Since the launch of the Graduating to Resilience Activity this initiative has enhanced the lives of over 13,000 households in Uganda.
In partnership with Trickle Up and American Institute for Research and with the support from USAID, the Graduation model is reducing poverty and improving livelihoods.
As we mark this significant milestone, a series of global events designed to share the insights and achievements from this transformative program and the model is designed. These gatherings will serve as platforms for learning, discussion, and collaboration, aiming to showcase the Graduation model as a global benchmark.
Webinar calendar
- June 26 – Sequence of Livelihoods Interventions: register here
- July – Self-Reliance and Resilience
- August – Accountability and its influence on adaptation processes
Summary of past webinar
April 24, 2024 - Adaptation of the Graduation Approach (Event recording)
April 24, AVSI, together with our partners USAID, Trickle Up, and AIR, hosted an insightful webinar on the “Adaptation of the Graduation Approach” as part of our ongoing series of learning events. The discussion delved into the adaptation nuances of the Graduating to Resilience Activity in Uganda.
Jackie Aldrette, Deputy Secretary General of AVSI Foundation, began by affirming that the Graduation Approach has been tried, tested, and proven effective. This matters greatly to us at AVSI and our donors like USAID, as we are committed to implementing strategies that reflect the best evidence to uplift livelihoods and save lives.
Adaptation is key to this success, for we understand that reality is complex and contexts vary. That’s why we ensure that our approach is human-centered, tailoring our interventions to the specific needs and realities of the communities we serve.
During the webinar, we explored various aspects of the Activity and how they were adapted, including targeting, coaching, social cohesion, food security, scalability, and more. We also shed light on our decision-making processes, emphasizing the importance of informed choices backed by studies, evaluations, and external feedback. As well as, intentional pause and reflect moments in the project lifecycle, to allow us to pilot and test changes before scaling up and ensure that our interventions are not only effective, but also sustainable.
The Graduation Approach has proven to be a highly cost-effective way to support vulnerable populations in diverse contexts. We are excited to continue our journey of learning and exploration, uncovering how this model can further transform lives, not just in Uganda, but across the globe.
May 29: Webinar Explores Graduation Approach and Theory of Change for Resilience Building in Uganda
On May 29, AVSI, in collaboration with USAID, Trickle Up, and AIR, hosted its second webinar. The moderator, Glynnis Melnicove from AIR, highlighted the graduation approach, developed by BRAC in 2002, which helps refugees and Ugandan households transition from food insecurity to self-sufficiency through the "Graduating to Resilience" activity. Jenny Haddle from Save the Children discussed the dynamic role of the Theory of Change (ToC) in program design and management, emphasizing its importance in problem analysis and conveying the program's vision. John Paul Nyeko of AVSI Uganda highlighted ToC's role in achieving program goals through flexibility and evidence-based decision-making. Rita Larok of AVSI Uganda shared lessons from using the Theory of Constraints (TOC), stressing the value of supportive donors and real-time data for adaptive management.
Finally, during the Q&A session, topics such as participant selection, enhancing ToC interactivity, and integrating internal and external data for decision-making were discussed. The session concluded with key takeaways on the need for a dynamic ToC process, dedicated resources, and stakeholder buy-in for effective implementation. The webinar underscored adaptive strategies in resilience-building and the effectiveness of the Graduation Approach.