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[C o n t e n t s ]
3 Discussions Held on the 70/30 Directive
Any Regulation policy should take into account the state of civil society emergency,development and growth so that it does not deter this fragile sector
Peter Heaney
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Bizuwork Ketete
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Dorkas Aid International Graduates 20 Trainees
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Inherited Generosity
4 Status of MDGs inEthiopia
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15 Years of Activism by the Forum for Environment
Ato Ephrem Alamerew
Ato Yonas Geberu |1
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Looking Back on the Results of One Year of Work Publisher Amicus Media Promotion and Communication P.L.C Akaki Kaliti sub city/wereda 02/ kebele 01/03/H.N 862 Tel.0115526769/0911228115/ P.O.Box 121525 Printing Rela Printing press 0118503232
Managing Editor Berhane Berhe Tel.0911 66 35 65 E-mail ezana_7@yahoo.com
Editor in Chief
Zelealem Wadaj Akaki kaliti sub city wereda 01H.N. 588 Tell-0911382875 E-mail
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Muhaz has been in publication for one year. During the past year, we have published twelve issues addressing topics relevant to our objectives. This was achieved through the support of various governmental and non-governmental organizations. The Charities and Societies Agency was particularly supportive in providing us with crucial information, responding to our inquiries and providing us with constructive critic of the magazine. We are thankful for the help and believe that this relationship will endure in the future. We would also like to express our gratitude to all organizations and individuals who have provided us with relevant facts and information to our questionnaires. As we have repeatedly stated, our core objective is to address issues relevant to charities and societies so that they could be strengthened to fulfill their role in development and democratic system building, both in a transparent and accountable manner, thus contributing to an enabling legal and operational framework. To this end, we have sought to bring to light those with exemplary experiences within the sector to share their good practices, presented the opinions of various individuals on the policy, legal and implementation issues and provided our audience with pertinent information on the sector. These activities were not undertaken without overcoming critical challenges. First and foremost is the reluctance on the part of most institutions and individuals in the sector to open up to inquiries and readiness for assistance. We have many ‘knowledgeable’ persons who are shrouded in the darkness of fear but managing to fuel hearsay. We wish them a measure of courage. There were also problems on our part among which the quality of the publication, timeliness and failing to come up with informative and mature article were the major ones. Another weakness pointed out by some of our readers is limited coverage of the problems in the sector in par with the coverage of the contributions of the sector. We believe this to be a valid comment. Yet, it should be noted that accomplishing that at this early stage of the magazine’s development is a very difficult task. Nevertheless, we have to perform to the best of our abilities endeavored to raise the major problems in the sector. We have now completed the first year and stand in the threshold of the second. We affirm our commitment to work with renewed vigor provided your support and cooperation persists. Have a good read!
Comments
I have seen that the magazine is prepared to facilitate the communication between civil society and the Agency and focuses on the activities of charities and societies. The ideas presented are excellent. It gives civic associations the opportunity to learn from each other and also gives government bodies a chance to see how we conduct our work. Since its work is one of facilitating exchange and communication, I believe the contributions of the magazine to be valuable. I would even opine that you should try to facilitate conditions and create strategies to enhance the readership of the magazine.
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Eprhem Alemerew Executive Director Forum for Environment
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Discussions Held on the 70/30 Directive Discussions were held on the 70/30 Directive on the 25th of October 2012 at the CCRDA Auditorium. The 73 foreign charities forming the membership of the consortium participated in the discussions organized by CCRDA. The aim of the discussions was to examine the performance of foreign charities in light of the 70/30 Directive, assess the impact of the directive on the activities of foreign charities, and discuss ideas leading to solutions. Various research and assessment reports on the issue were presented on the occasion and
thoroughly discussed by the participants. One of the research outputs presented was entitled “POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF THE 30/70 GUIDELINE OF THE ETHIOPIAN CHARITIES & SOCIETIES AGENCY- BASED ON A DESK STUDY”. According to the study, the major challenges and implications of the directive are: 1. Cost classification into administration and operation does not go in line with charities accounting standards and international practices; 2. Cost allocation period – higher administration costs in the
earlier and end of project life cycle which usually falls in more than one fiscal year; 3. Multi-cluster areas of operation of CSOs which do not exactly fit in specific cluster list under the 30/70 guideline; 4. Heavy burden on small and new CSOs as they may not have many projects to rely on to cover their administration costs; 5. Tendency to hire less competent and less qualified program and support staff due to the administration cost cap; 6. 6. Resource starvation faced by Contnued to Page 18
Dorkas Aid International Graduates 20 Trainees Dorkas Aid International has graduated the 5th round 20 trainees trained in a ceremony held on the 11th of October 2012 in the grounds of the training center. The graduates were low income women selected from the various Kebeles of Bole Sub-City organized in self-help groups. The selects have followed three sessions of training in the organization’s technical training center for a period of one year. According to the report presented during the ceremony, the graduates attended various textile production skills including; quilt, tailoring, bags, gowns, kitchen utility clothes etc.
Ato Fekadu Tarekegn, the country coordinator for the organization, has disclosed that the organization has previously conducted four rounds of trainings in various vocational fields. Previous graduates have already managed to address their economic problems by engaging
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I think the magazine is good. It is not just a civil society magazine. It is covering all the perspectives together. I think it will be good if you could do more case studies where the CSOs have added value. I believe there is still lack of visible and explicit information on what CSO’s are doing. So, maybe bringing that out more, especially the benefits drawn from CSO programs, will contribute to raising awareness. I think it is good to have more on that, because NGOs are doing a lot of good work.
Bizuwork Ketete Senior Governance Programme Manager Irish Aid Ethiopia
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This column accommodate research and analysis by scholars that focus on the diverse sectors in which CSOs work to accomplish their missions and offer policy alternatives to make positive impacts
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By Ghetnet Metiku Freelance Socio-Legal Researcher
Status of MDGs in Ethiopia Introduction The Millennium Development Goals form an ambitious agenda for reducing poverty and improving lives formulated by world leaders at the United Nations Millennium Summit in September 2000. The idea of identifying and setting international development goals for implementation across nations did not start with the MDGs. The UN had been doing it since the first “Development Decade” in the 1960s. However, no comprehensive process and mechanism had been put in place to monitoring progress in achieving these goals at the country level. Instead, the mechanisms of accountability were weak and scattered into different commissions and bodies that do not communicate with each other. During the Millennium Summit held in New York in September 2000, all 189 UN Member States adopted the Millennium Declaration, which contained a core group of goals and targets. The Millennium Declaration updates many of the development goals originally set (and not met) for the year 2000 and reformulates them for the year 2015. It also gives UN endorsement to the goal of “halving extreme poverty,” originally formulated by the OECD,” by the same date.
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The Declaration consolidates a set of eight interconnected development goals into a global agenda with time-bound targets and quantifiable indicators. These goals are known as the “Millennium Development Goals” or MDGs. The Summit’s Millennium Declaration also outlined a consensus “road map” for how to proceed, with a strong focus on human rights, good governance and democracy. These eight goals are essentially centered on national targets for poverty, education, gender equality, and environmental sustainability, but also include targets for establishing an international trade and finance policy framework that favors development. Numerical targets have been set for each goal, which are to be achieved by 2015. Hence, the Millennium Development Goals are, in short, a framework world leaders have agreed upon to reduce poverty and improve lives. They offer a vision of what we want to achieve to address the eight agreed problems. Table 1: MDGs - Goals and Targets
Goal
Targets
Goal 1 Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
Halve the proportion of people living on less than a dollar a day and those who suffer from hunger
Goal 2 Achieve universal primary education
Ensure that all boys and girls complete primary school
Goal 3 Promote gender equality and empower women
Eliminate gender disparities in primary and secondary education preferably by 2005, and at all levels by 2015
Goal 4 Reduce Child Mortality
Reduce by two-thirds the mortality rate among children under five
Goal 5 Improve maternal health
Reduce by three-quarters the ratio of women dying in childbirth
Goal 6 Combat HIV/AIDs, malaria and other diseases Goal 7 Ensure environmental sustainability
Halt and begin to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS and the incidence of malaria and other major diseases Integrate the principles of sustainable development into country policies and programmes and reverse the loss of environmental resources By 2015, reduce by half the proportion of people without access to safe drinking water By 2020 achieve significant improvement in the lives of at least 100 million slum dwellers
Goal 8 Develop a global partnership for development
Develop further an open trading and financial system that includes a commitment to good governance, development and poverty reduction – nationally and internationally Develop decent and productive work for youth
There are eighteen specific targets set across the eight goals and more than 45 indicators to monitor these targets. Each country has to set realistic, time-bound and measurable national development goals in line with these targets. These are the minimum targets and countries could expand these goals as they concretize them to respond
There are eighteen specific targets set across the eight goals and more than 45 indicators to monitor these targets. Each country has to set realistic, time-bound and measurable national development goals in line with these targets. These are the minimum targets and countries could expand these goals as they concretize them to respond to their local reality.
to their local reality.
The MDGs Needs Assessment Methodology Paper (Millennium Project, 2004) suggests that lowincome country Governments follow three stage-planning processes to align their respective domestic policies strategies and programs
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Each country has to set realistic, time-bound and measurable national development goals in line with these targets
The MDGs in Ethiopia Ethiopia has adopted the millennium declaration on 8th September 2000. However, the process of pursuing the MDGs formally started in January 2003. Ethiopia first submitted its interim Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP I) in November 2000 and the preparation of a full PRSP, Sustainable Development and Poverty Reduction Program (SDPRP) was finalized in July 2002. The SDPRP was designed for covering the years, 2002/03-2004/05. The first major step towards the comprehensive and systematic integration of the MDGs in the national development policy context is the ‘MDGs Needs Assessment’ conducted by the government, UNCT and other development partners in 2005. This assessment resulted in the development of Ethiopia’s ten years MDG indicative plan and enabled the explicit incorporation of the MDGs and their explicit cost in
subsequent development policy documents or PRSPs for the country.
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out of 179 countries with data.
The available evidence indicates that the percentage of population living below national poverty line has continuously declined at the national level since the mid-1990s. National poverty measured by the headcount index has fallen by nearly 7 percentage points, from 45.5 % in 1996 to 41.9 in 2000 and 38.7 % in 2005. Since then, total poverty head count has decreased to 36.6% in 2006 and 34.6% in 2007. The figures are estimated to further decline to 29.2 percent in 2009/10. Similarly significant poverty reduction results are The following sections briefly also indicated by figures real outline the status and trends towards consumption expenditure per the achievement of the Millennium capita, which is a more potent measure of welfare. During the Development Goals in Ethiopia. decade 1996 to 2005, per capita Eradicating Extreme adult equivalent real consumption the national Poverty poverty line, with 23 % living on less than one dollar 78 % living by on expenditure has and increased less than two dollars a day. The Human Development Index (HDI) for Ethiopia was 17.4 % over the decade which Ethiopia is stand oneat 0.389, of the poorest reported to which gives the country a rank of 169th out of 179 countries is equivalent to a 1.9 % annual countries with data.in the world. According to average increaseliving in below per national capita theThe Human Report availableDevelopment evidence indicates that theinpercentage of population poverty line has continuously declined at the national level since the mid-1990s. National adult equivalent real consumption 2008, 44 percent of the population poverty measured by the headcount index has fallen by nearly 7 percentage points, from of 45.5 the%country lived below the expenditure. The five year Growth in 1996 to 41.9 in 2000 and 38.7 % in 2005. Since then, total poverty head and Transformation 2010/11national with 23 and % 34.6% count haspoverty decreased line, to 36.6% in 2006 in 2007. The figuresPlan are estimated to further 29.2 one percent in 2009/10. poverty results 14/15significant indicates that reduction both income living ondecline less to than dollar and Similarly are also indicated by figures real consumption expenditure per capita, which is a more 78potent % living on less than two dollars and food poverty would decline measure of welfare. During the decade 1996 to 2005, per capita adult equivalent and 21.22% a real day.consumption The Human Development expenditure has increasedreaching by 17.4 %22.2% over the decade which in is equivalent to a 1.9 % annual average increase in per capita adult equivalent real 2014/15 from 29.2% and 28.2% Index (HDI) for Ethiopia was consumption expenditure. The five year Growth and Transformation Plan 2010/11-14/15 reported to stand at 0.389, which in 2009/10, respectively. The successive medium-term development plans of the country being implemented since 2005 have been designed on the basis of the MDGs. The achievement of MDGs has been integrated in the Plan for Accelerated and Sustained Development to End Poverty (PASDEP, 2005/062009/10) and the current Growth and Transformation Plan (2010/112014/15). The PASDEP is the first five year phase of Ethiopia’s ten years MDGs plan. The development of the GTP has also been informed by a 2010 MDG assessment.
indicates that both income and food poverty would decline reaching 22.2% and 21.22%
gives the country a and rank28.2% of 169th in 2014/15 from 29.2% in 2009/10, respectively.
Table 2: Ethiopian Human Development Situation and the Sub Saharan Africa Indicators Human Development Index
Inequality Adjusted HDI GNI Per Capita (PPP2008$) Non-income HDI value Life Expectancy at Birth Maternal Mortality Ratio Mean years of schooling
Year
Ethiopia 0.250 0.287 0.324 0.328 0.216 992
Sub-Saharan Africa 0.315 0.366 0.384 0.389 0.261 2050
Sub-Saharan Africa/ Ethiopia 1.26 1.28 1.19 1.19 1.21 2.07
2000 2005 2009 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 2003-2008 2010
0.357 56.1 720 8.3
0.436 52.7 881 4.5
1.22 0.94 1.22 0.54
Source: UN HDR (2010)
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with the MDGs. The first stage is the conduct of a needs assessment that compares its current situation with MDGs targets and thereby identifies the combination of public investments that would enable the country to meet the MDGs by 2015. The second stage of the planning process is the formulation of a longterm policy plan for achieving the MDGs building up on the results of the MDGs needs assessment. The present report presents the results of these two stages. The third stage in the planning process is for each country to formulate its medium term (3 to 5 years) PRSP based on the long-term plan.
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This column covers interviews with government ofďŹ cials,professionals and representatives of civil society on the current concerns and challenges faced by CSOs as well as proposed solutions
Any Regulation policy should take into account the state of civil society emergency,development and growth so that it does not deter this fragile sector
Peter Heaney Governance Intern IAE (Irish Aid Ethiopia)
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Bizuwork Ketete Senior Governance Programme Manager
IAE (Irish Aid Ethiopia)
ur guest for this issue of Muhaz are Wrt. Bizuwork Ketete, Senior Governance Programme Manager of Irish Aid Ethiopia and Mr. Peter Heaney, Governance Intern at IAE. Muhaz team spoke with the donor representatives on the role of civil society in a country's development, the relationship between civil society, government and development partners, and the impact of the Charities and Societies Proclamation since coming into effect. |6
Muhaz:- What is the role of civil society in good governance, and overall development of the country? IAE:Generally, we believe that the role a civil society organization can or should play depends on the type of civil society organization in question, the stage of development of the civil society sector as a whole, and the operational space for the sector as well as the quality of leadership within the sector to pursue any role. Having said this, the various roles we envision for a mature civil society can, environment permitting, include: innovating and experimenting with new ideas which can be scaled up; facilitating the associational life of citizens; playing a watchdog role on any violations of human rights by any actor, public or private; information dissemination and awareness raising; capacity development; policy analysis and advocacy based on credible research and evidence; complementing service delivery where there is an unmet need, among others.
Muhaz:- What should be the role of the government in strengthening civil society? IAE:We believe that the government has an important role to play in strengthening the contribution of the civil society sector. Governments can also learn a lot from civil society organizations, for instance in terms of enhancing citizen participation and complementary bottom-up approaches to development and governance, approaches that complement the role of the state and, in particular, reach those for whom
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the necessarily broad brush macro programming of Governments cannot always reach. Generally, the role of Government includes: facilitating an enabling operational environment including constructive and transparent regulation, ensuring a ‘civil’ civil society; facilitating dialogue with diverse forms of civil society; facilitating adequate space at sub-national levels for civil society to engage with citizens and local governments; and, capacity development on the operation of government structures and public decision making processes to foster coordination, learning and a mutually beneficial transfer of skills.
Muhaz:- What is expected of the civil society sector? IAE:- The civil society sector has come a long way in the way it does business, in the way it works with government and donors and communities. However, there is still a long way to go in terms of building on these successes and lessons. In our view, what is expected of civil society covers internal governance, results and management, including: integrity and leadership and showing by example, constructive engagement, constant re-modeling based on evolving contexts, i.e. continuing to be relevant and to persevere under a continuously changing financial, political environment.
We think civil society, diverse as it is, needs to learn to work more efficiently and effectively with and learn from each other, enhance engagement with their constituency, work better with policy makers, MPs and so on.
Muhaz:- Can you give us your opinion on the Charities and Societies Proclamation and directives issued subsequently? IAE:- Concerning the Charities and Societies Proclamation and subsequent directives, in general we believe that an overall policy framework for registration and regulation is necessary. The key consideration here should be the stated objectives of the Proclamation. The main challenges are, we believe, the 90-10 directive and civil society capacity to generate funds locally. Also, though the percentage seems quite generous, the 7030 directive does not, in our opinion, take adequate account of the type, nature and diversity of CSOs. The definition of administrative Continued
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Inherited
Everybody in the locality of St. Rafael Church around ‘Adisu Gebeya’ knows Wro Zewditu Meshesha. Whenever the locals see someone facing problems, they would say; ‘Take them to Wro Zewditu, she is a mother for all poor people’ bearing testament to her compassion. She on her part will help the weak, take care of those in need and be a mother to orphans. With her cheerful face and compassionate heart, Wro Zewditu is someone who has taken it upon herself to care for those in need. It is this character that gave birth to ‘Wro Zewditu Meshesa Charity’.
Establishment Although Wro Zewditu started to care for orphans and vulnerable children only in October 1991, the tradition of caring for children runs in her family. Indicating that growing up in a large family has contributed to her work, Wro Zewidtu would often say “I inherited compassion for others and helping people from my grandparents”. Wro Zewidtu started taking care of children after a visit to Arsi where she saw children without adult care facing various problems. Troubled by the situation, she could not rest before finding some solution. After consulting with church leaders and receiving promise of their support, she brought five of the children with her to Addis Ababa. However, when no such support materialized, she started to care for the children by herself. Although Wro Zewidtu faced serious health problems at the time, she gave priority to caring for the children. When her health improved, she vowed to continue to care for the children as long as she is well and fit. In time, the number of children reached two hundred fifty 250 prompting her to set up a Board so that her work would be formal. The organization was legally recognized as ‘Wro Zewidtu Mesesha Charity’ in 2003/04 and currently operates in Yeka Sub-City,
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Wro Zewidtu Mesesha Kebele 20/21 at Ho.# 1274 in the area commonly known as Kotebe Mesalemia St. Gabriel Church.
Where do the children come from? Wro Zewditu is a regular visitor to monasteries and churches. Whenever she comes across children in need of support during these visits, she would notify the local parish and authorities and bring the children to her home
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to care for and provide them with modern and religious education. Gathering vulnerable children from various areas, she would teach them about the value of hard work and love for one’s country. In doing so she is contributing her par towards creating productive citizens who would become selfreliant and a source of support for their compatriots. Wro Zweditu is not a very rich person to do this. Rather, she has sold her house, car and other properties to finance her charitable activities.
The Results As indicated above, Wro Zewidtu provides residential care for two hundred and fifty children. In addition, she is providing support to another two hundred fifty children in their own homes. Aiming to improve their future and also help them become self-reliant, rather than merely providing them with food, Wro Zewditu strives to enable the children achieve high levels of education. As a result of these efforts, she has graduated six children with degrees, seven with diplomas, and nine with certificates from higher education institutions. Others are currently attending various higher education institutions. Moreover, many have started their own families having entered into various levels of employment.
Wro Zewditu is undertaking work with national benefits. As is the case in any such work, it is inevitable that she would be facing various challenges. Previously, the house in which she was taking care of two hundred fifty children was demolished due to the construction of the Ring Road. She could not rent a private residence of adequate quality due to financial constraints. Thus, until she managed to get the current compound, the children faced serious problems including disruption of their schooling. As was indicated by her, the current compound is not of adequate quality for the needs of the children as was the previous location. As a result, a large number of children are forced to occupy a single room. Moreover, two children sleep in a single bed for lack of space. Ato Neway Zera Yohannes, the Board Chairman of the organization, had this to say about the situation of the children: “Their living conditions are saddening. They live in corrugated iron and mud houses, two sleeping on a bed. Their bedrooms were the storage room. And this is hazardous to their health.” Elaborating on the problem, Ato Neway said: “While living in her own home in Gulelle, she used to care for up to two hundred children living with their families. This is in addition to the children residing with her. Properly caring for this large number of children including providing them with food, clothing, health and education is very difficult given the current high cost of living. I consider that the charitable
activities of Wro Zewditu are amazing. She does not have any regular income; neither is there any financial or material support.” Since the organization is also a boarding school caring for children and adolescents, it also incurs the costs of food, clothing, health care and education among others. There is no regular source of income to cover these costs sustainably. The bakery, flour mill, weaving and candle works initially designed to serve as income generating activities have failed to become profitable. Moreover, due to limited financial capacity, the organization could not engage a professional to develop a project proposal to improve the profile of the organization. Yet, even while facing all these challenges, the organization is striving to achieve its establishment objectives.
Future plans The major problem currently faced by the organization is the absence of a regular donor to provide financial support for adequate sleeping space and other needs of the children. The Board has developed a plan and is striving for its implementation. Moreover, in line with the policies of the government, plans have been developed to enable the children become self-supporting through a participatory process involving the local community. To this end, preparations are underway to benefit the children by designing various technical and vocational training projects. ----------------------
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The region of Sub-Saharan African countries are typically considered as facing the greatest challenges in human development and have the lowest Human Development Index. However, Ethiopia has registered substantial progress in improving human development and ranks 11th in progress over time. HDI rank of Ethiopia improved and increased by 3 levels between the years 2005-2010 with an average annual HDI growth rate of 2.73% between the years 2000-2010. levels between the years 2005-2010 with an average annual HDI growth rate of 2.73% between the years 2000-2010.
Table 3: Multidimensional Poverty Situation of Ethiopia Population with Multidimensional Poverty
MPI
% Population with at Least One Deprivation (20002008)
Gini Coefficient
Population below Income Poverty Line (2000-2008)
(2000-08) Headcount Intensity of Education Health Living (%) Deprivation Standards (%) 0.582
90
64.7
83.9
48.2
94.2
PPP$1.25 National a day Poverty (%) line (%) 29.8
39
44.2
Source: UN HDR (2010)
As illustrated 3, headcounts the During As illustrated in in TableTable 3, the national of those who are income poor (using 2009/10 the Gross the $1.25 a day poverty line) of Ethiopia is 39% of the population and the number of national headcounts of those who Enrolment Rateis (GER) primary people who are multi dimensionally poor accounts 90 percent which the higherfor one in sub Saharan countries. are income poor (using the $1.25 a school (grades 1-8) reached 95.9 Poverty reduction been more is pronounced rural areas than in urban areas with the day poverty line) ofhasEthiopia 39% inper centOver forthefemale headcount index in rural areas falling from 47.5 in cent 1996 to(93.per 39.3 in 2005. of thewhole population and the number of perand period, growth measured by real capita98.7 adult per consumption cent forexpenditure, male). During especially in rural areas, accounts for the bulk of the reduction in headcount poverty people who are multi dimensionally the same year (2009/10) the Net between 1996 and 2005. Though significant growth in real income has been realized poor both accounts 90 percent which in rural and urban areas, growth has beenEnrolment more rapid in urban (33.5stood %) thanat 89.3 Rateareas (NER) rural areas (13.8 %) between 1996 and 2005. is thein higher one in sub Saharan per cent (87.9 for male and 86.5 Achieving countries. Universal Primary Education percent for female). The data on During 2009/10 the Gross Enrolment Rate (GER) for primary school (grades 1-8) reached
rates an 95.9 reduction per cent (93.per cent been for female and 98.7primary per cent forenrollment male). During the same shows year Poverty has more (2009/10) the Net Enrolment Rate (NER) stood at 89.3 per cent (87.9 for male and 86.5 increasing trend for both boys and pronounced ruralTheareas inenrollment rates shows an increasing trend for percent forin female). data onthan primary both boys and girls. However, the regional gapgirls. in the However, GER and NER the at primary level is gap in regional urban areas with the headcount still very wide. the GER and NER at primary level is index in rural areas falling from 47.5 in 1996 to 39.3 in 2005. Over the still very wide. whole period, growth measured by Promoting Gender Equality real per capita adult consumption and Empower Women expenditure, especially in rural areas, accounts for the bulk of the Based on gender related development reduction in headcount poverty benchmarks developed by UNDP, between 1996 and 2005. Though Ethiopia has earned a total GDI significant growth in real income rank of 148 with index value of has been realized both in rural and 0.393 in 2005 making it one of the urban areas, growth has been more least developed countries in terms rapid in urban areas (33.5 %) than of gender equality. Female headed in rural areas (13.8 %) between households earn significantly less than male headed households, 1996 and 2005. women are less economically Achieving Universal Primary active than men, and women Education constitute a disproportionate share of the unemployed. In terms
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of girls’ participation in primary and secondary education, the gender disparity of NER was still high in favor of boys in 2005/06. Moreover, the gender disparity gets wider at higher levels of the educational system. Finally, the political participation of women, as indicated by representation in the HPR, was still low in the third parliament (2005-2010) standing at 117 (22%) and shows improvement to 27.8 percent recently in the HPR while the number of seats held by women in the HF is 21 (18.75%).
Reducing Child Mortality In 2005, Infant Mortality rate stood at 77 and under-five mortality rate was 123 per thousand live births showing a decline of 20.6 percent and 25.9 percent respectively within five years. Routine immunization coverage has similarly increased from 52% to 69% in the three years. According to the DHS – 2005, the overall prenatal mortality rate is 37 still births per 1000 live births down from 52 still births per 1,000 live births in the 2000 DHS. Despite these improvements, one in thirteen children born in Ethiopia does not survive to celebrate its first birth day, and one in every eight children dies before its fifth birth day. Moreover, there are significant regional variations in infant and under five mortality that reflect regional disparities, urban rural differences and educational and wealth levels. In 2009/10 the under-five mortality rates and infant mortality rates decreased to 101/1000 and to 45/1000 live births, respectively.
Improving Maternal Health According to FMoH data, the Continued to Page
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and operational costs is problematic. There are ongoing discussions on this issue. We also believe that the grace period, to implement and adapt to the major changes introduced by the Proclamation, was quite limited. In addition, some of the provisions incorporated in the regulatory regime could have been more effectively addressed through self-regulation within the sector with the government playing a monitoring role; CSOs could have been constructively monitored in this. Moreover, there is a need for further clarity around the mandates and roles of the various government bodies engaging with civil society within the regulatory framework. In our opinion, although the dust may seem to have settled, the situation is still evolving. Any registration/regulation policy should take into account the state of civil society emergence, development and growth so that it does not deter this fragile sector.
Muhaz:- Some parties claim that the coming into effect of the directives has impacted adversely on multi-year projects implemented over three years. What is your take on that? IAE:- Obviously, there has been impact and there continues to be. Civil society organizations, particularly NGOs, were disoriented; so were development partners and other stakeholders. Several NGOs have had to lay off staff and some went into crisis. Their capacity to responsibly phaseout from ongoing activities and commitments appears to have been curtailed. As mentioned above the
implementation is still evolving. Thus, we haven’t yet seen the full implications of the new legal regime yet. There is ongoing discussion with Government to assess that in the months ahead. One clear negative impact of the Proclamation is on support and finance for Ethiopian charities and societies engaged in human rights and advocacy issues. As part of its successful campaign for election to the UN Human Rights Council, Ireland pledged it would support the provision of capacity building and training for States and Civil Society to enhance Human Rights. Ireland recognizes that the enjoyment of all human rights-civil, cultural, economic and social-is essential for development. Providing support to some Ethiopian residents’ charities and societies as well as consortia is a challenge. But we also think the current situation may be obliging NGOs to think twice - for example, revisiting administration costs and roles of networks, undertaking some inhouse cleaning and sorting in terms of Board and General Assembly organization, etc. However, we believe this could have equally been achieved under different circumstances. In response to these challenges and opportunities, IAE has become the lead development partner for a significantly resourced five year Civil Society Support Programme (CSSP) together with other donor partners. IAE continues to engage with the second phase of the Protection of Basic Service (PBS) Social Accountability Programme. We also support a few other
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CSOs working on food security, nutrition, health and livelihoods and we continue to provide modest support to the Adaptation Facility, the Tracking Trends in the Development of Ethiopian Civil Society (TECS) among other programmes. In addition, we continue to try and engage in constructive dialogue with government bodies and participate in various fora on dialogue around these issues with other donors and partners. Hence, we can say our commitment very much continues, alongside others, to encourage an environment of shared responsibility and accountability.
Muhaz:- What are the prospects for financial flows from development partners in the future? IAE:- In our case, IAE globally has just completed a White Paper Review and a new Africa Strategy. We are now coming to the end of our current Ethiopia Country Strategy. We have one more year to go before we finalize a new strategy for the next 5 to maximum 7 years. Despite recent economic woes Ireland remains a generous contributor to ODA (especially on a per capita basis) and Ethiopia continues to be a partner country in our development cooperation.
Muhaz:- How do you evaluate the dialogue and consultation between development partners and the government? Continued to Page 12...
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any regulation... IAE:- The dialogue between IAE and the Ethiopian Government evolves. It is cordial, professional, constructive, based on mutual respect and agreeing to disagree when need be. The dialogue takes many forms: formal and informal, bilateral and multi-donor. IAE is part of key dialogue forums including, among others, the Civil Society Sector Working Group (CSSWG); the PBS Social Accountability Steering Committee; the High Level Forum (HLF). We are confident that this culture of engagement and dialogue with the government will go from strength to strength. Engagement and compliance with fundamental principles is the key strategy for us underpinning any dialogue forum and partnership, whether with government or nongovernment partners. We have a number of policies guiding these various engagements. Fortunately, our aid is not tied but we do scrutinize budgets, performance and results, and our authorities in Dublin expect a high degree of accountability.
Muhaz:- How do you see the relationship between development partners and non-governmental organizations? IAE:On the subject of relationships with civil society, we only speak for ourselves. Even though our natural partner is the Ethiopian Government, we believe that the same principles and approach should guide our
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as development partners, we have not moved on all that mach from siply talking about fundraising capacity development
relationship and engagement with the civil society. IA has a Civil Society Policy and Policy Orientations on Good Governance. Our doors have always been open to civil society. We believe in frank and purposeful partnerships and we strive to the best of our abilities to have equal but responsible partnerships. We also believe that our relationship with civil society should be consistent and fair. We would like to support, not replace, the role of civil society. Given the programmes we are involved in, we also believe that we can help develop that capacity for good and mutually fruitful relationships and engagement - not just between civil society and IAE, but also between civil society and other key stakeholders, especially government. This is very important, especially if Civil Society is to build on its strengths and fulfill its full potential as a contributor to the sustainable development of Ethiopia.
Muhaz:- What do you think needs to be done to strengthen the local resource mobilization capacities of non-governmental organizations? IAE:Building local resource mobilization capacity is a difficult
area. However, although contexts differ, we believe that there are examples out there which could be tested. We are trying to understand the implementation and impact of the new IGA (Income-Generating Activities) Directives. Some studies have shown that some of the provisions are already proving challenging. We know also that CSOs are already engaged in local IGA of various types. But foreign financial and technical support continues to be important, as long as it is being put to good, responsible, transparent use and is monitored effectively. One key feature of the CSSP is to look into this issue. It is probably fair to say that as development partners, we have not moved on all that much from simply talking about fundraising capacity development. Some experiences exist but with varying degrees of success. The donor community together with Government and the sector need to develop capacity, ideas and dialogue around this core area of sustainability. Thank you!
Medrek
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It is to be recalled that in the 11th issue of Muhaz Magazine, we presented the most eye catching selection of excerpts from five of our previous guests representing Ethiopian and Ethiopian Resident Charities and Societies as well as Foreign Charities in our ‘Tiyiyu’ column. In the Medrek column of this current issue, we have brought to you the focal concerns and comments of the remaining five guests taken from past issues. The challenges are many. We are in fact most affected. Since our income is very small, 30% of that is even smaller. An organization with significant funding will have more money for administrative costs. If we had a number of projects, we could assign the same staff to work in different positions. Moreover, the items identified as administrative costs are too numerous. For instance the consultancy fees, salaries of project officers and many more are considered administrative costs along with typical administrative costs such as office rent, power bills, water bills, fuel costs and other miscellaneous costs. I do not understand how they have decided to apply this directive to ethiopian societies. I cannot see how we are to continue operating if this directive continues to be applied in its current form. Wro Saba G/Medhin Network of Ethiopian Women Associations
First and foremost are resource limitations. For instance, capacity and resource shortages have prevented us from reaching a wider group of organizations. The second challenge is the absence of forums to engage with the government, donors and partners to discuss and resolve our problems. We also face internal challenges. Civil society organizations have been pre-occupied with internal organizational issues and activities rather than coming to the collective forum in attempting to adapt to the changing circumstances. These are major among our problems. 70/30 rule to networks has emerges as a critical problem. The categorization of program activities as administrative costs’ is a matter of special concern for us, as was explained in various forums. Ato Eshetu Bekele Poverty Action Network in Ethiopia
Executive Director
Executive Director
The results of the regulations and directives issued following the proclamation could be seen at many levels. First, since the proclamation contained general provisions, the regulations and directives have provided the details necessary for implementation. Moreover, they provide guidelines directing charities and societies to be effective in realizing their objectives in line with the provisions of the proclamation. By operating as per these regulations, directives and laws, charities could benefit the society as institutions established for the benefit of third parties. They will also become the proper development partners they are meant to be. The success then is to be seen in terms of implementing these (regulations and directives). This is how they are being put to effect. Of course, we are still in the early stages of implementation and have not yet reached the assessment stage.
One of the fundamental problems raised in the process of implementing the Proclamation is the distinction made between operational and administrative costs under the 30/70 Directives. There are a number of costs designated as administrative but should not be considered administrative costs in the context of our activities. These costs identified in the laws as administrative are the integral parts of our programs- hence, have created a serious gap. The second problem is lack of provision for a transitional period in the implementation of the Proclamation. For instance, we are facing problems in transferring projects directly implemented by the Federation to member associations for reasons mentioned above. Had there been a transition period for the transfer of these projects however, new projects could have been designed in line with the Proclamation and Directives.
Ato Assefa Tesfaye
Ato Teshome Deressa Ethiopian Federation Of Persons With Disabilities
Charities And Societies Agency
Acting Manager
Communication Process Owner With reference to the relationship between the Agency and Charities, it is my belief that they should work closely. While we have the duty to respect the Directives of the Agency, the Agency should take a balanced approach encouraging good practices and correct those in violation, rather than stereotyping everyone in one category. Moreover, the Agency should ensure uniform interpretation of the directives, understand issues in good faith and entertain possible improvements in consideration of the type and nature of activities. Wro Roman Degefa Forum For African Women Educationalists Manager
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EXPERIENCE
15 Years of Activism by the Forum for Environment
The Forum has been conducting various activities on alternative sources of energy. Ato Ephrem Alamerew Executive Director Forum for Environment
Establishment Forum for Environment was established in 1997. The reason for its establishment were a few individuals concerned about the environment who came together as volunteers seeking to bring about change in the area of environmental protection. These individuals became pioneers for the establishment of the forum. Though the forum was established at a time when issues of environmental protection and climate change were not high on the agenda, it was intended to raise the awareness of the society especially decision makers at various levels on environmental protection and conservation as well as making relevant information accessible.
Objectives At the time of its establishment the forum had three objectives. The first is enhancing the awareness of the society on environmental protection and natural resources conservation. The second is to enhance the awareness of government bodies at all levels on environmental protection and conservation, encourage sections of the society involved in environmental protection activities, and strengthening existing initiatives in the area. Thirdly, it aimed at supporting the establishment of local groups who could voice their own environmental protection issues and problems.
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Activities Conducted Since Establishment According to Ato Ephrem Alamerew, the Executive Director of the Forum, the primary area of focus at the time of establishment was awareness raising since the core issue raised by the forum was new to the country. To this end, it has conducted various research activities as a basis for evidence based advocacy. In addition to undertaking a number of research initiatives around environmental protection and climate issues that are relevant to our country, the forum has published the results and endeavored to make them available to the concerned bodies and the public at large. It is still doing so. Moreover, it has since establishment organized various meetings and discussion forums on the whole range of environmental problems and sought to come up with proposed solutions. As we all know, the major environmental problem in our country is related to conservation of natural resources. Since forests are the most important natural resources for our country, the organization has been working forestry as a primary area of concern for a long time. The second area
of focus for the forum is conservation of water resources on which it has been implementing important practical activities. Most of the pressure on natural resources arises from demand for energy. Thus, the forum has been working on alternative sources of energy. Climate change has come to be another area of focus for the organization since 2007.
Results Achieved According to the Executive Director, the achievements of the forum could not be taken as the achievements of a single organization. This is so because the objectives described above could require coordination and cooperation rather than being the activities of a single organization. This forum has achieved a number of successes in the various activities it has conducted since establishment. For instance, as the pioneering environmental protection and conservation organization in our country, it has undertaken successful advocacy and communication activities since 2005. As a result, it has brought attention to environmental protection and climate change thereby creating extensive mass media coverage and making them topics of public discussion. This could be identified as a major achievement in light of the objectives of the forum. Secondly, the forum prepares a number of publications in collaboration with its partners. These publications, which are always based on research, focus on the major environmental protection issues. The publications also have broad distribution coverage. For instance, the forum has published the magazine named ‘Akerma’ for a number of years and distributed it nationwide including to the 23 universities and all secondary schools. This amounts to a major initiative in creating environmental awareness. Thirdly, the forum has established environmental protection groups at 12 localities in 6 regions. Although established with support from the forum, some of these groups have since become independent and are working
to resolve their own local environmental problems. Moreover, all twelve groups have received formal recognition at the regional level and are undertaking important activities at the federal level. The Green Awards programme initiated by Forum for Environment in 2006 is another achievement of the organization. Forum for Environment is the first organization to give recognition and award contributions to environmental protection and significant achievements have been recorded through these activities. Generally, Forum for Environment has enhanced environmental awareness in the society and initiated an army of environmental activists who took it upon themselves to change the situation of their natural environment. It has also been conducting various activities to encourage the government bodies engaged in the sector. Moreover, with a view to ensuring the implementation of policies issued by the government not only through the efforts of the executive bodies but also through public participation, it has been conducting successful activities to engage the society and secure its feedback. These activities still continue. Currently, Forum for Environment is a member of the country’s Environmental Council representing civil society. While all other members of the Council are government bodies and higher education institutions, Forum for Environment represents civil society. This is another major achievement of the forum.
Major Challenges Faced by the Forum Challenges are likely to occur in any activity. Although the situation has improved during the past five years, the leaders of the forum still remember how the activities of the organization were considered a luxury by many. There was even a time when the institution itself was not accepted among key stakeholders including the government as an important actor. As a result, it was difficult for the forum to ensure collective ownership of environmental issues in undertaking its activities. Secondly, while there have been a
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good policy and legal framework in place for environmental protection and natural resources conservation in the country, the problem of implementing the policy, laws and regulations at the lower levels was a serious challenge for the forum. As is widely recognized, the day to day life of most of the society depends to a large extent on natural resources. Thus, in asking communities depending on natural resources for their livelihood to stop such dependency, it is imperative to present them with an alternative. On the other hand, deforestation may occur due to investment activities undertaken by the government. Reconciling these considerations and convincing policy makers to balance these issues was a mamor challenge in the activities of the forum. The other challenge in the activities of the forum was creating coordination arrangements with various government bodies and nongovernment actors. Similarly, since the objectives of the forum were not recognized as a priority area of concern, ensuring acceptance of project proposals by donors was a challenge. As a result, rasing the financial and material resources necessary for its activities was a difficult task. This has in turn forced the forum to operate with limited staff and inputs. The forum’s programme manager Ato Yonas Gebru also noted challenges related to the large geographic size of the country. Since the country covers a large area and diverse agro-ecological zones, it was difficult to conduct uniform awareness raising and sensitization activities relevant to all areas of the country. Moreover, there were some minor gaps in the policy in relation to community activities. For instance, the coverage of pastoralist issues in the first environmental
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Status of... From page 10 national contraceptive prevalence rate reached 55% in 2009/10. In 2005, an overwhelming majority of births (94 percent) were delivered at home while five percent of births were delivered in a public facility and less than one percent of births were delivered in a private facility. DHS 2005 estimates that the maternal mortality ratio for Ethiopia for the period 1998-2004 was 673 deaths per 100,000 live births.
Combating HIV/AIDS Pandemic, Malaria and Other Diseases Ethiopia ranks among the countries significantly affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic with an official adult prevalence rate of 3.5% in 2005. More recent estimates based on data from ANC surveillance and the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) reflect a less severe epidemic with adult prevalence estimated at 2.1% in 2006/07 (7.7% urban, and 0.2% rural). Adult HIV prevalence in 2009/10 is estimated to be 2.4% with an estimated 1.1 million people living with HIV.
Ensure Environmental Sustainability Access to safe drinking water has been increasing progressively reaching 68.5% in 2009/10 from a baseline of 19% in 1990. In rural areas, access to clean water has increased from 35% in 2004/05 to 65.8% in 2009/10, compared to increases from 80% to 91.5% in urban areas for the
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same period. Access to sanitation facilities, on the other hand, appears to have remained low. In 2009/10, the forest cover in Ethiopia stood at 5 million ha. On the other hand, according to the MDG report of 2010 the Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority (EEPA) has expressed alarm at the precarious state of biodiversity in Ethiopia. The Agency blames settlement and investment activities that do not take biodiversity into account, the absence of a land use policy and land use plan and increasing amounts of toxic substances and pollutants as the causes. The Government of Ethiopia had an ambitious plan to cover 65% of the total population with housing and basic services by 2009/10. As of 2009/10, 213,000 new houses were constructed through the public housing development programme. Similarly, it was planned to reduce slum areas to 35%, but achieved to reduce to 40% in 2009/10.
References 1. Civil Society Contributions towards Achieving the MDGs in The Gambia, October 2005 2. Jacqui Boulle and Debbie Newton, MDG Campaigning Toolkit, CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation and Millennium Development Goals Campaign office 3. Jacqui Boulle and Debbie Newton, MDG Campaigning Toolkit, CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation and Millennium Development Goals Campaign office (not dated) 4. Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MoFED), Ethiopia: The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Needs Assessment Synthesis Report, Development Planning and Research Department, Addis Ababa, December 2005 5. MoFED, Ethiopia: 2010 Millennium Development Goals Report: Trends and Prospects for Meeting MDGs by 2015, September 2010 6. Neville Gabriel, The Millennium Development Goals: Towards a Civil Society Perspective on Reframing Poverty Reduction Strategies in Southern Africa, Presented at the Southern Africa MDGs Forum, Johannesburg, 2 – 4, July 2003 7. Roadmap towards the implementation of the United Nations Millennium Declaration: Report of the Secretary General to the General Assembly (A/56/326, September 2001) 8. Roberto Bissio, Civil Society and the MDGs, Development Policy Journal, Volume 3, UNDP, April 2003 9. Satishkumar Belliethathan (Ph.D), Yitbarek Tibebe and Girum Woldegiorgis, The Impact of Climate Change on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Plan for Accelerated and Sustained Development to End Poverty (PASDEP) implementation in Ethiopia, Poverty Action Network of civil society organizations in Ethiopia (PANE) and DanChurch Aid, Addis Ababa Ethiopia, December 2009 ----------------
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Ato Yonas Gebru Forum for Environment Programme Manager protection strategy or natural resources conservation strategy was very limited. On the other hand, due to the large size and ecological diversity of the country, it is imperative to conduct professional studies to undertake awareness raising, advocacy and sensitization activities in each area. This requires significant inputs from professionals in various fields, which in turn requires money to engage the professionals. The fact that the money has to be raised from donors was in itself a source of challenge. Due to financial limitations, the involvement of the forum in various international and regional coalitions was limited. This has also prevented it from engaging and creating relationships with donors. The staff of the forum needed to be present in various meetings simultaneously to elaborate on the environmental problems of our country as well as the adverse impacts of climate change. However, the forum could not do so due to limited financial capacity. This has remained the most important challenge to the forum.
Challenges faced by the Forum in Relation to the 30/70 Directives Many organizations have raised concerns/complaints regarding the
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30/70 directive. Similarly, there are issues raised by the Forum for Environment. Ato Ephrem had the following to say about this issue. “When the government put in place a legal framework for charities and societies, most of the issues were clear and without problems. Activities related to environmental protection and coping with climate change were among the issues identified by the former prime minister His Excellency Ato Meles Zenawi as being subject to no limitations. This is because the adverse impacts of climate change are not limited to the economic and social sectors. The impact also extends to our water resources, agricultural activities, and even the mining industry. As such, it was a matter of consensus throughout the discussions on the proclamation as an area to be subject to no limitations. Yet, when the classification of our important activities into programme and administrative costs or operational and administrative costs as per the 30/70 directives has created some disparities. “It is obvious that administrative costs should not take up the whole of the costs allocated for development activities. This concept has been in place 20 years before the coming into being
of the 30/70 directive. However, the classification of administrative and program costs was very clear and observable. For instance, when someone wants to produce seedlings and engage in forestry, he has to get the appropriate type of soil and sand as well as grass for the seedlings. This may require traveling a hundred kilometers; using vehicles; fuel for the vehicles; and labor. He will also have to recruit and train farmers and development workers to be deployed in rural areas. All of these are programme or operational costs. Moreover, professionals have to be engaged to examine the appropriateness of trees to a locality and to conduct experiments. Their salaries and expenses are programme costs. However, the current arrangement classifies all of these as administrative costs. The cost of vehicles used to transport professionals is an administrative cost whether it is a rental or owned vehicle. The same is true for the transportation of seedlings. Thus, these are barriers to our activities. “Similarly, in enabling farmers to use new technologies in relation to climate change there is the research stage followed by demonstration stage. The demonstration stage is followed by empowering the targets/ individuals. Once they believe in it and are ready to do it, they need training. In undertaking these activities, one may also need to build the capacities of the local government bodies since they may not know all the details involved. In addition, it is important that we organize traning and consultation workshops to train our rural workers and officials as well as for the exchange of information among stakeholders. Yet, we cannot do so because these costs are considered administrative costs under the new directive.
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Discussions Held on the 70/30...
Ethiopian charities and societies which would force them to change their status into resident charities and societies; 7.Integrating and reconciling the financial system of the head office with that of the country office in line with the 30/70 guideline; 8.Shifting areas of operation - projects focusing on the underserved rural and remote areas (emerging regions) would be reduced or avoided to minimize the administration cost; 9. Less focus on research, capacity building and knowledge transfer; 10. No-recognition of consortia/networks operations as they are required to have administration costs only; 11. Increase in audit fee due to the expanded mandates of audi-
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tors to conduct both financial and compliance audit; and 12. The classification of audit firms by the Agency limits competition and delays the delivery of operational and audit reports due to work load on audit firms. •
The second study, on the other hand, was entitled “INGOs OPERATION AND IMPLICATIONS OF THE 30:70 GUIDELINE- SOME REFLECTIONS ON THE OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GUIDELINE”. While recognizing the importance of the Directive, the study attempted to show in detail the difficulties in light of various circumstances. In addition, it has outlined the following points in indicating the way forward:
1. Revise the generic cluster, given the multi-sectorial / holistic nature of the tasks/ mandates of the INGOs 2. Revise the 30% administrative
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cost package in accordance with international norms and universally accepted project cycle management. Specially reconsider the following costs as program•
Programme coordinator/ director
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Monitoring and evaluation
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Consultancies to project development
Project vehicles 3. Develop mutual trust and partnership spirits, do not merely see the numbers. Flexible interpretation and contextual understanding of the project/ organization is a desirable option for the future collaborations. Finally, the discussions were concluded after enumerating recommendations for the Charities and Societies Agency to re-examine the implications of the Directive on the activities of charities.
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It is difficult to believe that an organization could conduct effective development activities without advertising its activities, following up its field activities and disseminating information on their progress and without conducting research, monitoring and evaluation, organizing training workshops, and without building capacity. Although the 30/70 directive is relevant, we should examine the cost titles for which it is relevant and the ones for which it is not. The activities most susceptible to this problem are initiatives related to environmental protection and cope with climate change. Conducting effective environmental advocacy requires attending international forums and producing audio-visual messages to be disseminated through various mass media outlets. The current directive designates all these as administrative costs. If a relevant international forum comes up, the expense of anyone participating at the forum has been categorized as an administrative cost. Generally, while the 30/70 directive is important, the fact that it has not taken into account these situations and the fact that the designation of costs was not based on adequate research has created problems. Although ensuring that money earmarked for development should not be expended solely for administrative purposes, preventing professionals and experts from doing their job and withholding important technical implements from them creates major difficulties. For instance, a forester needs a compass to conduct a survey in a forest. However, since the item is considered the property of the organization the cost of procurement has been designated an administrative cost under the directive. I on the other hand believe that not only items transferred to the community but also expenses necessary for the activity should be considered part of the costs of the programme or project.” Similarly, Ato Yonas has expressed the following opinion regarding the impacts
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administrative under the current system unless the participants are drawn from the community. On the other hand, there is the matter of salaries. For instance, there are situations where salaries of programme staff are considered administrative costs under the new system. In my opinion, the classification of administrative and programme staff under the directive did not take into account the profile of organizations engaged in advocacy activities.
The Forum has been working on alternative Source of energy of the directive. “When we look at our organization, it is an advocacy and communications organization. The items we used to consider programme costs have now become administrative costs as per the 30/70 directives. For example, many activities are conducted through outsourcing. We undertake activities like organizing meetings and research using external consultants. Not all activities are conducted by our own staff. For an advocacy organization like ours consultancy is a regular activity. These and other activities previously under the programme have now been designated administrative costs. The expenses of organizing meetings were for us programme costs. Yet, the expenses are considered
Future Plans As indicated by the officials of the forum, operational changes to align with the newly promulgated legal framework are imperative. Thus, the forum plans to develop a new strategic plan. In parallel, preparations are underway to implement activities designed to strengthen the organization including: amending administrative manuals, financial manuals and the like and restructuring the organizational structure. The design of programmes to conduct major activities in rural areas is also planned. Since this would require assessments in the target areas plans have also been made in this direction. Moreover, documents will need to be prepared as per the formats required by various organizations and proposals will be prepared as per donor requirements. These activities are planned to be conducted alongside the others. Generally, Ato Ephrem has said the following in relation to the future plans of the forum. We conclude our column with a quote from his statements. “If the dialogue initiated with the Agency along with organizations with similar activities are successful, we plan to develop and implement extensive activities in the coming few years. Our current activities of environmental advocacy and voicing the concerns of the society on the impacts of climate change at the international level will continue. We have not stopped our advocacy work; we will not do so even if all expenses relating to advocacy are considered administrative costs. We will additionally conduct programme activities designed to offset the costs in line with the regulations and directives issued by the government while continuing to conduct advocacy and organizing forums.”
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by t common ones to know the mos et G e. bl va lie be abuse is often un ta related to drug article. da al tic tis sta e is th 1. Th wing section of alities. reading the follo of birth abnorm ominent cause pr t os m e th is normalcy. 2. Alcoholism 6.5 times beyond h ut yo lls ki n io ction workers. cohol consumpt ice and constru rv se od 3. Chronic al fo g on asthma, ear problem am y to suffer from most common el e th lik is e e or us m e ab ar g oblem 4. Dru ug addiction pr from a family dr e m co ho w n e age is 12.5 5. Childre al that the averag hool drop-outs. sc ve d re s an ic ns ist io at ct St fe s. in nt year gins at adolesce ion generally be pt um ns ed co ug dr 6. The 41% have smok tasted alcohol, ve ha % 52 years. e, ad ghth gr me out of the ei d a try. children who co ee ol w e. ho n sc ve g gi on ve 7. Am ow more than on and 20% ha ce on t as le at er while 17% kn s us ab ug cigarette dr c ni a chro e. a friend who is ted to drug abus ol teens know of hs can be attribu ho at sc de l of ta % to e 28 th 8. % of root cause for 25 across America. of America, the es at St d te ni U ction problems di ad 9. In ug dr it ic by African 70% of ill e contribute to in ca co ed w d an llo n fo hites 10. Heroi g Hispanics, W prominent amon t os m is e ag us 11. Alcohol n Americans. es the medicatio is almost 2 tim ct di ad ug dr a cost of 12. Medication n individual. cost for a clea
Dorkas Aid...
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in productive activities in line with their areas of training individually and in groups. In a speech delivered to the graduates, Wro Ajelush Teferra, process owner for ensuring women’s benefit from development with the Bole Sub-City Women, Children and Youth Affairs Office, applauded the organization’s efforts saying: “The contributions of Dorkas Aid International to the efforts of the government to enhance the holistic capacities of women cannot be overstated." Addressing the graduates, she added: “I implore you to use the skills you have acquired not only to create your own sources of income but also to support your families and become productive and visionary citizens of your country”. Wro Hirut Akelew, a representative of the graduates on her part said: “This organization has pulled us up from where we were neglected and forgotten, providing us with this training that opened ways for us to create our own income. But more importantly, it has given us a
broader vision and brighter future”. The representative also confirmed Dorkas Aid International's assistance not only in providing the training but also covering their transportation expenses for the whole year. In his closing speech, Ato Fikru Tarekegn indicated that one of the trainees is a disabled person and consequently expressed the organization's intention to provide more training opportunities to persons with disabilities in the future as well as work its desire to work in close collaboration with sub-city administrations to this end. He also disclosed that Dorkas has completed preparations to provide training to 25 low income individuals selected from various kebeles during the current year. “We plan to conduct this year’s training five days a week and complete the programme in six months”, he said and explained that the organization will be working with concerned government bodies to ensure that the graduates will not face market access problems once they graduate. The ceremony was concluded with certificates and awards given to the graduates by the guest of honor. The various textile and tailoring products produced by the trainees were also presented and sold to the attendants. ---------------------
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