Language Identity Culture Annual Report 2013
Introduction This is the Digni report to Norad for 2013. The report is divided into three main sections, covering the work of the secretariat, the project portfolio, and evaluation. The secretariat report is formatted according to the five abilities -framework. The portfolio report is formatted according to Digni s results framework, which was developed in 2012. In the report on evaluations carried out in 2013, a summary of key findings and Digni s follow-up is provided. An overview of all evaluations is attached to the report. The full report is based upon the agreement with Norad in Attachment 1 of the framework agreement. This year, the report is shorter than in previous years. This is according to our arrangement with Norad. Preparing an extensive report on results to Norad requires a lot of resources that may be used more efficiently for other purposes. Consequently, the present report focuses on examples/highlights, deviations and issues where dialogue with and feedback from Norad is appreciated. Digni welcomes feedback on the future formatting of the report. Lately, efforts have been made to gather numerical evidence of the development work, as well as of the grassroots support of Digni s member organizations in Norway. A report prepared by Frank-Ole Thoresen (Fjellhaug Internasjonale Høyskole), estimates that 300 000 people support the work of Digni and Norme s (the Norwegian Mission Council) members, fundraising as much as NOK 1, 3 billion every year for mission and aid. In the development context, numbers gathered from the annual project reports for 2013 indicate that more than 1 million people benefit directly from the work of Digni-projects, while 3 million people benefit indirectly. The actual numbers are likely to be higher, as many projects have not included this in their reports. Numbers do not tell the full story, but they do give an indication about the scale and reach of the work. In 2013, Digni has developed a new evaluation policy and a guideline for monitoring and evaluation, which is attached to this report. The new guidelines include more specific followup routines for Digni s members and for the Digni secretariat. Throughout 2013, Digni has held the ISO NS-EN ISO 9001:2008 certificate. Jørn Lemvik General Secretary Cover: Parkari girl addressing class in a multilingual education school, Pakistan. (Photo: Kåre Eriksen) 2
PART ONE: Secretariat 3
Introducing the five abilities All plans and reports of the Digni secretariat are formatted according to the «five abilities» results framework, which was adopted in connection with the new framework agreement with Norad for 2013-2017. The «five abilities» approach is a tool for assessing NGO capacity, which has been developed by Digni. The same model is applied when Digni conduct organizational reviews of members and partner organizations. The respective abilities to be, to organize, to relate, to do and to learn constitute the categories into which Digni s activities and goals are sorted. A full report on all the work of the secretariat is prepared for Digni s board, and is available upon request. The present report includes selected highlights, results and deviations (positive and negative). Additional information has been provided with regard to selected topics: The establishment of framework agreements with three member organizations, Digni s anticorruption work and Digni s response to the dire LGBT-situation in Africa and elsewhere. Added value Digni highlights the following added values of its work: Quality control: Digni s primary task is also its primary added value, namely to ensure the quality of the development work of the members and their partners. A two-way challenger: Digni are uniquely positioned in order to challenge «upwards» (decision makers, politicians) and «downwards» (the member organizations, their partners, and their grassroots). For example, Digni challenges Norad and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on anticorruption policies on behalf of its members (upwards), while Digni also advocates issues such as gender equality and climate change awareness to its members and their partners (downwards). PERSONNEL Number of employees: 13 (7 men, 6 women) or 12, 34 full-time equivalents Board members: 7 (5 men, 2 women) Sick leave: 137,38 full-time days or 4,02% of the total work hours Of which maternal/paternal leave: 47 full-time days 4
A learning node: As the management hub for 19 diverse member organizations working in nearly 40 countries, Digni is ideally positioned to facilitate mutual learning, cooperation and innovation on development work and organization. Network organization: Digni draws on large national and international networks, exchanging information and ideas and cooperating on issues of mutual interest. Faith-based and professional: The combination of a high professionalism and a deep understanding of religious mechanisms is a major asset, which enables Digni to understand, access, mobilize and challenge religious resources, and to translate and broker between secular bodies (states and governments, for example) and religious bodies (churches and church members, religious leaders etc). Strength and weaknesses Digni highlights the following strengths in the work of the secretariat: Solid and cost-efficient administration Solid follow-up on core activities Highly competent staff Innovation has been made a priority Good gender balance A good working environment Digni highlights the following weaknesses in the work of the secretariat: Difficult to integrate innovative efforts in the project management Too many activities, some of which are ad hoc Too many thematic focus areas ADMINISTRATION OF FUNDS Total funds administrated: NOK 180 990 000 Of which: Framework agreement NOK 160 000 000 Earmarked funding NOK 20 990 000 Administration costs: NOK 13 238 502, or 7,3 % Result: NOK 416 955 (the result is reallocated within the project portfolio) 5
The five abilities to be 1 The ability to be is a defining property of every organization. It includes the description of the organization s identity, strategies and operation. Digni s main goals: To strengthen the Christian identity and motivation base of the work. To secure funding for the development work. To build and consolidate competence in the secretariat and the Digni-chain. To maintain good public relations and build trust with decision makers Report: All staff members, as well as representatives from Digni s member organizations and the Danish Mission Council participated in an academic course on «international diakonia», tailored and facilitated by Diakonhjemmet Høyskole. This competence building initiative was strongly appreciated, although no Digni staff members wrote exams. This was mainly due to lack of time. Digni has successfully applied for a new framework agreement with Norad, although the budget increase was somewhat disappointing, falling around 40 million NOK short of the target. Digni and its members are capable of handling more funds, and evaluations generally confirm the quality of the work. The quality of the work is also frequently acknowledged by Norad. There were changes in staff: Heidi Holt Zachariassen was granted a one-year leave of absence as of August. Lars Olav Bøe was appointed in a temporary position. Arne Kjell Raustøl, a Digni-employee for 27 years, retired at the end of 2013. to organize 2 The ability to organize has to do with the organization s structure, management systems, routines and human resources management. Digni s main goals: To maintain ISO-standard quality systems and professional management of the project portfolio. To support members and partners through organizational reviews and leadership training To test the framework agreement system with three of the Digni members. To maintain constructive and efficient dialogue with member organizations. To run regular network meetings with members. To engage proactively in anticorruption work throughout the Digni-chain. To maintain a good workplace. 6
Report: Regional network meetings were held in Bolivia and Thailand. These meetings have proven very popular and provide Digni with a good platform to meet and discuss development policies and regional challenges with the members and their partners. Two members signed framework agreements with Digni in 2013: The Norwegian Mission Alliance (NMA) and The Norwegian Missionary Society (NMS). Norwegian Lutheran Mission signed on in 2014. See special report for more information. Digni, with the assistance of BDO, has developed an «integrity channel» for reporting suspicions of and actual cases of corruption. The system was due to be launched in December 2013, but was postponed as an application for the handling of sensitive data is being processed by The Norwegian Data Protection Authority. See box for more information. Health examinations of all staff members were carried out in 2013. Digni s work environment was deemed to be «exceptionally good«. 3 to relate The ability to relate has to do with the organization s internal and external communication. Digni s main goals: To enlighten the general public on global issues and development work. To strengthen Digni s brand. To advocate decision makers on development policies and funding. To build a good communication culture within the Digni-network. Report: Digni has become much more visible in the media and in the political landscape over the last couple of years. In 2013, Digni set a new media record, averaging more than 2, 5 hits per week in national print media. No surveys have been conducted to measure Digni s standing with decision makers or the general public. Digni is working to make its information and lobby agenda more strategic in the future. After Digni entered a framework agreement with Norad on support for information work, the political work of Digni has been boosted. So far, the focus has primarily been on religion and development, but Digni are engaging in a number of other issues as well. The political mandate, however, is a bit unclear, and subject to increasing (political) discussions between Digni, Digni s board and the member organizations. A survey conducted together with NORME (The Norwegian Mission Council) estimates grassroots numbers of the Digni and NORME members at about 300.000 people in Norway. 1 More can and should be done to mobilize and serve this sector on developmentrelated issues. At the same time, it shows that there is a strong grassroots support behind the development work of Norwegian mission societies and churches. Digni has, together with the UN Inter Religious task force, planned a consultation on Religion and the new millennium goals. The consultation will take place in 2014. 1. Medlemsstatistikk for Digni og Norme, 2012: http://www.digni.no/newsread/news.aspx?docid=10803 7
to do 4 The ability to do has to do with the organization s ability to carry out planned activities and reach the set objectives. Digni s main goals: To follow up the implementation of three cross-cutting issues: gender, conflict sensitivity and environment in Digni, member organizations and partners To follow up the project portfolio and report thematically according to nine categories Report: The cross-cutting issue of environment is followed up through a competence building program run by NMS (which will conclude in 2014), while gender work builds on the Women Empowerment and Gender Equality program (2007-2011). With regard to conflict sensitivity, several Do No Harm-courses have been offered in Norway and abroad in collaboration with The Norwegian Ecumenical Peace Platform, and a new peace and conflict policy has been adopted. While all member organizations are required to report specifically on crosscutting issues, Digni is concerned that measures to follow up on these matters are too weak. Lack of time and a clear plan, as well as changes in assigned staff (environment, gender) are key factors in this regard. The thematic division of the work functions well and the follow-up of the project portfolio is carried out according to plan. A major ongoing initiative is the Digni s global learning evaluation on rights and faith, which was initiated in 2013 and will conclude in 2014. Another major project involves the collection of articles for a book documenting Digni s experiences and advice related to education in development work. The project was initiated in 2013, and the book will be published in 2014. Some initiatives have been postponed due to lack of capacity. These involve the establishment of a task force working with «religious health assets», as well as a group working on the role of the church in civil society development. Digni, together with Norme and the Egede Institute, organized a conference on power and partnership, looking at the working relationships between organisations in the Digni s ongoing evaluation on rights and faith is carried out by a team consisting of Elsa Døhlie and Hans Morten Haugen of Diakonhjemmet (back) and Shamim Meer, an independent consultant from South Africa (front). (Photo: Digni archive) 8
global North and the global South. The conference is being documented in a book (to be published in 2014) Digni s 30th anniversary celebrations were held in November. The occasion was marked with the release of the anthology Avstandsforhold (Luther forlag) - see below. 5 to learn The ability to learn has to do with the organization s ability to develop. Innovation, learning and the sharing of experience are crucial factors. Digni s main goals: To carry out evaluations and organization reviews and act upon the recommendations. To further develop and advocate the concern with religion and development. To build national and international networks. To stimulate innovation throughout the Digni-chain. Report: Religion and development: Digni continues to prioritize this issue, and has been advocating the agenda at national and international levels. While the need to understand and reckon with religion in development is now accepted by most development actors, there are few concrete examples of shifting policies and activities. The issue receives scant political backing. Digni will continue to challenge on religion and development. A suggested mapping of competence and experiences on religion and development in Digni s member organization has not been carried out due to lack of staff capacity. Coordination of development efforts: Challenged by Digni, Norad has launched a project to investigate better coordination of development initiatives (multilateral and bilateral aid, support through civil society organizations). Digni has organized the Transforming development. Restoring human dignity network where African church leaders meet to discuss their role in the development of their society. In 2013-14 this network will be transferred to the World Council of Churches. The anthology Avstandsforhold was released to mark Digni s 30th anniversary. It features a collection of essays, portraits and stories with contributions from, among other, Thomas Hylland Eriksen, Geir Gulliksen, Erik Solheim, Sunniva Gylver, Eyvind Skeie, Jørn Lemvik and Ellen Merete Wilkens Finnseth. The anthology, which focuses on the dignity in the relation between people in the North and the South, was edited by Kåre Eriksen and Hans Ivar Stordal. 9
Extra funding from Digni to members 2013 Competence building programs Digni has three major ongoing competence building programs for members and partners. In 2013 the Mental Health as well as the Environmental Competence building program has been carried out according to plan. 2014 is their final year and the results from these competence building processes will be reported on in the 2014 annual report. In this report Digni wants to just highlight some of the preliminary results from the third program Use Your Talents. It is a program that seeks to mobilize voluntarism, local human resources, networking and the Congregation as a Primary Development Agent. Led by the Norwegian Mission Society (NMS), the program involves four churches in Africa and their Norwegian co-operating partners. Study tours have been organised to Ethiopia, Madagascar and Zimbabwe, where experiences, skills and knowledge have been shared and discussed. The NMS reports that it is amazing to see how church members embrace the Use your talents -concept and explore their own potential of being part of the development work in their own community. The visit has helped us to see the voluntary work in a new perspective, to value it and to recognise it as very important, one synod president in Ethiopia said. So far, the main results are increased awareness of the church member s potential for development work and reports from the study tours. In 2015, the process is expected to result in a model for community development work within a church context. Extra million Digni gives the members an opportunity to apply for a small sum (max NOK 150 000) during the year from the extra million pot. This funding has some guidelines and principles and cover initiatives that come up during the year which may have been difficult to plan for a year in advance. This is also an opportunity for Digni members to apply for funds for more ad hoc initiatives. In 2013, nine members applied for extra funding. The thematic focus varied from organizing anti-corruption courses, competence building initiatives, organizational evaluations, impact assessments and feasibility studies. More detailed reports on the results from these grants are available upon request. Special report I: Digni and the LGBT-issue The LGBT-issue has received increasing attention in development work during the last years, especially owing to recent developments in Uganda. Digni has not been actively engaged in this debate, as homosexuality is considered a sensitive theological issue among most Digni members and their partners. Digni cannot take a role as the organization who decides on theological issues among its members. However, punishment and harassment for being homosexual is unacceptable no matter which theology is being preached. Digni has therefore engaged more actively in the debate during 2013. Two articles has been published in two different Norwegian newspapers, presenting the view that punishment and other offensive actions against LGBT-people are unacceptable. The issue has also been discussed in various networks and fora where Digni is represented. At the same time, Digni challenges its members to lift the issue and discuss how the members and partners practically are dealing with the theological issue of homosexuality as well as how the organizations and churches relate to homosexuals. Digni has also planned to open up the discussion on homosexuality in its upcoming General Assembly (2014), and in network meetings with members and their partners. So far there are not many visible results of the work. At the same time, there have 10
not been negative reactions from members, in fact, some of them have appreciated the fact that Digni is lifting the issue. Special report II: Framework agreements The framework agreement between Digni and its two member organizations, the Mission Alliance (NMA) and the Norwegian Mission Society (NMS), was put into practice on January 1st, 2013. At the end of the year, the Digni Board also approved the application from the Norwegian Lutheran Mission (NLM). Digni s intention with introducing framework agreements was to improve the quality of the work by bringing decision making closer to the development work itself, and to release some capacity for competence building in the Digni chain. This way of organizing the work also opened for a possibility to reduce the running cost of the Digni secretariat. The Digni secretariat partly managed to reduce its running cost as its administration percentage was reduced from 8 % to 7 %. But the expected increased capacity for competence building failed the first year of practice. Less time was spent handling applications and reports. However, implementation of the framework agreement implied practical issues that had to be dealt with. Although guidelines were put in place to follow up routines, systems and procedures, Digni s new role and responsibility were not as clear as in the beginning. Hence, Digni put some effort into finding the balance between letting go of control and securing enough information to assure accountability towards itself and Norad. The NMA and the NMS have highly appreciated the possibility of making their own priorities and the flexibility to finalize dialogues with partners about new project periods. This has led to a better flow between timing of planning and implementation of projects. One of the organizations also experienced an increased internal awareness on risk analysis. But the organizations also faced challenges. One had spent more capacity than expected on implementing the new routines. The others found it challenging to move from external deadlines, that Digni used to set up, towards internal ones. This has required more self-awareness and discipline than before. The framework agreements have required new ways of communication, information sharing, format for thematic plans and reports, budget and financial reports, and a new understanding of roles and responsibilities between Digni and the organizations. The learning aspect has been emphasized throughout the process. In spite of confusion and frustrations, Digni and the three organizations all managed to agree upon an annual cycle and ways of working at the end of the year. Special report III: Digni s anticorruption work Anti-corruption course: One of the most effective preventive measures that Digni has taken was the development of a grass root course on anti-corruption. Since its launch in 2011, it has been used by Digni members, other organisations in Norway, in Europe and among the partners in the global south. These are now training their staff, other organisations, including governmental ones, NGOs and churches. One university in Senegal has included the course in its curriculum. In 2013, we discovered some areas that needed revising. Wycliffe is now developing a third version together with Digni and representatives from the global south. It is expected to be finalised in December 2014 and launched in 2015. Advocacy work: In 2013, Digni spent much time following up financial mismanagement cases. The processes of handling such cases have increased the awareness on financial mismanagement within the Digni-chain. However, we are still questioning whether or not the present Norwegian government s regulations and implementation of the zero tolerance policy are preventing mismanagements. Digni has had many constructive meetings and an 11
open dialogue with Norad and The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the issue. As part of its advocacy role, Digni will continue to raise these difficult questions. Our aim is to minimise the risk of financial and non-financial mismanagement. Digni s Integrity Channel: During 2013 Digni developed a whistle-blower system involving an external agency, the BDO Forensic, previously G-partner, for both financial and non financial mismanagement. Digni has a framework agreement with BDO running until June 2015. The whistle-blower system, now named Digni s Integrity Channel, was developed by Digni, its members and BDO. It was planned launched on the UN international day of anticorruption in December. This didn t happen as Digni was still awaiting approval from The Norwegian Data Protection Authority at the end of the year. The Integrity channel was discussed at one of our network meetings, with about 50 participants from Digni s member organisations and their partners working in Africa. Most of the participants were reluctant to the implementation of the system. They were concerned about the whistle-blower if the person s identity happened to be revealed, as social sanctions could be the result and that his or her livelihood, reputation, and the family s security could be at risk. Also, many were afraid that the system could be misused to accuse an innocent person for some personal reason. Some participants also emphasized that there is a strong culture of malicious rumours in many African countries. One participant said: If you really want to support us; help us developing good systems and routines in our organisations to prevent corruption and abuse. As long as we receive financial support, you will cover the expense related to BDO and the investigations. When the project has phased out, how shall we cover the cost for such a system? The partners have already internal routines for handling financial and non-financial mismanagement. Therefore, Digni has chosen to postpone the launch of the Integrity Channel and will spend more time to consider how to deal with this issue. More cooperation and input from Norad Digni appreciates the good dialogue and cooperation with Norad. The frequent informal meetings we have are useful and ensure that we are always up to date on different processes and cases that we are working on. During application and reporting times these meetings are especially important. In addition to the regular meetings regarding the followup of the agreement with Norad, Digni would welcome concrete input and cooperation on some specific issues. As mentioned in the report, Digni is trying to stay up-to-date on LGBT issues and want to work more on this in the future. We would like to have a dialogue and cooperation with Norad on this difficult issue. Digni has been working on financial mismanagement and prevention of corruption the past few years. In this regard, Digni would like more cooperation with Norad, for example on the possibilities of spreading the grass root anti-corruption course beyond Digni members. The course has had very good results in many different geographical contexts and it would be interesting to see if this is something Norad also could use with other partners. Digni s integrity channel has not been launched yet due to some clarifications and approvals that need to be sorted out. Digni would like to have a closer dialogue and input from Norad on how to deal with a whistle-blower system in a good and sensitive way, especially towards partners. Experiences that Norad may share on this, also in relation to other partners that Norad has, would be very interesting for Digni. We believe that a whistle-blowing system is necessary, but at the same time we must take into consideration the views and concerns from our partners. 12
PART TWO: Portfolio13
Overleaf: Belinesh Benti of Bila, Ethiopia, displays the goats she has herded as part of a cooperative. (Photo: Sigbjørn Kiserud) Introduction This part of the report covers Dignis Result Based Management Framework. The framework is divided into nine thematic areas with subsequent focus areas and outcome levels. In 2013, due to feedback from Dignis members, the framework was adjusted slightly. Microfinance is now replaced with Productive Sector where microfinance is included. People with disabilities, which were previously not included in the framework, have been included under Human Rights and Rights Based Approach. This section also includes a short report on the cross cutting themes and the main results from the earmarked funding that Digni received for 2013. 1. CROSS-CUTTING THEMES Conflict Sensitivity There is an increased awareness on conflict sensitivity as a cross cutting issue. Changes that we see is that projects report that important factors such as ethnicity, religious differences and cultural awareness are taken into account when planning and implementing projects. This awareness is contributing to a conflict sensitive approach to development. Do No Harm trainings have strengthened the conflict sensitive approach by providing capacity building and practical tools, but Digni would like to see more conflict analysis being conducted. Conflict sensitivity in planning and reporting has been strengthened after Digni made this a cross cutting theme. Digni also detects that more of Dignis members have conflict sensitivity as a cross cutting theme and that there is an increased focus on this. However; Digni would like to see more results reported on the effects of conflict sensitive efforts and more information and analysis on the effect the projects may have on conflicts. KEY STATISTICS PORTFOLIO Thematic distribution Geographic distribution Education South America Health, HIV/AIDS West Africa Civil society (integrated projects) East Africa Rural development South Asia Human rights East Asia Peace and conflict Southeast Asia 2013 Gender Other 2013 Other 14
Environment Climate changes and ecologic crisis are threatening the global demographic and natural environment. Consequently, the consciousness of environmental issues is increasing among Dignis members, working on the grass-root level. Five members have developed their own cross-cutting environmental strategies. The focus and participation in Klimavalg 2013 has enhanced the environmental engagement, even for organizations not dealing with particular environmental projects. A competence building project, involving south partners, member organizations and Digni secretariat, has been working on a joint theological and technical approach to support the focus on environmental issues. All human activity leaves an ecological footprint and the reports show small, but important steps facing the challenge to reduce it. Environmentally-friendly materials, techniques and services are to be taken into consideration in planning and implementation in all projects. Nevertheless, given the timeframe and severity of the threat, Digni would like to see an even broader engagement for environmental issues, attitudes penetrating all activities and releasing good, evidence-based projects. Gender sensitivity Gender sensitivity as a cross cutting theme has definitely experienced an increased awareness with Dignis members and their partners. Projects are reporting a high level of focus on gender equality in trainings, as members of committees, in leadership positions (in churches as well as communities) and as members of staff in the projects. Gender equality is taken into account as objectives of activities which is an important development. Changes that we see is a much stronger awareness on domestic violence and many projects include trainings, advocacy campaigns and capacity building among men and women on this issue. Also, women are becoming more effective participants in community development and are speaking up and voicing their opinions. Equality in participation and including girls and women in leadership trainings are starting to show results. Gender is a cross cutting theme in the portfolio and Digni can see that policies are developed and gender analysis are conducted more often now than before. 4 000 000 Estimated number of people benefitting directly or indirectly from Digni projects 1 000 000 Estimated number of direct beneficiaries 3 000 000 Estimated number of indirect beneficiaries Icons by www.freepik.com 15
2. THEMATIC REPORTS 2.1 Education GOAL: Partner organizations are actively participating in securing qualitative education for all. Main focus areas Quality education Aim: There is a stronger local ownership to education. Teachers are well educated. Contextualized alternative pedagogical solutions are developed. Inclusive education has been incorporated in educational institutions Values Aim: Improved understanding of values in educational institutions towards children s rights, environment, ethics, and gender. Report In Digni s portfolio, 50 projects report educational components. All projects aim at qualitative education for all, meaning achievement of defined targets based on the students individual needs, resources and abilities. The most important elements reported are: Projects report much improvement with regard to pedagogical methods 1, based on the need of each individual student. For example, in Vietnam, the quality of teaching has improved through training of teachers in various teaching methods. The teaching is now more focused towards the student s individual needs and the interaction between student and teacher has increased. 1 These aspects are becoming more fundamental in the training of trainers, focusing on the value of the students resources. Increased local ownership, especially building parents competence as key stakeholders for the students and their relation to the teacher and the school management. Development of adapted pedagogical materiel on local language. For example, in Bolivia, educational texts are developed and published in Quechua. 2 Improved infrastructure, like buildings, classrooms adopted for disabled students, inventories etc. As faith-based organizations, values in education are fundamental. Reports state that training of trainers has got increased focus on inclusive methods and each child s right to participate in training adapted to their individual situation and potential. In Pakistan, focus on human rights, advocacy for marginalized peoples and involvement/accountability of parents have been central ingredients in the process of establishing 53 new schools involving more than 2300 students in 2013. 3 Training of 300 teachers in moral and civics in Mozambique has contributed to better exam-results and reducing drop-outs. 4 In Palestine, the schools also play an important role in processes of democratization, as well as peace and reconciliation in conflict areas. 5 In Madagascar, increased environmental focus on activities like school gardens, fish farming, building good latrines, conserving clean surroundings in the school area give the students practical skills regarding the environment and its importance for the local community. 6 Equal access to education Aim: Increased enrolment of girls in school and decreased dropout Girls participation and their drop-out from education is a particular concern for all educational projects. 10 schools in Mozambique report radical reduction of drop-out and pregnancy among young girls (>40%). 7 In Cambodia, localization of schools, safety, parent s engagement, local teachers and mate- 1. QZA-12/0763-138-140 NMA- Development Project, Vietnam, Annual report (among others) 2. QZA-12/0763-52 NLM Pedagogical Improvement Project (PI) Annual Report 2013 3. QZA-12/0763-187/188 WYC-KCDA and PCDP, Annual reports 2013 4. QZA-12/0763-175 PYM-MDI Secondary school, Mozambique, Annual report 2013 5. QZA-12/0763-9 DELF-Conflict Transformation in the Palestinian Areas, Annual report 6. QZA-12/0763-146-149 NMS-Malagasy integrated development program, Annual report 7. QZA-12/0763-175 PYM-MDI secondary school, Mozambique, Annual report 16
Equal access to education (cont.) rates, increased access to adult literacy classes for women. Persons with disabilities have access to qualitative education. rials in local languages increase the access to and duration of education for girls. 8 In order to ensure higher education for students from minority groups, especially girls, support to study centers and engaging instructors at community level are reported from India. 9 Organizations are reporting on increased participation of women in literacy classes and vocational training. The availability and training of competent, local female trainers is crucial. 10 There is an increased awareness and expansion of inclusion of students with disabilities in existing education structures. Reported from a project in China, rehabilitation and education of leaders have nearly doubled the participation of disable children in the public school. 11 Trained teachers with a holistic approach, development of adequate pedagogical material and facilitation of infrastructure is crucial. 8. QZA-12/0763-131-135 NMA-Community Transformation in Rural Cambodia, Annual report 9. QZA-12/0763-163 NOR-Socio-Economic Empowerment, India, Annual report 10. QZA-12/0763-44-45 KMM-Ker Yaakar, Senegal, Annual report 11. QZA-12/0763-120 NMA- Holistic Habilit. for Children with CP, Annual report Based on numbers in the 2013 project reports: 2 200 000 34 858 people are benefitting from Digni-programs with education components students have been helped or enrolled 1 747 9 317 teachers have been trained or helped financially students have attended literacy classes Icons by www.freepik.com Pakistan: Animator and former teacher Vershi Parmar lines up together with two former students, Poonam Bai and Meenawati Shomlo. Both are now teachers in local Parkari villages. When girls nears puberty, they are normally not allowed to attend class with male teachers. Training female teachers are therefore crucial in order to ensure education for girls. (Photo: Kåre Eriksen) 17
2.2 Health and HIV/AIDS GOAL: Health and quality of life for poor and marginalized communities have been improved through better access and quality of health care. Main focus areas Preventive health care Aim: The target population has knowledge of and access to preventive health care. Prevalence of malnutrition, HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria and diarrhea is reduced as a result of the project intervention Water, sanitation and hygiene Aim: The target population have access to clean drinking water and basic sanitation Report Education sessions have been conducted with focus on immunization, HIV/AIDS, nutrition, malaria, TB, diarrhea, sexually transmitted diseases, family planning, child abuse and health rights. Health check-ups in schools have been conducted and the general health status in most project areas is gradually improving. In Ethiopia, this was ensured through focus given on training of health extension workers to mobilize the community, make initial assessment of symptoms and treat locally. 1 Further complicated health issues were registered, and referred to nearby health centers or hospitals. In Uganda, it has been reported that increased income for parents involved in income generating activities training, is resulting in improved parental responsibility (medical care, good nutrition, school fees, clothing). 2 Several projects report on better access to clean water, better awareness of how to prevent infection and diseases, and how they have improved their sanitation and hygiene. In Cambodia, latrine practices have drastically improved in the target group since the project started. The baseline survey conducted in November 2013, found an average of 36% of households in new and old target villages had access to improved toilets. In the initial project baseline, the number of households using latrines in the target area was only 10%. 3 In Ethiopia, better access to drinking water resulted in more community settlement and reduced water borne-diseases. This also indirectly helped to reduce school drop-outs. 4 Child and maternal health Aim: Mortality rates, especially related to maternal mortality and children under five mortality rate are decreasing. Number of trained birth attendants is increasing. Men and women have improved awareness of and access to safe, effective, affordable and acceptable methods of fertility regulation of their choice. In Ethiopia, reduced maternal and neonatal mortality rates have been reported. The birth registration shows a marked reduction in the maternal mortality rates over the last years, from about 500 to 200 per 100.000. 5 The reduction in maternal mortality is associated with an increase in the use of trained birth attendants. Other projects also report on increased level of immunizations, and improved awareness of effective family planning matters. An important contribution to reduce HIV has been workshops for traditional midwives with training on how to protect themselves and take the necessary care needed during delivery related to HIV/AIDS, and volunteers actively engaged in follow up of pregnant women who are HIV positive. The projects engaged in mother/child health report on a gradual decrease of mortality for both groups. 1. QZA-12/0763-65 NLM-Reducing Maternal Mortality (RMM), Annual Report 2013 2. QZA-12/0763-180, PYM-Women Against HIV and AIDS, Annual Report 2013 3. QZA-12/0763-131-135, NMA-Community Transformation in Rural Cambodia, Baseline survey Nov.2013 and Annual Report 2013 4. QZA-12/0763-58, NLM-Filtu Food Security Project (FFSP) and QZA-12/0763-59-62, NLM-Raytu Comm. Dev. Project (RCDP). An nual reports 2013 5. QZA-12/0763-65 NLM-Reducing Maternal Mortality (RMM), Annual Report 2013 18
Mental health Aim: People have increased awareness of and access to basic treatment related to mental health. Targeted health institutions have improved knowledge of mental health issues and provide quality services. In Nepal, the right based approach has continued securing the law and human rights in collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission. National Mental Health Network-Nepal advocated the establishment of a mental health unit in the Ministry of Health and facilitated an interaction program to formulate mental health legislation. 6 Other projects also report on training of health personnel in mental health issues, and thousands of mentally ill persons have been treated. Increased awareness of domestic violence and the issue of mental health connected to victims from violent conflicts have gained more focus. HIV/AIDS Aim: Improved quality of life for people living with or affected by HIV and AIDS Some of the main outcomes of the HIV/AIDS projects are reduction of stigma, empowerment of people living with HIV/AIDS, and increased awareness and prevention. Projects have provided care and support, help to access necessary health services for ARV medications, and support schemes are often available from government sources. 6. QZA-12/0763-42, HP-Mainstreaming Mental Health in Nepal through Self Advocacy, Annual Report 2013 Protected well committee in Western Ethiopia. These local villagers were chosen to project manage the building and purification of a new well near Gidami. Previously, the well was used by livestock as well as people. As a consequence, the water was dirty. After the well was built water-borne diseases are far less prevalent among the people in the village. The committee continues to overlook and maintain the well (QZA- 12/0763-144, NMS-Ethiopian Integrated Rural Development Project). Photos: Kåre Eriksen 19
2.3 Peace and reconciliation GOAL: Local communities, faith communities and relevant stakeholders participate actively for sustainable peace, reconciliation, conflict prevention and conflict transformation. Main focus areas Peacebuilding Aim: Stakeholders, including women and youth, at all levels, actively participating in peacebuilding initiati ves. Reconciliation and trauma healing Aim: Building capacities and mobilizing participation among important stakeholders in reconciliation and trauma healing initiatives. Conflict prevention Aim: Conflict related to resource management are identified and reduced through dialogue and cooperation. Report We detect that the support through civil society organisations working to strengthen different groups, through income generating activities or community conversations, are also contributing to promote peacebuilding. In India (Assam), a focus on different ethnic groups actively participating in intercommunity dialogues to build trust and understanding resulted in the community groups choosing not to engage in conflicts, but to promote peace and protecting other ethnic group s possessions and assets when they had to flee due to conflict. 1 Supporting peace structures in the local communities help promote sustainable peace, for example through the inclusion of community based organisations for the elders, youth, widows and indigenous groups, ensuring that they all have a voice on the issues that are related to their communities and that they feel included, also in different decision making bodies. In 2013, the Mbanga Peace agreement in Kenya has been followed up and distribution of power has been secured by the elder s council and 821 youths participated in interethnic dialogues for peace. 2 The focus on women and youth and including all groups and stakeholders in the trainings and workshops that are held helps to minimize conflicts. A result of these trainings is that the individual s awareness of trauma has increased. In Nepal, 3 578 people attended capacity building meetings related to family violence and 200 cases of family violence and discrimination was mediated at the local level free of charge. 3 The last five years 600 men and women have gone through a trauma healing program in Kenya and many are still involved in support groups initiated by the project. 4 Conflict sensitive approaches are contributing to conflict prevention in many projects. In Lake West diocese in Kenya, an early warning conflict management response system was developed. This has reduced the recurring conflicts on boundaries, land and cattle theft. They now respond and mediate conflicts before they escalate. 5 In Mali, because of the recent conflict, the communal pastoral area has not been available. Therefore, some resource management activities have not been carried out. 6 1. QZA-12/0763-163 NOR Final Evaluation Socio-Economic Empowerment India 2. QZA-12/0763-173 PYM Rights and Peace for Development Program Annual report 3. QZA-12/0763-39 HP Integrated Peacebuilding Project Annual report 4. QZA-12/0763-173 PYM Rights and Peace for Development Program Annual report 5. QZA-12/0763-92 NLM Peace and Reconciliation Project External Evaluation Report 2013 6. QZA-12/0763-153 NMS Integrated Program, Mopti region Annual Report 2013 20
2.4 Productive sector GOAL: Poor people are able to develop income generating activities, and have a better standard of living. Main focus areas Microfinance Aim: Social profile: Average loans sizes are suitable for the target population. Percentage of women clients is high. Growth: Number of clients and total portfolio size will reach the required level to secure sustainability. Quality of the Fund: Portfolio at Risk (PAR) is low. Impact of the loans: Ensure loans have a positive impact on the welfare of the client. Loan and savings groups Aim: The target group has access to lump sums of money to generate productive initiatives and respond to major needs of the household. The poorest segment of the target group has access to the saving groups. Income generating activites Aim: Households in urban and rural areas have increased income. Percentage of women who participate in economic activities to generate income to the household is high Agricultural income generation and productivity Aim: The target population generates increased yield and income from their agricultural production and crops. Report In Vietnam, a 32.2% growth in the portfolio was reported. Quality of debt service is still maintained at an excellent level, with a repayment rate of more than 99%. The number of clients starting in 2013 was 27 719, the final number of clients was 32 321. The connection between resource centers for inclusive education development and Mekong Organization of Microfinance has been set to provide further support for children with disability and their family for better inclusion. 1 In Liberia, Diaconia MDI took the first steps towards becoming a microfinance deposit taking Institution (MDI). It was decided to start as an MDI to be able to both offer loans and deposits to the clients. Financial services will be offered to the clients at a lowest possible cost without compromising the financial viability of the MDI. 2 Raytu Community Development Project have worked with the community to ensure access to collective credit facilities through the District Saving & Credit Office. The project facilitated for the cooperatives to become legally registered and known to the District Saving & Credit Officers. After this process, the District Office took over responsibility to ensure the cooperatives access to further borrowing from the Saving & Credit Bank once their own capital had reached a certain level.many poor and low-income women have organized themselves in centers and they continue to grow and expand. Many have also increased cash security by opening bank accounts. The groups were not founded only for credit and saving, but also for enhancing women s access to health, regulations and law, sanitation and hygiene and decision making process. 829 of the groups have in 2013 increased cash security, by opening bank accounts. 3 These activities are yielding results mostly on a grassroots level. Extra income is for example used to install electricity or to help children with educational support. The group members share knowledge and business ideas. This strengthens their organisational skills as well as increasing their income and creates new market opportunities. In Madagascar, during the last five years, 890 new income generating activities have started in 342 associations with a total membership of 2545 women and 1079 men. 4 These project activities have played a great influence in people s household income. Several projects are working specifically on agricultural income generation and productivity; some results may overlap with the aim of securing livelihood (see 2.6 Environment). In these projects, much training is conducted with the aim of increasing farm production. In addition, new income opportunities are created by introducing new livestock, trees and plants and learning new techniques for processing food. Networking with other farmers has been used as a method to learn from the good practices and agricultural techniques of master farmers. It is also reported that extra income release and prevent land mortgage. 1. QZA-12/0763-138-140 NMA-Development Project, Vietnam, Annual Report 2013 2. QZA-12/0763-137 NMA-Microfinance in Liberia, Annual Report 2013 3. QZA-12/0763-59-62 NLM-Raytu Comm. Dev. Project (RCDP), Annual Report 2013 4. QZA-12/0763-146-149 NMS-Malagasy Integrated Rural Development Program (phase II) Annual Report 2013 21