In pursuit of advancing community health initiatives across Nigeria, PLAN Foundation initiated the ANCHOR Project. This ambitious endeavor aimed to address critical health issues by fostering collaboration among local organizations. To kickstart the project, we sent out expressions of interest to a wide array of organizations spread across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The response was overwhelming, with 47 applications received, demonstrating a keen interest and commitment from diverse groups to improve community health.
After receiving the applications, a rigorous selection process was undertaken to ensure that only the most capable and aligned organizations were chosen to participate in the ANCHOR Project. This meticulous process involved evaluating each application based on specific criteria, including the organization’s track record, capacity, and alignment with the project’s goals. Ultimately, 19 organizations were selected. To gather essential baseline data, a detailed Data Capture Form was distributed to these organizations. This form was designed to identify their thematic areas of focus, target demographics, primary beneficiaries, and key stakeholders, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of each participant’s scope and impact.
The selection of thematic areas was not arbitrary but was instead guided by feedback and data compiled from the selected organizations. This participatory approach ensured that the project remained relevant and responsive to the actual needs on the ground. Data was meticulously extracted from the submitted Google Forms, providing a robust dataset that informed the project’s direction. This careful extraction and analysis process ensured that the selected thematic areas were grounded in reality and reflective of the organizations’ collective insights and experiences.
After thorough analysis of the data received, two key focus areas emerged as particularly significant: comprehensive sexual education and access to sexual reproductive health. These areas were identified as pivotal due to their widespread relevance and the critical gaps in knowledge and services that needed to be addressed. The emphasis on these areas underscored the project’s commitment to addressing fundamental health issues that directly impact community well-being.
The ANCHOR Project’s operational structure was thoughtfully designed to ensure effective implementation and management at multiple levels. This structure includes a national coordinating organization that provides overarching guidance and direction, zonal anchors that facilitate regional coordination, and state-level implementing partners responsible for executing activities on the ground. This multi-tiered approach ensures cohesive oversight, seamless communication, and efficient management, thereby enhancing the project’s overall impact and sustainability.
