Donors: EU, Dan Church Aid, Aide et Action
Location: Kep, Kampong Thom, Bantheay Meanchey, Kampong Speu, Kandal, Pursat
Duration: 2019-2021
Budget: 977,938 EUR

Introduction 

This EU-funded action aimed to strengthen the institutional and operational capacities of the Provincial Associations of Local Councils (PALCs) and their members to promote accountability, transparency, and responsiveness to citizens and vulnerable groups. The project focused on two key outcomes: 

• Oc1: Increased capacity of PALCs and their members to identify and address community and vulnerable group needs. 

• Oc2: Support for PALCs to develop innovative small-scale initiatives addressing priority issues of councils and vulnerable groups. 

The project reached an estimated 3,210,849 beneficiaries, including 1,652,945 women, 1,585,196 children and youth, 305,030 people with disabilities, and 74,510 ID Poor families. These populations benefited from improved public services and strengthened local governance. 

Results

Institutional Strengthening 

• 98% of PALC members expressed satisfaction with leadership and management. 

• 88% of institutional and operational plans were implemented. 

• 95% of members improved their capacity to fulfill their roles. 

• PALCs developed strategic, advocacy, and communication plans, and adopted Management and Operation Manuals (MoMs). 

• 296 members participated in 7 orientation sessions; 2,038 members attended 10 annual workshops and reflection meetings. 

• 436 members completed 18 training courses and 4 coaching sessions; 36 echo trainings were conducted. 

• 45 e-learning systems installed; 14 radio programs broadcasted; 10 training curricula compiled. 

Public Service Improvements 

• 96% of citizens reported satisfaction with local government services. 

• 92% of PALC members were satisfied with responses from national government institutions. 

• PALC members noted improvements in service quality, access, governance, and feedback mechanisms at commune/Sangkat and municipal/district levels. 

• 96 public forums mobilized 11,761 community members (3,683 women); 73% of 920 raised issues were resolved, including: 

• Road infrastructure 

• Electricity and water access 

• Land disputes 

• Domestic violence 

• Education and school management 

• Commune budget transparency 

• Health center and police post services 

• Accountability of One Window Service Offices (OWSOs) 

Advocacy Achievements 

Four policy issues were successfully advocated and included in lobbying plans: 

1. Pension fund for councilors 

1. National Social Security Fund (NSSF) for non-retired councilors 

1. Honor medals for outstanding councilors 

1. Uniforms for municipal and district council members 

Capacity Building and Piloting Actions 

• 95% of PALC members improved skills and confidence to implement pilot actions. 

• 75% of citizens expressed satisfaction with piloting actions. 

• Members gained practical experience in identifying community needs and implementing small-scale projects.