The convention was attended by senior officers of SRSP from CDLD head office Swat, all the district programme managers and seniors staff from Swat, Malakand, Shangla, Dir Upper and Dir Lower. A large number of community activists and CBO office-bearers, local government elected representatives were also present on the occasions. Member District Council Abdul Qayum welcomed the guests and lauded the services of SRSP and district government in materializing CDLD. He said that CDLD is a very important initiative and needs success and the people of this backward area takes it as a challenge. Members of Tehsil Council Mohammad Ali Shah and Khosh Muhammad said the CDLD is a good initiative of provincial government which will promote community empowerment, transparency and accountability. Office-bearers of CBOs presented their progress and said though the communities were familiar with participatory working but the provision under CDLD policy were worth in building the capacities of CBOs to make them able work better in future and explore more opportunities. They said that the trainings provided by SRSP have really enhanced the capacities of CBOs. Community representatives thanked the district administration for approval of funds for the rehabilitation of flood damaged schemes and appreciated SRSP’s speedy process. CBO representatives termed CDLD policy a pro-poor developmental initiative which envisages community participation, community ownership, transparency and accountability as well as 15 per cent fund allocations for women folk was a great step. Talking to the gathering, SRSP’s Programme Officer Bahar Ahmed and DPM Swat Murad Khan thanked the local people for warm welcoming. They said that the communities in this backward but beautiful area are really working greatly which would be example for others. They urged the communities for more enthusiasm and zeal in community related affairs to bring socio-economic changes.]]>