Issue
VDPA seeks to enhance its capacity to influence government, donors and stakeholders on disability rights by strengthening leadership and advocacy.
How we are helping
We are supporting VDPA to deliver training on leadership, disability inclusion and data use, and to endorse a new strategic plan.
About the project
The Foundation’s capacity strengthening grants stream supports smaller Commonwealth civil society organisations in smaller Member States, building their expertise and enhancing their capacity to influence policy.
The Vanuatu Disability Promotion and Advocacy Association (VDPA) faces challenges in governance capacity and inclusive policy engagement and is working to improve its ability to advocate for and influence government, partners, and donors by strengthening the leadership of its board. This grant will support VDPA to build knowledge of disability rights, improve board leadership, and equip members with the skills needed to promote effective change.
The key actions for this project are:
- Strengthening governance and leadership
- Conducting governance and leadership training for VDPA board members
- Convening a board meeting to endorse the 2024–2029 strategic plan
- Building knowledge and advocacy skills
- Delivering capacity training on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and disability inclusion
- Hosting a two-day workshop on CRPD and disability inclusion
- Improving data skills
- Facilitating refresher training on disaggregating data using data apps
As a result of the project, it is hoped that VDPA board members and staff will be better equipped to lead, advocate, and collaborate effectively. Their enhanced understanding of disability rights and governance will support stronger engagement with stakeholders and donors, contributing to more inclusive policies and promoting disability inclusion across Vanuatu.
Project Partners
Vanuatu Disability Promotion and Advocacy Association (VDPA) is the national disabled people’s organisation of Vanuatu. VDPA was established in April 1999 to raise awareness of people with disabilities in Vanuatu and advocate for their rights and inclusion. VDPA has built an accessible and inclusive Vanuatu for people with disabilities, where they are empowered to actively participate in the community on an equal basis with others.
We support people's participation in democracy and development by providing grants, platforms, and expertise.
