In Myanmar, empowering communities to lead their own development

The Advancing Community Empowerment project, or ACE, empowers communities in Myanmar to lead their own development. Villages begin by learning about the ACE project and the importance of their involvement in local development efforts. Once a village decides to participate, the project conducts a local Community Needs Assessment workshop that walks community members through the process of identifying development challenges and prioritizing needs. 

These needs assessments are being conducted in at least 280 villages across townships in Southeastern Myanmar. ACE then works with communities to develop action plans and solutions to address identified needs in the areas of health, clean water and sanitation, education, livelihoods and governance. Funded by USAID, ACE ensures that communities have the skills and knowledge they need to facilitate locally led decision-making, planning and development.