ADRA Bangladesh Hosted Learning & Sharing Workshop in Cox’s Bazar for Community Empowerment Project (CEP) Exit Strategy

In a significant step towards ensuring the sustainability of its initiatives, ADRA Bangladesh organized a Learning & Sharing Workshop at Hotel Sea Palace in Cox’s Bazar on 7-8 October 2024. The event brought together field staff to collaboratively prepare an exit plan for the Community Empowerment Project (CEP).

The workshop aimed to reflect on the achievements of the CEP, which has been instrumental in enhancing the livelihoods and resilience of vulnerable communities in the region. Participants engaged in various sessions focusing on best practices, lessons learned, and strategies for sustaining community-led development after the project concludes.

“Today’s workshop is a pivotal moment for us as we look to transition from direct support to empowering communities to continue their journey on their own,” said Tonmoy Roy, Supervisor, CEP-Manikganj for ADRA Bangladesh. “Our goal is to develop a comprehensive exit plan that ensures the capacity built through the CEP will endure long after our formal involvement ends.”

Key topics discussed at the workshop included capacity building, local leadership development, and resource mobilization strategies. Participants also shared personal stories of how CEP initiatives have positively impacted their lives, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability among community members.

The workshop also featured breakout sessions where groups brainstormed innovative solutions to potential challenges that may arise during the exit phase. These discussions underscored the importance of collaboration among community members, local government officials, and NGOs to maintain and expand upon the project’s successes.

As the CEP nears its conclusion, ADRA Bangladesh is committed to ensuring that the foundations laid during the project will continue to benefit the community. The development of a robust exit plan is seen as essential for empowering local leaders and ensuring a sustainable future.

The event concluded with participants drafting an action plan that outlines the next steps toward implementing the exit strategy, emphasizing the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in this critical transition.

ADRA Bangladesh continues to strive for meaningful change in communities across Bangladesh, and the Learning & Sharing Workshop in Cox’s Bazar marks an important chapter in its ongoing mission of community empowerment and sustainable development.