, the program provided comprehensive training in HIV prevention, care, and support interventions across five districts. Counterpart also partnered with the International HIV/AIDS Alliance and RIP+ to raise awareness and combat stigma and discrimination in the region.

Counterpart implemented two programs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to support democratic processes. The Congo Demokrasia project aimed to increase voter participation and civic engagement, focusing on women, youth, and marginalized groups. Building on its success, the Promoting Increased Civic Engagement in the Lead-up to Elections (PRICE) program supported peaceful electoral processes in high-risk areas, targeting women and youth. PRICE activities included voter education campaigns, citizen forums, and media initiatives.

In 2014, the Civic Advocacy for Democratic Resilience program in Egypt supported the country’s civil society sector during political transition through technical assistance, organizational capacity development, and grants for civil society organizations. The organizations raised public awareness around upcoming electoral events through voter and civic education and promoted inclusive dialogue to elevate the role of women and youth, the protection of minority rights, and religious tolerance. The program focused on combating gender-based violence, promoting human rights and gender equality. It worked to involve men and boys in support of women’s issues and greater inclusion in society.

While rich in natural resources, Ethiopia’s rural communities have struggled from the effects of climate change and drought. Our Ethiopian Sustainable Tourism Alliance program helped rural communities develop a local tourism industry. The program launched new businesses that used the area’s natural beauty to attract tourists, ultimately protecting 106,000 hectares of land and bringing sustainable incomes to families. The program also responded to a need for greater HIV/AIDS awareness in these rural communities by training more than 500 citizens to conduct peer-to-peer health training, reaching 50,000 people about HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment.

The Enhancement of Household Agriculture, Nutrition, Risk Reduction and Community Empowerment program sought to reduce food and livelihood insecurity in 10 vulnerable districts in by reaching some 130,000 direct and indirect participants in 250 communities. Activities included training, the construction of household silos and community storage facilities, potable water boreholes, and growth monitoring.

Counterpart also implemented the Ghana Fine Flavor Cocoa project with funding from the Rainforest Alliance. The project developed and piloted new business models and worked with partners like Scharffenberger-Hershey to improve quality through better grafting stock.

Malawi’s civil society sector is visible and vocal but is challenged by limited funding and capacity. The Supporting the Efforts of Partners project aimed to build a more capable and effective civil society to help create stronger responses to some of the country’s most urgent needs. Counterpart worked directly with local civil society organizations, including those focused on HIV/AIDS and malaria. Counterpart enhanced the effectiveness of civil society organizations through organizational capacity development and service delivery grants while ensuring sustainability through a cascading model that trains organizations to train others in effective service delivery.

In Mali, Counterpart focused on recovering the health of human-impacted ecosystems through our Pays Dogon Sustainable Tourism Alliance program. We implemented on-site training sessions in four villages, showcasing the application of analog forestry techniques to mitigate decline, enhance stability, and promote biodiversity. Our approach focused on the natural forest structure and used scientific and traditional knowledge. This comprehensive process encompassed the establishment of seedling nurseries, provision of technical guidance, and dissemination of educational materials. We facilitated analog forestry training and extended technical support to government authorities and local communities.

Counterpart builds the capacity of community health workers and leaders in Mauritania to improve nutrition, water, and sanitation. The program, The Future is Ours!, reduces hunger, improves health, and strengthens education. It provides meals to 209 schools, deworming medicines to students, and teacher training for literacy improvement. During the 2022-2023 school year, over 9.5 million meals were served to 72,000 children. The Ministry of Education adopted the curriculum and textbooks developed by Counterpart and distributed them for nationwide use.

Counterpart and the International Center for Non-Profit Law supported the Moroccan participatory democracy approach through the implementation of the Civil Society Strengthening Program. The program partnered with all levels of government and civil society in Morocco to build the capacity of the social sector to represent citizen needs and increase civic participation. Through our cascading model, we supported a core group of local organizations focused on improving the country’s lawmaking and public policy process and provided capacity building training to organizations, expanding their reach and impact.

In Mozambique, Counterpart leads the implementation of the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition program (Our Bright Future!) with partners Associação PROGRESSO, Civil Society Learning and Capacity Building Centre, and Creative Associates International. Our Bright Future! will assist the government of Mozambique to improve health and strengthen the primary education system in 203 schools in the Maputo province. Counterpart and its partners will work with Ministries of Health and Education, schools, parents’ associations, community members, and non-government agencies to accomplish their goal.

Counterpart International has implemented four programs in Niger. The Resilient Governance in Niger activity strengthened the social contract between state authorities and civilians in nine communes, uniting various sectors to aid local communities. The Nallewaro project established networks involving community members and security forces to enhance community security. The Participatory Responsive Governance Program improved education, health, and security through dialogue and cooperation. The Food Aid for Disabled Children program reduced malnutrition and supported education by providing meals to impoverished children with disabilities.

The Rwandan genocide of the 1990s left a lasting impact on the governance of the country, affecting various aspects of life. To address these challenges, Counterpart implemented the Promoting Civic Engagement in Political Processes program to increase civic engagement in policymaking and other political processes. Through PCEPP, we focused on enhancing public policy dialogue, government oversight, and youth participation. This was achieved by promoting civic education and empowering citizens.

While one of the region’s more stable countries, Senegal remains a low-income, food-deficit nation with malnutrition rates as high as 26 percent in children under the age of five. Counterpart works to create a food secure environment for children through its Food for Education and Local and Regional Food Aid Procurement projects.

The programs work directly with parents, schools, community members, and government agencies to improve school attendance, dietary practices and local engagement through improved nutrition, health practices and education.

Counterpart International partnered with the Kaalo Relief and Development Organization, a local NGO, to provide over $2 million in aid to the population of Puntland. With our partners, we sent multiple shipments to Puntland containing items such as wheelchairs, medical supplies, school supplies and tents to serve the families who had fled to the north during political unrest and drought in the south. Several years later, this epicenter of migrants experienced devastating famine. In response, in partnership with two U.S. organizations, the Churches of Christ and Feed My Starving Children, we shipped three cargo containers of food and hygiene supplies to those in need.

Counterpart addressed health challenges in South Sudan by providing $2 million worth of medical supplies and equipment to the government. These resources were distributed to healthcare clinics in six counties. The Behavior Change Communication (BCC) project expanded, with Counterpart supporting the establishment of the Health Education and Promotion Unit within the Ministry of Health. We formed an HIV/AIDS BCC Taskforce and created a multimedia resource library for disseminating locally developed health education materials.

While the Republic of Sudan aims to establish and maintain peace and reconciliation, Counterpart International worked with local civil society organizations to develop solutions to the country’s current issues. The Civil Society Development and Youth Participation in Sudan program worked to enhance the capacity of partner organizations to increase community dialogue and citizen participation. As a result of improving dialogue, community members had an easier time identifying their needs. Thus, concerns on road safety, school environment, and community health were resolved.

Counterpart’s FACT program in Zambia aimed to improve governance and enhance access to services. It fostered engagement between government and citizens, strengthened civil society organizations, and focused on areas such as education, health, livelihoods, and climate resilience. The program facilitated dialogues, developed civic engagement materials, and provided policy recommendations to bring about positive policy changes. By addressing corruption and improving transparency, Counterpart worked towards better public service delivery for marginalized populations.

Counterpart’s Zimbabwe Forest Garden program addresses food security challenges by promoting sustainable agriculture and income diversification. In collaboration with local partners and the Australian Foundation for the People of Asia and the Pacific, the program targets seven vulnerable areas. It establishes village farmer’s groups, provides support for agricultural and reforestation needs, and creates a seeds-tools fund. The program aims to enhance food crop production and agricultural incomes in Zimbabwe’s rural areas.

Despite the challenges in Afghanistan in 2023, a resilient civil society sector remains. Through our past projects, Counterpart International’s service delivery infrastructure extended across the nation. Although local forces have undermined the number of registered civil society organizations and civic groups, raising awareness about the crucial role of civil society remains necessary. Counterpart’s past programs, like the Initiative to Promote Afghan Civil Society II, have driven positive change, symbolizing the Afghan people’s strength and resilience. Counterpart International stands in solidarity with Afghan women in their tireless fight for rights.

Counterpart has been involved with humanitarian relief and development in Armenia for two decades, engaging in projects such as the Civic Advocacy Support Program. Armenian civil society organizations have a long history supporting citizens’ needs, providing humanitarian assistance, and facilitating platforms for democratic discourse. Their work led to the Velvet Revolution in 2018 which presented opportunities for reform and participatory engagement. Despite this, various challenges continue to hinder the effectiveness of civil society.

We support Armenian civil society organizations through our Civil Society in Action program which enables local organizations and civic movements to enhance two key dimensions of civil society: civil society’s impacts on policy discourse and their representation of constituents

Although Azerbaijan ratified the United Nation’s Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women treaty in 1995, the country still struggles with unequal educational and economic opportunities for women as well as high rates of domestic violence. Counterpart’s Women’s Participation Program worked with local partners to provide women with the confidence-building and vocational training needed for them to pursue and achieve leadership positions in their families, communities, workplace, and government.

Counterpart International works in Bangladesh, one of the fastest developing countries, to address challenges in economic advancement, food security, diversity, and inclusion. Through projects like the Promoting Advocacy Rights program, Counterpart has supported local organizations, enhanced transparency through leadership development programs, and promoted civic participation. These initiatives have improved the government’s responsiveness to citizens and reduced corruption by strengthening oversight and supporting procurement systems. Counterpart continues to collaborate with local organizations in Bangladesh to enhance accountability and capacity-building between the government and the public.

The Counterpart project Fiji Coral Garden – Living Reefs project aimed to conserve and manage marine and coastal resources in Fiji. It addressed conflicts over fishing rights between indigenous communities, fishing, and tourism industries. The project fostered partnerships, resulting in increased fish catches, improved tourism, and growth in reef-based industries. Environmental governance was enhanced through a fish warden system and stakeholder meetings at national and village levels. The project emphasized the importance of marine ecosystems and encouraged collaboration among all stakeholders involved.

Georgia faced significant challenges with its energy infrastructure, attributed to lack of maintenance and government corruption. Recognizing the issue, the government sought a solution but struggled to meet the energy needs of its citizens, particularly during harsh winters. To assist, Counterpart implemented the Georgia Winter Heating Assistance Program (GWHAP). GWHAP aimed to provide targeted electricity subsidies to vulnerable households in Tbilisi and develop a database to track vulnerable households nationwide. Counterpart managed a $5 million subsidy program, ensuring over 100,000 households in Tbilisi had continued electricity access.

India’s mortality challenges in slum areas are driven by poor neonatal care, premature births, diarrhea, pneumonia, and tetanus and are compounded by low birth weight, malnutrition, and limited healthcare access. Counterpart International, in collaboration with local partners and the Ministry of Health, implemented the Jeevan Daan program aimed to improve family welfare and maternal/child health services through facility renovation, skill enhancement of healthcare personnel, engagement of NGOs and the private sector, education initiatives, community participation, collaboration, strong linkages, and monitoring and evaluation.

Counterpart implemented projects in Iraq addressing the challenges faced by internally displaced persons (IDPs) and vulnerable families. One project focused on rehabilitating IDPs in Kandal village, training them in sustainable rehabilitation and development. Another project distributed non-food items to IDPs and vulnerable families in the Tameem governorate, providing immediate assistance and identifying long-term needs. These initiatives aimed to support displaced populations, address their vulnerabilities, and promote their well-being in post-Saddam Hussein Iraq.

Counterpart’s Improved Rule of Law program in Jordan aimed to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of the judicial system. Collaborating with the Ministry of Justice and the high judicial council, the program promoted judicial independence, improved performance, and combated corruption. Counterpart strengthened civil society organizations, think tanks, and media to advocate for and monitor these objectives, fostering greater interaction and empowering them as catalysts for progress in Jordan’s governance and legal landscape.

Kazakhstan, with a promising civil society, faces challenges due to protests against economic inequality and corruption, impacting stability and democratic reform efforts. Counterpart International’s Kazakhstan Civil Society Strengthening project addressed this gap by providing organizational strengthening and security. We facilitated constructive dialogues between citizens and the government, awarded local partners, and enhanced institutional and financial capacity, enabling civil society organizations to advance their work.

Kiribati, one of the world’s least developed countries, faces environmental vulnerabilities, economic struggles, and the need for civil society strengthening. The Pacific Island Regional Training program implemented by Counterpart alongside Misereor, the European Union, and the German Catholic Bishops’ Organization for Development Cooperation, aimed to strengthen localization mechanisms through a development network. The program reinforced local NGOs, aided government and local-level funding strategies, and provided oversight for computer and management training.

After the 2010 uprising in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan faced rampant government corruption and a loss of public trust, leading to a state of emergency and a refugee crisis. To address this, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees established the Working Group on Integration, Return, and Resettlement project. Implemented by Counterpart, it provided technical support to refugee NGOs in Kyrgyzstan’s Chui province, focusing on client services. The project aided NGOs in mobilizing refugees for citizenship applications, conducting needs assessments, and providing grants. Overall, the project played a vital role in empowering refugee communities and facilitating their integration into local society.

Counterpart’s BALADI CAP project aimed to enhance the financial management and governance capacity of local civil society organizations in Lebanon. The project conducted a mapping exercise to identify eligible faith-based organizations for potential sub-grants, marking the first such assessment in the country. Surveys were completed with 50 organizations out of 97 identified, empowering them to lead donor programs and contribute to civic culture and democratic governance in Lebanon’s confessional system.

Counterpart’s Malaysia Workshop on Forestry and Climate Change program aimed to address deforestation and promote sustainable practices in the face of climate change. The program organized workshops involving experts from the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change and UN stakeholders. Discussions resulted in strategies for improved forestry management and carbon sequestration in Malaysia.

Papua New Guinea’s civil war in Bougainville caused widespread violence and devastation, leaving survivors traumatized and in need of support. Limited resources hindered the availability of vital counseling services, perpetuating the cycle of distress. Through Counterpart’s Women’s Peace Building in Papua New Guinea project, we provided funding and support to six Bougainville women’s organizations. These organizations offered mental health services and fought against family and sexual violence. This empowered more women to assume leadership roles, guiding their families and communities towards peace.

The Philippines faces environmental threats that affect agriculture and the economy. To address these challenges and promote sustainable development, the Counterpart’s EnviroVentures program invested in environmentally friendly businesses, partnering with small and medium enterprises. It provided growth capital, technical support, and access to credit for community-based environmental services and sustainable projects. The program attracted foreign direct investment and focused on reducing greenhouse gases through renewable sources. Counterpart’s strategy enhanced local capacity, benefiting entrepreneurs and the wider community, while strengthening local economies and improving public welfare.

The Child Survival VII Project: Diarrheal Disease Control Program, implemented by Counterpart, addressed high child mortality due to diarrhea in Solomon Islands in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. The program aimed to reduce diarrheal-related mortality and morbidity among children under five and established the national diarrhea control program, improved acute respiratory infection management, and promoted cost-effective and sustainable initiatives. Outreach efforts included training women, community leaders, and local NGOs to enhance home care practices and proper use of oral rehydration solution.

For 26 years, Sri Lanka endured a civil war that inflicted deep physical and emotional wounds. However, progress towards reconciliation and inclusive governance has been slow, causing frustration among the population. As part of Counterpart’s Internet Governance and Internet Freedom program, Sri Lanka enhanced its capacity for advocacy and research. National dialogues fostered consensus between the government and civil society on internet policies, prioritizing freedom of expression and protection of human rights.

In Tajikistan, limited teachers and resources hinder education, leaving little room for extracurricular activities. Economic opportunities are scarce, particularly for young women due to traditional gender norms. Counterpart’s Young Leaders Program  empowered youth to drive social change. Through training, networking, and civic education, hundreds of youth gained leadership skills, knowledge of human rights and democracy, and a deeper understanding of women’s rights.

Following Timor-Leste’s independence in 2002, Counterpart has undertaken projects to educate officials and the public about government and justice systems. The recent USAID/Timor-Leste NGO Advocacy for Good Governance Activity aims to enhance the NGO enabling environment and empower local NGOs with improved capacity, research, networking, and financial resources. By equipping these NGOs, the project facilitates evidence-based advocacy that effectively represents and serves the citizens of Timor-Leste.

In Tonga, Counterpart collaborated with Tonga Trust through the Pacific Island Regional Training program to strengthen local institutions and provide trainings on computer skills, family planning, and environmental education. The project enhanced local capacities, improved the network of NGOs, and promoted sustainable development in Tonga. Seminars were conducted to help grassroots-level NGOs interpret policies and address community needs, addressing the challenges posed by Tonga’s isolation and limited resources.

In Turkmenistan, Counterpart collaborated with the International Research & Exchanges Board to implement the Promotion of Information and Communication Technology program to enhance ICT skills of teachers and students, improve classroom infrastructure, and empower higher education administrators and faculty. The program fostered a virtual network connecting institutions in Turkmenistan with regional and international partners, promoting technological advancements for educational development and access to free information.

Counterpart International has collaborated with Uzbekistan since 1995, addressing governance and development challenges. Notable initiatives include the Mahalla Initiative Program, which empowered grassroots citizens through NGO-mahalla committee linkages and social partnerships. The Knowledgeable Mothers project provided high-quality training on natal care, leading to similar fee-based programs in other mahallas. The Embroidery Brings a Ten-Fold Increase in Women’s Income project addressed unemployment among Kudre village women through traditional embroidery training and home-based work. The project increased average wages and inspired others to learn embroidery for income opportunities.

The logging industry in Vanuatu poses a threat to its forests and exacerbates soil erosion, while unsustainable practices endanger coastal reefs and marine life. Counterpart collaborated with Tonga Trust to enhance local institutions and provide comprehensive training. This partnership established the Vanuatu Environment Organization and the Vanuatu Association of NGOs, empowering NGOs through advice and planning. Seminars helped grassroots-level NGOs interpret policies, addressing community needs and promoting sustainable development in Vanuatu.

In Vietnam, traffic accidents pose a significant threat to young people, causing injuries and fatalities. Counterpart’s Vietnam Injury Control Program, in partnership with the Hanoi Red Cross, aimed to reduce accidents. The Safe Fleet initiative trained Hanoi’s Xe Om motorbike taxi drivers in first aid and road safety, improving their skills and businesses. The program also educated youth in road safety, fostering safer drivers. Though the project concluded, its impact continues to save lives on Vietnam’s congested streets.

Counterpart’s Working Group on Integration, Return, and Resettlement program aimed to enhance the capabilities of NGOs in Yemen and other identified regions. Through public forums, the program facilitated information exchange on integration, return, and resettlement. Valuable training was provided in refugee rights, involving refugees in integration efforts, civil society’s role, promoting tolerance, social support, labor market access, and recognizing refugees’ contributions. The program addressed the severe humanitarian crisis in Yemen, where millions urgently required aid and faced the risk of extreme famine.

Counterpart completed the Wheat Flower and Beans Distribution Program in Albania in response to political unrest and regime changes in the country. We worked with our partner, Mercy-USA, to distribute these commodities to 30,000 people in 14 regions, including orphans and the elderly. This program not only enhanced the food security of these populations, but also helped build the distribution capacity of our many local partner NGOs, including the Union of NGOs in Tirana, the Albanian Disabled People Association, the Youth Association, and the Elderly Association.

After the fall of the Soviet Union, Belarus went through an array of sweeping political and economic changes. As a result, households saw a declined level of economic welfare. This caused a marked decline in life expectancy due to an increase in mental health issues and a breakdown in the country’s healthcare system.

Counterpart’s Belarus Civil Society Strengthening project capped the community socioeconomic development by working in 25 communities to identify and resolve community-identified socioeconomic issues, such as job creation, local economic development, social service provision, and women and youth empowerment.

Bosnia and Herzegovina suffered ethnic clashes in 1992 that led to the Bosnian War and ethnic cleansing. The conflict ended in 1995 with the Dayton Accords. Counterpart’s Forest Garden Project helped to rebuild the country and aimed to restore degraded lands and train experts in forest management. It improved the environment, addressed food security, boosted local economies through cash crops, and enhanced multipurpose timber production.

Bulgaria gained independence after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1989 and transitioned to democracy in the 1990s. Counterpart International supported Bulgarian civil society through the Bulgaria Pilot Community Fund and Social Enterprise Initiative. This project focused on Blagoevgard, Chepelare, and Gabrovo communities, aiding NGOs with planning, financial frameworks, and community funds. Research and data collection informed decision-making for initiatives that included streetlights, fundraisers, and donation campaigns. Counterpart fostered relationships with local media and government.

The Republic of Moldova faced challenges after gaining independence from the Soviet Union, including economic and governmental transitions. Counterpart’s Low-Income Energy and Social Assistance Project in Moldova aimed to enhance the country’s social safety-net systems. The program focused on providing financial assistance to low-income households for electricity consumption, utilizing an electronic system for payment verification. Additionally, Counterpart provided training to government employees in information systems management and administration of social assistance programs, improving the quality of life for low-income individuals in Moldova.

After the Soviet Union’s collapse, Counterpart International implemented several programs in Russia to address economic decline and empower marginalized groups. Initiatives included women’s labor conferences, governance assistance, entrepreneurial education, and civic programs. One project, “Enhancing the Capacity of Rossiskaya Zabota” (Russian Care), improved the social service provider through staff training, partnerships with over 60 organizations, and distributing $2.4 million worth of humanitarian goods. Counterpart’s Civic Initiatives Program focused on institutional development, capacity building, and networking opportunities for local NGOs, empowering them with critical skills and access to partners and donors.

Counterpart’s WomenLead Institute supported Ukrainian refugee women in Romania after Russia’s invasion in 2022. The Self-Care and Skill-Building Workshop promoted mental and emotional health while fostering peer support in a crisis setting. In Ukraine, Counterpart previously implemented the Internet Governance and Internet Freedom project to respond to the country’s transition to democracy and EU membership aspirations amid conflict with Russia. The project addressed threats to internet freedom as the Ukrainian government blocked Russian-language websites and proposed surveillance technology installation. Counterpart’s network issued a 10-point declaration supporting internet freedom, open discourse, and political transparency for advocacy efforts.

Counterpart International implemented the Training for At-Risk Youth in the Tourism Sector Program in Brazil. The program aimed to reduce unemployment and improve education among disadvantaged youth and provided targeted information technology career development and work-based learning experiences in the hospitality and tourism sector. Its goal was to prepare youth for long-term careers and build capacity among employers for mentorship and career opportunities.

Counterpart, in collaboration with the Humane Society, implemented a project to support the Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) in Costa Rica and other CAFTA countries. The project aimed to raise awareness and educate stakeholders about the implications of the agreement. Through workshops, producers were introduced to humane and organic practices, and CAFTA rules were explained to improve market access. Close cooperation with government ministries facilitated coordination and identified areas requiring technical support.

Counterpart’s Coastal Community Resilience Project and Dominican Environmental Education Program (DEEP) aim to enhance the capacity of local communities in the Dominican Republic for climate resilience. Through ecosystem conservation, sustainable industries, training, education, and youth empowerment, the programs address the country’s vulnerability to climate change. Funded by the Frohring Foundation, Counterpart has helped establish business-government networks and provide climate resiliency recommendations to policymakers, protecting coastal ecosystems and promoting locally driven approaches for climate resilience.

Counterpart’s New Partnerships in Open Government program in Ecuador aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance by strengthening civil society, government, academia, and the private sector and facilitating the implementation of open government models and reforms. The program supports the success of the National Action Plans, including the development of open government principles, while promoting inclusivity and employing a participatory dialogue methodology to generate practical proposals for Ecuador’s governance.

Counterpart’s Rights and Dignity Project in El Salvador strengthens human rights protection systems. The project focuses on security, policing, and anti-discrimination, promoting an equitable and just society. It engages and enhances the capacities of LGBTQI+ emerging leaders and groups that are currently underrepresented in the movement. Another Counterpart project also works on enhancing the organizational capacity of the Salvadoran LGBTI Federation. Through these efforts, Counterpart aims to defend the human rights of the diverse LGBTQI+ population and create a more inclusive society in El Salvador.

Counterpart’s Food for Progress program in Guatemala empowers local communities with agricultural knowledge, tools, and market opportunities. The program reinstated the National Rural Extension System, trained Ministry of Agriculture agents, and strengthened cooperatives and Rural Development Learning Centers. By addressing the challenges of poverty and malnutrition, it supports sustainable livelihoods and expands financial services for agricultural cooperatives, ultimately improving food security and rural development.

Counterpart’s Civil Society Strengthening Program in Haiti supports up to 250 Haitian civil society organizations. The program provides comprehensive capacity building, advocacy support, grants, training, and leadership workshops. It fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing through coordination services, mapping opportunities, resource hubs, and exchange programs. The program aims to enhance the capabilities and connectivity of Haitian civil society, enabling more effective and coordinated advocacy and development efforts.

Counterpart’s Citizen Participation for Responsive Governance program in Honduras empowered local organizations to combat corruption, enhance transparency, and address drug and gang violence. The program trained leaders, formed youth and community groups, and established the Legal Assistance and Anti-corruption Complaint Center. Over 1,000 leaders from 36 neighborhoods participated, leading to the formation of 72 groups focused on reducing violence and improving various sectors. The program strengthened civil society’s capacity and provided a platform for citizens to report corruption cases.

Counterpart partnered with Ashe Performing Arts Ensemble & Academy in Jamaica to implement the Youth AIDS Awareness Project, aiming to reduce HIV/AIDS transmission through educational entertainment and life skills development for youth. Support from the Coca Cola Foundation funded the Counterpart-Ashe Youth AIDS Awareness Project, reaching over 1,000 high school students with youth-friendly HIV/AIDS prevention and reproductive health education. UNICEF/Jamaica provided additional resources to support teacher training in educational entertainment methodologies.

Counterpart collaborated with Mayan farming communities in Mexico and COBIOTEC to establish the Maya Forest Garden Program. Training workshops brought together farmers, academics, and Mexican NGOs to implement forest garden landscape management techniques and educate the communities of Manual Avila Camacho and Caoba. The program aimed to foster agroforestry, facilitate institutional cooperation, and promote participatory planning for a sustainable future.

Counterpart’s Mobile Medical Clinics for NAS Police program in Peru addressed the challenges of limited healthcare access exacerbated by climate change impacts. The program provided two durable mobile clinics, medical supplies, and equipment to the Peruvian National Police. This initiative aimed to reach disadvantaged individuals in regions with limited healthcare facilities. Additionally, Counterpart’s Humanitarian Assistance Programs connected the mobile clinics with donors to ensure sustained and effective healthcare service delivery, even in extreme weather conditions.