The Good Enough Guide

This tool can help ensure that your agency’s departure at the end of the project is smooth and transparent. The people who have been involved in your project, including beneficiaries, staff, and local partner agencies and authorities, should know what is happening and why.

Define in detail communication needs and activities.

These may include:

1. Writing a letter to staff followed by group and individual meetings

2. Writing an official letter about project closure for regional, district, and village leaders, including elders and informal leaders

Follow letters with face-to-face briefings

Put a copy of the letter to village leaders on information boards

3. Using a Question & Answer sheet to guide staff when communicating with beneficiaries about end of project

4. Planning for the conduct of exit meetings with communities

5. Reporting on project achievements and learning

6. Writing a letter to other NGOs and partners

Follow with face-to-face briefings and meetings

7. Holding focus groups and/or house-to-house visits to reach women and vulnerable groups who may be unable to attend formal meetings

8. Using posters and leaflets, including formats appropriate for less literate people

9. Inviting feedback/comments on project activities

10. Collecting stories about successful work and positive community interaction

Give these back to the community; for example have a photo exhibition during handover

11. Supporting appropriate cultural activities or celebration when projects are handed over to the community

12. Evaluating exit communication activities and recording lessons learned

From T. Gorgonio (2006) ‘Notes on Accountable Exit from Communitieswhen Programmes Close’, Oxfam GB Philippines (internal, adapted).

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