Cost-effective, high-impact projects that enable extremely poor households to escape poverty funded by USAID were terminated earlier this year; one is able to restart thanks to the coordinated efforts of researchers, philanthropists, and NGO implementers.
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After the abrupt termination of USAID-funded programs-including AVSI's Graduating to Resilience Scale in Uganda-the evidence of success and cost-effectiveness might have been lost. Project Resource Optimization (PRO) reviewed the data, recognized the value, and recommended the program through external channels. This advocacy led to a $1.5 million donor investment, enabling AVSI to relaunch the initiative.
On September 1, 2025, AVSI launched Graduating to Resilience LOCAL, targeting 1,000 households-10% of the original program size-with an 18-month, comprehensive Graduation Approach. Participants receive consumption support, livelihoods training, financial inclusion, coaching, and social empowerment, equipping them to escape food insecurity and move toward self-reliance.
A former head of the USAID Mission to Uganda described AVSI's Graduating to Resilience program as “a cost-effective tool to change the historical trend and eradicate poverty from Uganda.”
For more information about Graduating to Resilience LOCAL and opportunities to collaborate, please contact Jackie Aldrette, jackie.aldrette@avsi.org.
About AVSI FoundationAVSI Foundation is an international civil society organization operating in over 42 countries, delivering development and emergency interventions while prioritizing the holistic care of people.
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SOURCE AVSI Foundation
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