Address capacity gaps for partners so they can meaningfully collaborate. This is particularly relevant for partners from marginalized communities.​

• Needs Assessment: Identify specific training and capacity-building needs of all partners to ensure relevant and tailored programs. This could build on the strengths and weaknesses identified in the Specialism and Influence Review. Include skills development for influential stakeholders like community leaders, content creators, and media professionals. For example, a project decided to hold capacity building workshops with the print and broadcast media partners on the rationale for advocating sexuality education. ​
• Interactive Training Methods: Use role-plays, simulations, and group discussions to engage participants actively. Leverage media for sustainability, such as using a ‘train-the-trainer’ model to empower community leaders to train others.​
• Create an Inclusive Environment: Consider the skills and environment needed for young people, especially girls and women, to access the training and contribute meaningfully. This might include skills courses, platforms for their voices, childcare facilities, and prayer rooms for Muslim women.​
• Continuous Support and Follow-Up: Provide ongoing support after initial training sessions through regular check-ins, refresher courses, and access to additional resources.​
• Feedback Mechanisms: Establish systems for collecting and incorporating feedback from all partners to continuously improve training programs and address emerging needs.​
• Recognition and Incentives: Recognise and reward partners’ contributions to the training and capacity-building process to motivate continued engagement and collaboration.​
• Monitoring and Evaluation Training: Incorporate training on monitoring and evaluation to enable regular data collection.​
• Manage Expectations: Clearly communicate what capacity building will deliver, the duration of support, and the expected outcome.

The proposed capacity building can also form part of the engagement strategy to gain the buy-in of the chosen partner. ​