Letting communities 'lead: participative dialogues in Twic and Gogrial West
In Twic and Gogrial West Counties, meaningful change is taking root through community dialogues, hand-drawn sketches of boreholes, and visions of hope outlined in community plans. This transformation is made possible with the support of Phase II of the Enhancing Community Resilience and Local Governance Project (ECRP II), funded by the World Bank through the Ministry of Finance and Planning, and managed by World Vision. The project focuses on empowering communities to shape their own future.
During the project’s validation workshops held in various Payams (villages) and attended by local leaders, government officials, and community representatives (women, youth, and farmers), the aim of the workshop was for the community members to validate the screened subprojects to align with the budget allocated per Payam. World Vision facilitators actively listened to the voices of the community members and other participants as they shared their needs, challenges, and hopes for the project and their future.
With support from local authorities and development committees and input from community representatives, project ideas emerged naturally, shaped by both real-life experiences and pressing needs. In both counties, the validation workshops also helped the participants understand and appreciate that budgets are not just numbers—they tell stories.
These workshops mark the significant yet humble beginnings, providing a space for Payam and Boma (sub-village) leaders to sit side by side and map out what matters most to their communities. Mothers spoke of the need for clinics closer to their children. Youth expressed the urgent need for more than school buildings. They needed access to quality education and, even more critically, to clean water.
”For years, we have been drinking unsafe, swampy water that was harmful to our children and caused diseases. The news about the borehole that will be drilled in our Payam makes us feel that hope has finally arrived. We will soon have access to clean and safe drinking water, something that many other Payams still lack.” said the Boma Chief from Pan-Nyok Payam
Mandeng also envisioned the construction of classrooms, which would make learning more conducive and safer for children. “Our children are studying under trees and leaking roofs because they have dreams. They endure difficult conditions. But with the construction of the school building, they will soon have proper classrooms and a better learning environment.” Meanwhile, during a validation workshop in Gogrial West Payam, a wide range of needs were identified—from a primary health care unit to a women’s centre.
With cost estimates in hand, communities learnt the language of feasibility. The validation workshops held in Turalei and Gogrial Headquarters were not just procedural. There were community milestones. The workshops brought together government officials, development committees, youths, and women representatives that validated key community projects valued at $3.65 million.
In addition to confirming these initiatives, the workshops also introduced a grievance redress mechanism. This system includes hotlines and help desks to ensure community members can raise concerns, report issues, and hold those who are responsible or accountable.
"The validation workshops, both in Gogrial West and Twic, went very well. I am immensely pleased with the active participation of the participants in the discussions. Community representatives and government officials from the Payam, county, and state clearly understand the essence of the project, especially that it is owned by them for the benefit of their people. So, they took these processes seriously and have been supportive of World Vision,” expressed Paddy Magalula, ECRP II Project Manager.
These stories from Twic and Gogrial West are stories of empowerment, ownership, and trust. Community voices shaped every step, turning plans into concrete actions. As one elder puts it, “This time, we are not waiting; we are leading.