Working through existing social and political structures, the program promotes the participation of women and youth in village political, social and economic decision-making, particularly in community planning and development, with the objective of improving quality of life in the villages. It also strengthens the capacity of target groups to develop programs that advance the interests of their constituencies and to undertake outreach and advocacy on substantive issues of concern. It strengthens the institutional capacity of committees and civil society organisations in analysis, planning, proposal development, project management, budgeting and bookkeeping, administration, advocacy and communication.

Increased civic knowledge of target groups, particularly on the relationship between citizens and government and how governments make decisions, is an integral part of the program in the lead up to national elections in early 2006.