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Description
The aim of the project "Capacity strengthening of the senior association of Smārde "Sarma"" is to improve the capacity of the association by delivering a development plan, improving the knowledge and by ensuring the public awareness of the work of the association, thus promoting the improvement of the quality of life of the seniors.
The following activities will be implemented within the project:
1. Development of the development plan of the association for the period of 5 years, including the offer of the regular activity program for seniors
2. Development of the webpage of the association: https://www.biedribasarma.lv/
3. Training to improve digital skills and to increase leadership skills (for at least 10 members).
After the implementation of the project, the capacity of the association with a long-term impact will be significantly increased, which will allow to work more effective and more targeted both by following the goals and tasks of the development plan and by carrying out regular evaluation of the activities of the association as well as by increasing publicity significance and influence of the association within development of the life of the local community in order to move purposefully towards the main goal of the association - to take care of the quality of life of seniors, their emotional and physical well-being.
Summary of project results
The Smarde senior association''s development was previously based on intuition and existing knowledge, lacking a structured plan. There was a need for a comprehensive development strategy, including an analysis of the association’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, to identify its resources and gaps. The organization also needed a clear, concise plan for the next five years to guide its growth and ensure a consistent and systematic schedule of activities, particularly for seniors. Another challenge was the lack of modern communication channels, which hindered public awareness and the involvement of new members, partners, and supporters. Additionally, the association faced a dependency on external help for simple tasks like creating posters and managing digital tools. To address this, there was a need for training in leadership, self-confidence, and digital skills, empowering members to independently manage operations. Financially, the association relied mostly on membership fees and in-kind support, making income diversification a priority. Finally, there was a need to foster new collaborations, especially with youth and other organizations, to support both the association and the community''s growth.
The project "Strengthening the capacity of Smarde senior society ''Sarma''" focused on enhancing the organization''s capacity through a development plan based on a SWOT analysis. The plan aimed to implement a series of pilot activities that would later become routine for the society. A total of 18 activities were carried out, including collaborations with local schools, creative workshops, cooking classes, and physical exercises. These activities promoted active engagement among seniors and fostered intergenerational connections. A significant part of the project was improving public awareness through the creation of a website and a Facebook page, both of which were managed by the members themselves. The social media presence helped to increase community engagement, with posts reaching a wider audience. The project also focused on capacity-building for members through training sessions in leadership, personal development, and digital skills. These workshops empowered members to take initiative in organizing future activities, and the computer training enabled some participants to become peer educators, sharing their newfound skills with others. The project successfully strengthened the society''s organizational framework, fostering long-term sustainability and increased community involvement.
The project "Strengthening the capacity of Smarde senior society ''Sarma''" successfully achieved its objective of improving the organization''s capacity. A comprehensive development plan was created through collective efforts, providing a structured framework for future growth. Members gained valuable skills and knowledge by participating in various training sessions, which they now apply in organizing events and managing day-to-day tasks. The establishment of a Facebook profile and a website allowed the society to raise public awareness, attract new members, and engage them in activities.
In the short term, the knowledge acquired through the project is being used in daily operations, especially in organizing events for members. In the long term, the society has become more active and open to collaborations beyond its internal activities, contributing more significantly to the surrounding community. The project enhanced the society''s ability to function more effectively and increased its outreach, positively impacting the lives of its members and the broader community.