NGO Resource centre is a pilot project of the Aga Khan Foundation, established in May 1995 . It is a support organisation that aims to create an enabling environment for NGOs and Community Based Organisations (CBOs) in order for them to function effectively.

NGO Resource Centre attempts to build the capacity of local NGOs and Community Based Organisations through training, networking and information dissemination.

OBJECTIVES

• To enhance the performance of non profit sector by improving its technical and managerial capacity and effectiveness.
• To serve as a credible centre of knowledge, information and experience for and about the non profit sector.
• To facilitate the creation of enabling environment for the non profit sector.

PROJECT ACTIVITIES

Training

NGO Resource Centre provides training to the non-profit sector organisations and group level management as part of the capacity building process. Presently, NGORC has focused its activities in two villages namely Paje and Nungwi in Unguja as pilot areas where it works closely within CBOs.

Networking

NGORC facilitates networking among and between NGOs, CBOs, government institutions and donor agencies. The basic purpose of this networking is to:

• create a sense of solidarity within the NGO and CBO community
• create linkages between the NGO sector, CBOs, and building partnership between NGOs, government and donor agencies

Information Dissemination

NGORC generates, collects and disseminates information on the non-profit sector and development issues through various means. NGORC’s information service unit has a collection of books, journals, newsletters, etc. relevant to the development sector, and also has acess to modern information technology through the Internet which are all accessible to the community.

Research and Documentation

NGORC commission research studies on the operation of the non profit sector. In the near future, it intends to commission research on development and policy issues concerning NGO sector. It is also involved in documenting the internal process relating to its evolution, growth, dynamism and capacity building programme.

Support Programmes

NGORC supports NGOs and CBOs by providing Space for them to meet and hold work shops. Access to use resources of the centre such as books, journals, reports as well as the opporturnity to access relevant information through the Internet. NGORC will also be organising regular lectures and discussion groups in order to create a forum at which the non-profit sector can share ideas and disseminate lessons learnt.