Capacity Building

20 Oct 2009

Nuffic implements programmes specifically aimed at strengthening the performance of individuals, organizations and institutions in developing countries or to help them develop their capacities by extending their expertise, know-how and skills.

The lack of advanced capacity is generally considered as an important restriction for socio-economic development.

The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs therefore finances a number of international education programmes for a number of developing countries with capacity development as the main objective.

Nuffic manages these programmes. They read: NFP, NPT and NICHE.

  • NFP is a scholarship programme with three modalities: scholarships to take part in selected international accessible short courses, master degree programmes and PhD studies conducted by Dutch institutions. NFP focuses on education and training of mid career staff in 61 countries, which should lead to capacity building within their organizations, whether public, private sector or non-governmental.
  • NPT aims to strengthen the capacity of post-secondary education and training organizations in 14 countries, but is now being phased out.
  • NICHE aims to strengthen institutional capacity in 22 developing countries for institutions and organizations providing post-secondary education and training. The programme focuses on selected sectors, areas and themes agreed upon by local authorities and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The NFP and NICHE programmes, launched in 2009, pay special attention to Sub-Saharan Africa, gender and the needs of the labour market.

The actual knowledge and skills transfer and capacity building is achieved by providing courses, training and education to individuals, and through specific projects with partner organizations in participating countries.

Nuffic awards grants to Dutch institutions for the NFP scholarships holders who do their studies with them. Under the NICHE programme, Nuffic awards grants to both Southern and Dutch NICHE project implementing organizations.