Counterpart International

Last week, our Washington D.C. staff came together to recognize team members, celebrate wins, and strengthen connections. It was a time for us to reflect on the progress we’ve made in advancing locally led development over the past year while looking ahead to the new fiscal year. We're excited for what’s ahead. ?

Throughout her distinguished career, Maria Bucaro, Counterpart's vice president of Resilient Food Systems, has been dedicated to fighting world hunger and promoting economic sustainability for farmers in her native Guatemala, across Latin America, and beyond. ? ? Today, she emphasizes the importance of recognizing both #WorldFoodDay and the #InternationalDayofRuralWomen, as we continue to work towards global food security and supporting women in agriculture.?

Literacy is more than just reading and writing, it's the key to unlocking opportunities and empowering individuals to shape their futures.? ?? In Niger, where only 38% of adults are literate and girls face significant barriers to education, change is happening. Through our USAID-funded Resilient Governance in Niger project, local leaders like Djarou Ousmane are overcoming challenges and gaining critical literacy and leadership skills.? ??? Ousmane, a mother and community activist, now uses her new skills to support her community and mentor other women creating a multiplier effect that strengthens her entire community. ??

In recognition of International Day of the Girl, Elise Young, our senior director of Women's Empowerment, shares her insights on why prioritizing the agency and well-being of girls and women is crucial when designing programs aimed at supporting underserved?communities.

Planting the seeds of change in El Salvador, our USAID-funded Rights and Dignity project, in collaboration with Fundación Gloria Kriete, brought together university students to deepen their understanding of rights, civic duties, and the rule of law. Through workshops, the students explored the essential role youth play in shaping society and gained practical skills to advocate for human rights. The initiative highlighted the critical importance of youth participation in civil society, encouraging them to promote justice within their communities. ?? Watch the video to hear directly from the students about what they gained from the training.?

?? Our latest monthly newsletter is here! In this issue, we bring you: ?? ?? Compelling videos showcasing the outcomes of our recently concluded project in Bangladesh, and a closer look at the positive effects on school feeding programs in the Maputo province in Mozambique.? ?? Inspiring stories of progress and transformation from Timor-Leste, Mauritania, Niger, and El Salvador, highlighting the resilience and achievements of local communities. ? ?? A recap of our discussion with filmmakers Roya Sadat and Aziz Deldar, and highlights from the 12th Unifying Our Voices event, where Afghan activists came together to assess the extended negative impact of gender apartheid in Afghanistan. ?? ? Sign up now to get these stories and more delivered straight to your inbox: https://lnkd.in/es7SwwAG

Counterpart is honored to sponsor and participate in this year's Central America Donors Forum, hosted by the Seattle International Foundation.?? ? Tiernan Mennen, chief of party for our Transparency and Integrity project in El Salvador, and Tatyana Venegas Swanson, associate director for our Rights and Dignity project, will join hundreds of leaders from over 20 countries to discuss priorities, foster connections, and advance development, equity, and justice in the region.?? ? For meaningful social advancement, partnerships are vital, grounded in principles of trust, collaboration, and a commitment to diversity. This theme not only resonates throughout this year's forum but also reflects the core of Counterpart's mission.?? ? Will you attend CADF? We invite you to participate in both panels and talk with our experts as they tackle regional challenges, cultivate a collective vision, and encourage collaboration across sectors.?? ? Panels:?? ?? October 8: Tiernan Mennen will lead the panel on "Advancing Democratic Values through Social and Behavioral Change." ?? ?? October 9: Tatyana Vanegas Swanson will lead the discussion on "Collaboration to Strengthen Activists & Social Movements in El Salvador."?

Excessive rainfall affects communities worldwide, but it hits those most vulnerable to climate change the hardest.??? ?? In Kiéché, a rural village in Niger's Dosso Region, residents came together to improve a deteriorating road that worsens with each rainy season. This road, connecting Tombon Gataou and Batchaka, is vital for local traders.??? ?? Thanks to the USAID-funded Resilient Governance in Niger project, implemented by Counterpart International, locals formed citizen monitoring committees. These committees prioritized road repairs, pooled resources, and recruited volunteers to carry out the work.??? ?? Through the program, the community has also learned the value of volunteering within their municipality.??? ?? Read the full story here ???

Carmelita Araujo, a program manager with the Community Based Rehabilitation Network Timor-Leste (CBRNTL), has transformed her life and the lives of women, youth, and people with disabilities in Timor-Leste.?? ? As the only daughter in her family, she pursued her passion for science, earning a degree in engineering and informatics.?? ? Through Counterpart International training—funded by USAID/Timor-Leste’s NGO Advocacy for Good Governance Activity—Carmelita has become a strong leader.?? ? She now leads women’s groups and self-help initiatives, creating a ripple effect by helping others generate income and improve their livelihoods.?? ? Learn more about Carmelita’s inspiring journey and her impact on women and people with disabilities in Timor-Leste.??

Art can serve as a profound medium for understanding shared experiences. To honor Youth Day, 70 young people in El Salvador reflected on the human rights situation in their country during a two-day art workshop. The initiative, part of our USAID-funded Rights and Dignity project, encouraged participants to explore art as a form of self-expression while gaining valuable insights into civic advocacy.?https://lnkd.in/ek5DDjij Gustavo D'Angelo Maria Jose V. Richard Mora #GlobalDev #ElSalvador #HumanRights #Art #USAID #Advocacy #YouthDay