Strengthening the intervention capacities of diaspora networks
Established in France in 2002, FORIM manages a unique structure whereby diaspora networks support diaspora organisations by accompanying them in project design and implementation in countries of origin. This promotes cascade learning and peer exchange. With the support of FORIM-accredited networks, individual diaspora organisations in France can apply for financing for micro-projects through FORIM’s PRA/OSIM programme (Programme d’Appui aux projets des Organisations de Solidarité Internationale issues de l’Immigration).
The networks are collectives of FORIM’s member organisations skilled in project design and management. On a yearly basis, they provide support on over 150 aspiring projects, including technical and intercultural expertise and familiarity with project implementation in territories of origin.

Programme of activities
Strengthening FORIM’s support operator (i.e. networks) capabilities has a knock-on effect on the quality and developmental impact of diaspora-development projects implemented under the PRA/OSIM programme.
With EUDiF, FORIM is building the skills of support operators through courses on project management and accompaniment, public funds management, communication and gender mainstreaming, as well as sectoral competences (e.g. renewable energy and the green economy)
Experts Marianne Poisson and Robin Nael prepared and disseminated a questionnaire to support operators to self-assess their needs, learning priorities and expectations.
Based on the needs assessment, the experts developed the training material (including training content, power point presentations, group exercises and trainers' notes) grouped in three sessions:
Three online sessions and an onsite session in Paris were organised to deliver the training to 24 participants.
EUDiF and the experts prepared tailored feedback forms to assess the learnings and the satisfaction of participants with the activities.
The experts subsequently created a "Frequently asked questions" list based on the feedback received during the sessions.
Expert Mireille Jallet from ERASMED conducted the needs assessment by telephone calls and classified the support operators by their level of experience in funds management.
The training sessions aimed to help support operators master the main principles of a budget forecast and adopt a common language in public funds management.
They also guided support operators in identifying and anticipating potential pitfalls of the project from the beginning, and to apply adapted solutions intended to reduce risk.
The content included toolkits and guides to support these steps.
There were a total of seven sessions online and one onsite in Paris on 26 November; 38 participants attended the sessions.
The expert collected feedback at the end of every session, and collected written feedback at the end of the last session.
Expert Randa Chekroun, former communication officer at FORIM, sent out a survey to support operators to evaluate their needs. Having worked so closely with them in the past, Randa already had a good idea of what could be required.
The three sessions had the following themes:
During three online sessions the expert shared theoretical and practical knowledge on the three themes with 26 participants.
Randa collected feedback from the support operators in feedback forms, and prepared a "frequently asked questions" list based on comments and feedbacks.