Lesson
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The government advocacy component of the project was a useful follow-up to the training provided. However, in many cases, the meetings seemed provide only an initial opening for voicing concerns and then government representatives providing information on current activities. This is not engagement. There were exceptions, where more was accomplished, but it is apparent that what was critical was that the meetings actually took place. They represented the initial step, the opening, to what was expected to be a long-term dialogue. For this expectation to be realized, far more support and advice will be required, over a period of years, rather than months.