Learning Through Practice: Building Partnerships Between Organizations of the Urban Poor and Local Authorities

About this grant

Since becoming a democracy 10 years ago, South Africa has inherited cities and towns with significant challenges. Affluent white areas, endowed with resources and necessary infrastructure, are next to black areas, characterized by poverty, crime and violence. Although the government has created an integrated urban renewal strategy, the main responsibility for the actual implementation of the strategy rests with the respective local and municipal authorities. This grant will enable the Urban Resource Center to examine how local governments are addressing the developmental needs of the urban poor and how interventions can be more effective.Multiyear funding will enable the center to document and disseminate case studies; develop city profiles and gather related information to expand knowledge about developments in towns and cities; establish learning networks; provide capacity building and training for community organizations; establish debating forums; and exchange programs and seminars.The center, also known as Community Organization Urban Resource Center, produces research and gathers and disseminates information on best practices on the challenges faced by local government, particularly as it relates to cities and informal urban settlements.