Improving the livelihood and strengthen the civil society of ethnic minorities

Partners

• PPC Cao Bang and the Cao Bang Development Centre (CBDC); 
• District and Commune People Committees (PC); 
• Women Union and Commune PC; 
• Department of Home and Foreign Affairs (DoHa and DoFa). 

Objectives

• Improved water access and sanitation for Ethnic Minorities; 
• Promotion of ethnic handicrfats from Cao Bang; 
• Strengthening of the capacities of the Cao Bang Development Centre. 

Approach

• Build on achievements and lessons learnt from previous experiences and use institutionalised methods for planning (SEDP), investments (CDF and CFM) and the construction of small scale infrastructures (5 steps methodology). Continue to pilot and test adapted new technology in water and sanitation. Develop innovative public audit and awareness building processes; 
• Develop sustainable linkages between producer groups and private traders, processors. Strengthen producers groups in technical production and management capacitiy. Promote handmade and natural products while fostering existing indigenous knowledge of the specific ethnic groups. Make market assessments and explore new niches for specific porducts; 
• Strengthen capacity of DECEN. Provide support to enhance capacity of staff and establish a functional and effective organisation which is able to acquire new funds and projects to continue pro-poor activities. 

Main Activities

• Water/Sanitation: promotion of simple, cheap, environmental friendly and safe gravity, rainwater harvesting and bio sand filter using 5-step manual, public audit, social marketing and improved construction techniques; promotion of hygiene and sanitation facilities (latrine, hand washing, etc.) and awareness raising on hygiene, sanitation and planning for changes (using Caravans events); 
• Promotion of ethnic handicrafts: training and coaching to increase product quality and quantity; support establishment of the groups; support the groups to increase management capacities; support reflect courses; make market research and information; promote sustainable linkage between interested companies and the groups; identify new markets and channel information to the groups; support the groups to develop design capacities according to market demand; support access to credit; support groups to participate in trade fairs, bazaars, and conferences; support province to promote handicraft products from Cao Bang; attract new donors; 
• Strengthen capacity of CBDC: capacity building of staff; organisational support (logo, website, leaflet, networking); Institutional support (office, car, equipment, materials); support for fundraising and acquisition. 

Main Contact 

Mr. TRAN Van Tri
Project Manager
Email: tri.tran@decen.org
Phone: +84-026-3855-942