#21 - Shifting the Power to Local Communities with Ernest Wyson

The Social Impact Journal

Community-led development has become a buzzword in the international development sector. Are the discussions just noise or is concrete action taking place to increase the localisation of aid?
In Episode 21, Jack meets Ernest Wyson, the President and CEO of the CBOs Coalition for Human Rights and Govrernance in Malawi (CBOs-CHRGG).
He has over 25 years’ experience in working with small grassroots organisations in Malawi. Having held several key strategic positions in finance and program management with various INGOs, LNGOs and other development agencies including CBOs, he championed for the birth of this first of its kind national Coalition of CBOs in collaboration with other CBOs leaders who saw the need for the voice of CBOs in Malawi in 2019.
During his leadership at the CBOs Coalition, membership has grown from 20 CBOs to over 1000 CBOs and has established district chapters across all the 28 districts in Malawi which lead engagements in governance, HIV, health, social justice and bring together CBOs and communities for unified support and advocacy action in addressing issues of mutual concern, including community systems strengthening.
In the episode, we discuss the challenges of community-based organisations in Malawi, USAID's commitments to provide at least a quarter of all our program funds directly to local partners by the end of FY2025, and whether other agencies are following suit.
If you would like to connect with Ernest, head to the following social media channels:
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ernest-wyson-019a344b/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/CBOs-Coalition-for-Human-Rights-and-Good-Governance/100076830786436/?locale=fy_NL
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