Sharper Donor Communication — Himalaya Relief Initiative
Session 1: What Donors Actually Read
Your level: B1
Today's goals
B1Can produce a clear, connected situation report describing programme progress and key challenges in plain, factual language.
B2Can write a focused donor situation report that leads with the key finding, supports it with evidence, and adjusts register for an external audience.
C1Can structure a recommendation-first donor report, controlling hedging and diplomatic phrasing to handle sensitive programme data concisely.
Activities
Un-bury the Recommendation
pairs same level · 25 min
Rewrite a sitrep opening so the recommendation leads, and cut the word count by 30%. Compare with a partner: did you keep the same meaning?
Your versionUse the sentence-frame card. Move the recommendation to sentence one and aim to cut 20%. A model first sentence is provided.
Hedge to Match the Data
pairs mixed · 20 min
You have a data card showing what the field team knows and doesn't. Rewrite four sentences so the hedging matches the data quality.
Your versionRewrite two sentences using the hedging-scale card (verified / likely / preliminary).
Language to use
Donor Communication Phrase Bank tap to reveal
Six phrases with gap-fill examples: 'The key finding this period is ___ households reached.' / 'We request approval for ___.'
Hedging Scale — Certainty to Uncertainty tap to reveal
Three bands only (verified / likely / preliminary) with one example each.
Practise speaking
Record yourself, then listen back. Nothing is uploaded — it stays on your phone.
Can you do it?
Before next time
Take a real (anonymised) sitrep and rewrite the opening so the key point comes first. Bring both versions.