On June 27, 2012, Save the Children, a partner of USAID’s “Azerbaijan Strengthening Health Systems through Integrated Programs” (AZ SHIP) Project, organized a one-day training on community fundraising for 7 members of the Community Action Group in Yengiyan Village of Zagatala District. The leader of the local religious community and the head of the municipality of the neighboring village also participated in the event.

The participants learned the principles of community fundraising, the role of fundraising in addressing community needs, financial sources and management of the fund, and preparation of transparent financial reports. They also learned how to raise funds with different donors and individuals.

AZ SHIP Project works with 40 communities in Gakh, Sheki, Agdash, Ismayilli, Zagatala, and Gabala Regions. Town hall meetings are held to inform community members about AZ SHIP, highlight how communities may be mobilized around health issues, and describe the role of Community Action Groups (CAGs) in empowering communities and individuals to develop and implement local strategies to improve the health of their communities. The objective is to build the CAG’s organizational and technical capacity. Community mobilization, which includes the training of CAGs on participatory rapid appraisal techniques, community fundraising, and proposal writing, will continue through October 2012.

The communities are expected to implement health-related micro-projects starting in August 2012.

AZ SHIP is a two-year project that works with the Ministry of Health to advance their healthcare reform agenda, including healthcare financing, quality of services, and technical assistance in developing guiding documents. Special attention is paid to reproductive health/family planning, maternal and child Health, and tuberculosis.