In our commitment to creating positive and lasting impact, our organization strives to create comprehensive cooperation for development programs. Our initiatives are supported by a fundamental belief in the power of collaboration – the partnership between organizations and receiving communities. Drawing inspiration from real-world experiences, including our work in a remote village in Tanzania and enriched by our international partnerships, our approach moves from the traditional aid delivery models, emphasizing shared responsibility and participative decision-making.

Our experience in Tanzania

Our journey in Tanzania led us to Lugarawa, a remote village where several previous development projects lacked engagement with the local community. Other organizations and individuals, in their well-intentioned efforts, often neglected to include the community in decision-making processes. This resulted in solutions that were often unsustainable and failed to gain community support.

The absence of community involvement led to a disconnect between project objectives and the needs and desires of the local population. This experience highlighted the importance of always engaging with the community to ensure the success and sustainability of development initiatives.

Reflecting on these findings, Stikado’s cooperation for development programs prioritize the active involvement of the local community in decision-making processes and the shared responsibility in the implementation of all projects. We have integrated lessons from Tanzania into our approach, focusing on cultural sensitivity, community-led decision-making, and long-term community empowerment.

Key principles:

1. Partnership-Centric Approach: Our programs places a strong emphasis on fostering genuine partnerships between Stikado and local communities. We recognize that true development is a collaborative effort, where the strengths and resources of all those involved contribute to create sustainable change.
2. Community Empowerment: We view development as a two-way street, where both the contributing organizations and receiving communities play active roles. We empower local populations to take ownership of their development journey through capacity-building initiatives and community-led projects.
3. Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding the unique cultural context of each community is a must. Our programs place a high value on cultural sensitivity and inclusivity, even if we challenge sometime local traditions, values, and ways of life that have a clear negative impact on the life of individuals and communities.
4. Long-Term Engagement: Development is not a one-size-fits-all process, and sustainable change takes time. Our cooperation for development programs are designed for long-term engagement, with a focus on building relationships, trust, and strength within the communities we engage with.

The components of our programs:

1. Needs Assessment and Co-Design: The first step of all our actions involves conducting thorough needs assessments in collaboration with the local community. By involving the community in the identification of problems, challenges and potential solutions, we ensure that interventions are tailored to address specific and real needs.
2. Capacity Building: Empowering communities through education, training, and skill development projects is central to our approach. By enhancing local capacities, we contribute to the creation of self-sufficient and strong communities.
3. Resource Mobilization: Our programs facilitate the mobilization of resources, both financial and non-financial, by connecting communities with external partners, donors, and other organizations. This collaborative effort ensures a more sustainable impact.
4. Monitoring and Evaluation: Continuous monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are integrated into the programs to assess the effectiveness of our interventions. Regular feedback from local communities and partners enable us to adapt and improve our strategies for maximum impact.

International partnerships

Stikado is an active member of EduCaB International, a global network dedicated to individuals and organizations interested in community development projects. Within this network we actively engage in collaborative learning initiatives. This involves sharing experiences, insights, and innovative solutions with dedicated individuals and teams worldwide, enriching our approach to cooperation for development.

Stikado is committed to forging meaningful partnerships that go beyond traditional donor-recipient relationships. Drawing from our experience and from our interactions with other organizations worldwide, our cooperation for development program places a strong emphasis on fostering genuine partnerships. We encourage open dialogue to ensure that projects are co-designed with the people they are meant to benefit. Stikado’s commitment is also to always find ways to empower individuals within communities. 

By fostering an inclusive and participatory approach, we work towards ensuring that every individual has a voice and agency in their community's development. Together with our partners and the communities we interact with, we strive to build a future where development is a shared journey towards creativity, sustainability, long-lasting engagement, and dignity for all. Join us if you want to be part of this positive change, that is both sustainable and empowering!