Theory of Change
Theory of Change: Leadership Coaching for Haitian Commune Mayors
Our unique proven coaching methodology helps leaders adopt a philosophical change in their approach from relief to sustainable development. The curriculum developed by our Haitian staff sets local and national authorities up for success in moving the country towards development. Transforming mindsets to take responsibility is essential to generating the ownership and critical thinking necessary for continuous delivery of WASH services and beyond. The coaching program is a 6-year process working with each commune on their unique needs.
Problem Statement
Haitian commune mayors often face governance challenges due to a lack of tools to combat the systemic breakdowns throughout the government and external aid dependency, making strategic planning, infrastructure and systems management, and long-term development difficult. Without effective tools and support, sustainable and systematic change remains out of reach. At the same time, Haiti faces significant challenges in providing universal access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), with approximately 42% of the population lacking improved drinking water sources and 72% lacking proper sanitation facilities. This deficiency leads to widespread health issues, including waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery. Historically, fragmented efforts and a lack of sustainable infrastructure have further hindered progress, highlighting the urgent need for integrated leadership development and WASH solutions.
Long-Term Goals
Equip commune mayors with the tools to grow their leadership, governance, and financial management skills necessary to effectively lead their communities toward self-sufficiency and long-term development, while ensuring universal, sustainable access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and the promotion of good hygiene practices throughout Haiti.
The Need
Currently, very few programs in Haiti systematically coach leaders and specifically commune mayors in shifting from crisis-driven governance to proactive, sustainable leadership. Our Haiti Outreach curriculum is uniquely tailored to provide tools to local officials, to overcome systemic challenges, and break cycles of aid dependency—equipping them to independently manage municipal resources and infrastructure, including WASH systems.
To drive nationwide progress, it is critical that our curriculum reaches every mayor’s office in Haiti, ensuring that local governments have the necessary tools to lead their communities toward self-sufficiency, effective governance, and sustainable development. Haiti Outreach stands ready to scale this impact by partnering with key stakeholders to ensure that every mayor has access to this essential training, transforming local governance and securing a sustainable future for Haiti.
Pathways to Change
Leadership Development Toolkit for Sustainable Governance
Haiti Outreach Coaches:
Support mayors by providing a toolkit to go from frustration to confidently implementing strategic, long-term planning.
Coach on how to implement leadership principles emphasizing ownership, accountability, and collaboration for commune advancement
Coach mayors in strategic planning, systems management, policy implementation, and conflict resolution.
Customize their coaching to the unique needs of each office of municipal leaders.
Expected Outcomes:
Mayors will lead with clarity and confidence.
Municipalities transition from aid dependence to self-sufficiency.
Strengthened public trust in governance.
Financial & Governance Strengthening
Haiti Outreach Coaches:
Help implement RACI (Responsible, Authority, Collaborate, Inform) models for effective decision-making.
Coach mayors in finding funding, contract negotiations, and municipal systems infrastructure management.
Support policy advocacy to assist local authorities in formulating and implementing WASH policies that promote sustainability and inclusivity.
Expected Outcomes:
Local governments manage resources responsibly.
Municipalities establish sustainable funding models.
Stronger institutional governance at the municipal level.
Community Engagement & Public-Private Collaboration
Haiti Outreach Coaches:
Support mayors to implement civic engagement strategies so all community voices are heard.
Champion leaders to help them mobilize communities for infrastructure projects like water and sanitation.
Strengthen partnerships with government agencies (DINEPA), NGOs, and private sector for shared investment in WASH services.
Expected Outcomes:
Improved public services (clean water, sanitation, infrastructure).
More inclusive, participatory governance.
Increased collaboration between government, businesses, and civil society.
Data-Driven Decision-Making & Monitoring
Haiti Outreach Coaches:
Train leaders on how to utilize mWater and other tracking tools for real-time infrastructure performance.
Coach mayors in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) for evidence-based policymaking.
Assist municipal offices to establish measurable indicators to track governance and service improvements.
Collect and analyze community feedback to refine approaches.
Share lessons learned and best practices to improve future projects.
Expected Outcomes:
Municipalities implement data-backed policies.
Mayors make informed governance decisions.
The model is scaled nationwide for broader impact.
Capacity Building for Local Water & Sanitation Management
Haiti Outreach Coaches:
Support municipal offices by providing tools to conduct community assessments to determine optimal water and sanitation solutions.
Support municipal offices establish long-term maintenance and funding plans for infrastructure.
Provide training for local committees on WASH infrastructure maintenance.
Educate communities on financial sustainability, governance, and hygiene best practices.
Ensure community ownership and accountability in managing water services.
Expected Outcomes:
Communities independently manage WASH systems.
Improved hygiene practices and behavior change.
Strengthened local responsibility for water security.
Reliable access to safe drinking water and sanitation.
Financially self-sustaining WASH services.
Reduced incidence of waterborne diseases.
Impact
By providing multi-year coaching support and providing tools for effective leadership, financial management, and governance capacity of commune mayors while fostering collaborative partnerships, building local capacity, developing sustainable infrastructure, and implementing effective monitoring systems, Haiti Outreach aims to create self-sufficient municipalities that drive their own development. This comprehensive approach will transform Haiti into a nation where every citizen has access to safe drinking water, improved sanitation, and good hygiene practices, leading to stronger civic institutions, improved infrastructure, enhanced public health, economic development, and an overall better quality of life for the Haitian people.