“Localization in Action” as Save the Children allocates 26% of its total budget to local partners.

   Tabani David, LRPF Secretariat Fund Manager. Photo: Ezibon Saadalla/Save the Children

FRIDAY, 9TH FEB, JUBA– The Local Response Pooled Fund (LRPF) gained support from the Swiss Embassy in which they facilitated the Swiss Tukul Networking Event for Local Response Pooled Fund (LRPF)under the theme of “localization in action”. This is a great opportunity for the LRPF and its stakeholders to engage, socialize and dialogue directly with donors, Heads of Missions, UN, and INGOs representatives.  By working closely with donors and well-wishers, the LRPF aimed to build a strong and lasting relationships for sustainable impact in the country.

The Local Response Pooled Fund is an initiative established by local/national NGOs in collaboration with the NGO Forum, some International NGOs, and with support from Save the Children South Sudan. The establishment aim is to operationalize the Grand Bargain Commitment to localization in South Sudan by increasing local and national partners direct access to donor funds as well as their involvement in funding decision making processes.

The Local Response Pooled Fund (LRPF) gave a detailed presentation on breakthroughs, accomplishments, and outcomes that increases the funding opportunity for South Sudan. Since its inception in 2021, the LRPF has raised 1.7 million dollars through Save the Children support.

“The intervention allowed Locals NGOs to apply for funding from a centralized funding to respond directly to emerging humanitarian crisis in 2023.  We work with partners who reach to the most vulnerable populations at the grassroots, partners who understand the community and have a unique approach to build resilience of the community" Said Tabani David, LRPF Secretariat Fund Manager.

To support the Localization strategy and recognize its importance, Save the Children has allocated 26% of its total budget to local partners. More than 25 out of 198 local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have received funding that they would not have received, allowing them to implement critical programs to meet the needs of crisis-affected people.

The LRPF expects is expected to receive up to $5 million in funding by 2025 as a result of Save the Children's extensive support and capacity building to support more local partners.

Save the Children continues to push for localization, more funding, child-led approaches, and multi-sectoral and integrated support so that it is holistic and appropriate. The response is focusing on an integrated, multi-sectoral response focusing on Health and Nutrition, WASH, Education, Child Protection, Food Security and Livelihoods.