June 12th, 2026
What we mean by ‘locally led’
What do we mean when we say we are a locally led charity?
International Needs (IN) Uganda Water Team, 2024
Being locally led means: local people lead the work.
The people making decisions are from the communities and countries where the projects take place. They understand the local culture, challenges and opportunities better than anyone else.
Such as Dr Gerald Naluwairo, the leader of IN Uganda, who you can get to know a little better through this interview on YouTube:
Dr Gerald Naluwairo, International Needs Uganda
Better still, you can also meet Dr Gerald Naluwairo and the former Executive Director of IN Uganda, Revd. Justus Miwanda, at our Zoom event on 9 July at 7pm, where they will reflect on the theme of legacy.
Register here: Online Event: Justus Miwanda and Legacy
IN Uganda Water Team testing the local water sources
Being locally led means: we’re about equal partnership.
Local leaders have a vision for their community, we work to resource it.
For example, discover in detail Naren Dharmanandan’s water and livelihoods programme vision for IN Sri Lanka via this project video:
Naren, ED of IN Sri Lanka, 2025
We’re part of a global family.
International Needs UK is one member of a worldwide network of 30+ International Needs organisations working together as equal partners.
As described by Edmond Vanderpuye, International Needs is unique in its commitment to “empowering nationals to serve in their own countries.” Hear Edmond, General Secretary of the IN Network, discuss this distinctive model in the video below:
Why are we genuinely excited about International Needs?
IN Network in Kenya, 2025
Local leaders know local needs.
Our partners develop programmes that respond to the specific needs of their communities.
One example is International Needs Burkina Faso’s work with internally displaced children attending La Bonne Nouvelle School. Many of these students had experienced significant trauma after being forced to flee their homes, making it difficult for them to concentrate and engage in lessons.
In response, IN Burkina Faso developed a tailored Trauma Care Programme to support the children’s emotional recovery. Activities such as gardening played an important role, providing a familiar and therapeutic outlet for many students who came from farming backgrounds.
IN Burkina Faso does outreach to displaced families, 2025
Rooted in Christian values.
Our partnership is built on mutual respect, dignity, servant leadership, and a shared commitment to seeing lives and communities transformed.
Through all we do, we seek to serve God and share the good news of Jesus.
IN Network in prayer, 2025
Why does this matter?
Crucially, the people leading our programmes understand the local context, culture and challenges firsthand.
For this reason, programmes are developed by our partners who know what works in their communities…
The result is more relevant support, stronger local ownership, and lasting impact.
Boniface (left) and Pastor Joshua smiling. Boniface was previously homeless, but is now a successful entrepreneur
Choose locally led.
Written by Zoë Atherton, Communications Officer at International Needs UK
