Abuja, Nigeria. The Institute of Consecrated Life in Africa (InCLA) successfully concluded its Fundraising and Project Management Training, which ran from February 4 to February 14, 2025. The program aimed to equip participants with essential skills in project planning, fundraising, and sustainable development. Fr. Peter Okonkwo, CMF, the Institute Director, along with other management staff, officially welcomed the 59 participants, setting the tone for an interactive and practical learning experience.
Fr. Lord Winner, CMF, the General Mission Procurator, led the training, providing a comprehensive overview of methodologies, objectives, and expected outcomes. Participants, including Religious Sisters, Priests, and laypersons involved in project offices and Catholic NGOs, engaged in an intensive learning experience guided by the Seven Pillar Capacity Building Model. This framework covered organization, strategy, design, funding, implementation, evaluation, and sustainability, ensuring a structured and effective approach to project management. Key areas of focus included integral human development and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), participatory need identification, Logical Framework Matrix (LFM), project management fundamentals—including project life cycles, work breakdown structures, Gantt Charts, and budgeting—fundraising strategies, and the development of Congregational Project Offices. Additional emphasis was placed on project implementation, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), documentation, and sustainability planning.
A mid-program review on February 8 highlighted the training’s effectiveness, with participants actively engaging in discussions and project preparation exercises. Real-life project scenarios were used to develop proposals, which were reviewed and refined through classroom evaluations and expert feedback. Each participant left with a fully completed and corrected project, serving as a valuable reference for their future work.
The training concluded with a Valedictory Ceremony, fostering networking opportunities and collaboration among participants. The event featured cultural performances, reflections, and the awarding of certificates of completion by Fr Lord Winner, CMF, and Fr Gregory Ezeokeke, CMF, the deputy director and training coordinator. They emphasized the importance of applying the knowledge gained to enhance project execution and sustainability. Looking ahead, InCLA plans to expand this initiative, offering further training in strategic planning, execution, and impact assessment. Participants will also receive continued guidance on securing long-term funding and ensuring project sustainability, empowering them to create meaningful and lasting change in their communities and mission organizations.
Source: InCLA Communication Team
