Project Phases
Concept Development
We are presently in the "conceptual" phase of the project. This initial phase attempts to define what should be involved in the project. A key part is to assure that the project meets the needs of the local residents and is not what we assume their needs are based on our culture. As part of the development of the concept, we will be reaching out to many individuals who we hope to learn from. We will be revising the concept based on their advice.
In addition, and importantly, we recognize from the start that the project concept will evolve over time and that we will need to be flexible in order to respond to changing circumstances and project challenges.
Feasibility Analysis
A critical part of the project is to assure that it is feasible and that it has a high likelihood of resulting in the desired outcome. There are many key questions that will need to be satisfactorily answered. The Ten Friends Board of Directors will ultimately determine whether to proceed with the project.
Continuation of existing projects and programs
Ten Friends will continue to sponsor education for youth in the area allowing them to attend school and after school programs. We have also provided books, school supplies, shoes, and uniforms to our sponsored children.
In addition, Ten Friends has provided vocational training for young women allowing them to become seamstresses. Wells have also been drilled proving safe drinking water.
Project Budget Development & Funding Requirements
The project will have its own dedicated budget and funding strategy. The development of the budget will be based on initial estimates which through time will be refined. The multi-year budget will also be built on a phased approach which will target individual project phases.
In addition, each of the project phases will have their own funding requirements and strategies regarding how to raise adequate funds to support them. In addition, reserves will be established for each phase to assure that the project components are sustainable thorough time. The project components will not be launched until we are assured that the project is sustainable.
Project Implementation
And now, it's on to project implementation! A phased implementation plan has been developed to guide the village's development. The implementation plan represents our initial thoughts on how best to implement the project. But .... it is a certainty that the project's implementation will vary from what is presently envisioned. We know that there will be challenges along the way, we know that other ideas will surface as we get into the project that are more responsive to the desires of the village members and we know to expect the unexpected. Flexibility will be a key!
Living the dream
And finally, it's on to "Living the Dream" for members of the Tilahi Village. How long it takes us to achieve the dream is uncertain. What eventually is part of the dream is also an uncertainty.
What is certain is that we will work tirelessly to enact the dream and to learn from it. Perhaps if we are successful in carrying out the dream, we can replicate the dream in other locations.....