Muhaz Magazine Published by Amicus Media Promotion PLC every month on issues revolving around civil society organizations. "Muhaz" originates from the language of Geez and has the meaning "channel". We have conferred the name to our magazine in acknowledgement of its role to serve as a forum for discussion, debate and commentary on issues of civil society organizations.
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... CSO Development Effectiveness... “We don’t witness publicizing of their work to encourage better performances”
This Edition’s Message
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“Together we can bring Change!” A Sanctuary for Vulnerable Children
Let’s make the most out of charitable work for its contribution to the love, shared life, mutual development and peace of human beings! International Charity Day 5th September
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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
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Logic Printing Press Arada Sub City, Kebele Tel. 011 1 11 54 37
The 2013 Nansen Refugee Award visits Congo
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Managing Editor Berhane Berhe Tel.0933694149 E-mail ezana_7@yahoo.com
On page 3
Editor in Chief
International Day of Democracy was celebrated by VECOD On page 3
Ensuring Participation and Accountability is required for EITI membership
Zelealem Wadaj Akaki kaliti sub city wereda 01H.N. 588 Tell-0911382875 E-mail wzelalem13@yahoo.com
Manager
Endeshaw HabteGebriel 0911 22 8115 Secretary And Advertising Representative Rahimet Abedela Tel. 0924 77 87 78
Graphic design
On page 4
Mistire Fiseha mis0002@yahoo.com
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Expecting a child to respect what the parent doesn’t is naïve
There are several criterias to measure democracy. Here are some from among the many: 1. Seizing of power through free and fair election, 2. Ensuring the right of citizens to participate in any matter affecting their lives, the right to freedom of speech, the right to be heard and get timely and appropriate response, the right to be part of the decision concerning them, 3. Existence of a transparent government, 4. Establishment and reign of citizen accepted constitution, 5. Existence of multiparty system that entertains difference in political ideology, 6. Establishment of legislative, judicial, and executive bodies having separate breathing gills and capable to conduct checks and balances, 7. Ensuring the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law Democracy is a process. However, consecutive steps leading to the outcomes of democracy must be taken and as a result people’s satisfaction increased. And it is mandatory for the society to participate in the process. In order for that to happen, steps and measures need to be revised thus inviting participation. Ensured protection and promotion of human rights and the rule law need to be given priority for people’s participation to triumph. Rule of law is upheld when government and people conduct themselves according to the law and they are held liable under the court of law when found in violation of the law. Government has the primary obligation to respect and ensure adherence to the rule of the law. A government which has no respect to the law that holds citizens in infringement of the law cannot use as an excuse itself saying “Democracy is a process”. After all, expecting a child to respect what the parent doesn’t is naïve. Likewise, citizens’ participation develops where there are guaranteed procedures to hold the government accountable. Where the application of the law is equal to both the parent and the child, the process of building democracy will be a success. Otherwise, autocracy will take over its place. It suffices to violate the law to be labeled an autocrat. This is why a country’s democratic or autocratic state is measured against the level of promoting the rule of law. When September 15 was commemorated as the International Day of Democracy following the resolution passed by the UN General Assembly on 8th November 2007, it implores state governments and civil society organizations to execute their share of responsibility in the promotion of democracy and good governance towards a successful establishment of democracy. We believe that this day gives reason for our country, which is in the process of building democracy, to evaluate progress and future directions in line with the criterias. Have a nice read!
Vol.2 No. 10 Sep. 2013 Comments From among the media outlets that I have come to know especially in the print media, I haven’t found a media that entirely focuses on the promoting the work of charities and societies. I believe MUHAZ is the first.
Vol.2 No. 10 Sep. 2013
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The 2013 Nansen Refugee Award visits Congo The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced that this year’s Nansen Refugee Award is being awarded to Sister Angelique Namaika, who works in the remote north east region of Democratic Republic of the Congo with survivors of displacement and abuse by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).
It is very important to disclose to the public the strengths and weaknesses of the work of charities and societies in our country. The main reason of establishment of the institutions being to speed up development by partnering with government, making public their participation to beneficiary enables them to strengthen their work in the future. Also, it facilitates the exchange of good practices.
Sister Angélique, through her Centre for Reintegration and Development, has helped transform the lives of more than 2,000 women and girls who have been forced from their homes and abused, mainly by the LRA. Many of those she helps recount stories of abduction, forced labour, beatings, murder, rape and other human rights abuses. Her one-on-one approach helps them recover from the trauma and damage. On top of the abuse they have suffered, these vulnerable women and girls are often ostracized by their own families and communities because of their ordeal. It takes a special kind of care to help them heal and to
In this regard, it can be said that Muhaz is serving them. In the future, it is important if the magazine enhances its capacity to investigate deeper into the activities of the institutions to provide information to beneficiaries and stakeholders alike. Moreover, I believe it is essential that its distribution is expanded.
Abrham Gizaw FM 96.3 Journalist and Promoter
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International Day of Democracy was celebrated by VECOD I got the chance to read Muhaz and have found the opinions expressed on the goals, charitable works, challenges, etc. of nongovernmental organizations in the country educational. It is my belief that the thoughts expressed in the magazine thus far are highly important in providing relevant information and experience particularly for a person aspiring to establish a charitable organization or society with a vision of participating in the development and democratic process. The articles on the voluntary work of “Begara Enegara” of Addis Ababa and “Afinii” of Hawassa Especially have been informative for our voluntary work in Dilla city. It has motivated us to formulate additional focus areas. In addition to sharing good practices of one organization with the other, the magazine has been cause for morale and initiation for better work for those whose activities were promoted. Therefore, the magazine’s publication should continue with expanded focus and distribution.
Tesfatsion Daka Dilla Hanjenso Voluntary Association Coordinator and Task Leader
The 39th round 460 trainees’ on Leadership and Management of Vision Ethiopian Congress for Democracy (VECOD) pledged to keep and uphold the seven basic pillars of democracy believed to enable them become capable democrats. According to information provided by Ato Tadele Derseh, Executive Director of VECOD and Ambassador of Good Character and Peace, the trainees commemorated the International Day of Democracy celebrated on the 15th of September by holding a moment of prayer for those who lost their lives, are suffering, imprisoned and living in difficult situations for their struggle to sustain democracy both at the national and international level. Further, Ato Tadele disclosed that while celebrating the day at the main campuses of VECOD at Sidest kilo and Laghar, the trainees affirmed that as a democrat citizen the sustainment of democracy begins from themselves, demanding participation, commitment and sacrifice while also requiring nurturing of the culture of resolving differences through discussion.
If you choose to be a competent democrat, make the following promise! 1. I will perform in accordance with the basic concepts and principles of democracy for the benefit of human beings and not their disadvantage. 2. I will not treat one individual different from the other. 3. I will strive for the establishment, promotion, and spreading of democratic rules employing all of my skills and capacity. 4. I will criticize lack of democratic rules. However, I will not criticize individuals and political parties for who they are rather for their practices that contradict democratic principles. 5. I will be impartial among individuals, political parties and others promoting democratic rules. 6. I will support and advise all struggling to have their democratic rights respected. 7. I will shape myself in line with the concepts and philosophy of democracy.
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Ensuring Participation and Accountability is required for EITI membership A U H
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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
The Istanbul Principles for CSO Development EffectivenessThe International Framework Part I Ensuring Participation and Accountability is required for EITI Membership Though Ethiopia is pushing forward to be accepted for the membership of the International Extractive Industries Transparency Initiatives (EITI), it is said that the country should bring onboard civil society participation to insure transparency and accountability on the revenues collected from its oil, gas and mineral resources. According to Fortune newspaperreferring Jonathan Moberg,
member of the EITI secretariat, who was in Ethiopia for talks on the issue with pertinent government Officials and members of the civil societythe EITI standard expects a country to publish reconciled and audited reports of payments made by mining companies and revenues collected by the government in the sector.
government accountability and transparency. As it is stated in the newspaper the introduced CSO law in 2009, practically limiting foreign funding of civil society to 10pc for those CSOs that involve in advocacy may remain as a stumbling block for the country’s initiative and efforts towards membership.
The newspaper further noted that the CSO law is the main hampering factor for the country’s candidacy status and hence restrictive laws and policy directions related with civil society organizations should be rectified in order to ensure
A candidacy status means a country is on track to get recognition as an EITI compliant country in two and a half years, said Fortune. SourceFortune Newspaper, Vol.14, No.69, September 22, 2013 --------------------
The 2013 Nansen Refugee ...
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pick up the pieces of their lives. Sister Angélique does this by helping them learn a trade, start a small business or go back to school. Sister Angélique herself was displaced by the violence in 2009 while living in the town of Dungu, in Orientale Province. She knows the pain of fleeing one’s home. It is part of what drives her to work day in and day out to reach all those in need. UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres commended this year’s laureate, “Sister Angélique works tirelessly to help women and girls who are extremely vulnerable
due to their trauma, poverty and displacement. The challenges are massive, which makes her work all the more remarkable - she doesn’t allow anything to stand in her way.” Working in a location where electricity, running water and paved roads are scarce, Sister Angélique’s work is exceptional. Responding to the announcement, the new laureate said: “It is difficult to imagine the extent that the women and girls abused by the LRA have suffered. They will bear the scars of this violence for their whole lives. This award will mean more displaced people in Dungu can get the help they need to restart their lives. I will never stop doing all I can to give them hope, and the chance to
live again.” Sister Angélique received the Nansen Refugee Award and the Nansen Medal at a ceremony in Geneva on September 30, 2013. Source- This news is taken from the press release circulated by UNHCR
It is to be recalled that in Vol. II Issue 4 of our magazine we raised a few points on The Role of Civil Society in Development Effectiveness in relation to the existing international framework. The Article gave special emphasis to the adaption of The Istanbul Principles for CSO Development Effectiveness expected to guide the work of civil society around the globe in development thus settings the standards for an environment in which they can operate most effectively. The principles are 8 in number and are about respect of human rights and social justice, gender equality, empowerment, democratic ownership and participation, environmental sustainability, transparency and accountability, partnership and solidarity, sharing knowledge and commitment to mutual learning and positive sustainable change. In this and the next edition, the Editorial Team of MUHAZ will raise some relevant points on the specifics of the 8 principles in two parts- Vol. II Issue 10 & 11. But first, let’s highlight on some of the benefits of the principles to CSOs.
How are the principles helpful for CSOs? Correction :- Please note that in our Muhaz Vol 2 Issue 9 publication, the picture used for the news under the title "It should not benefit only those who already have access to funding"on page 4 was taken by Ato Assefa Birhanu, owner of Photo Lada Studio.
a. Empower Communities Putting the Istanbul principle in practice involves respecting the central role that communities and beneficiaries play in development. They are full participants in
analysis, decision making, planning, implementation and evaluation. Their contribution improves their identification and viability of solutions aimed at the root causes of poverty and conflict. Moreover local people that are empowered and respected express self-confidence and an increasing sense of ownership.
b. Institutional Strengthening In making a sustained effort to put the Istanbul Principles into practice, staff’s pride in and trains, supports and empowers women, people with disabilities, and others who are often marginalized and underutilized, approach becomes more holistic and representative and your programs become more viable. This will make the CSO—and civil society in a country—more sustainable because the CSO will have created a broader foundation for social change.
c. Enhance Partnerships It can help CSOs to build healthy,
respectful, satisfying and sustainable partnerships that support mutual learning processes and multidimensional accountability. Thoughtful partnering improves relationships among CSOs, between donors and recipients, between CSOs and their constituents, between CSOs and their staff, and other stakeholders who are key to development effectiveness.
d. Develop Environmental Responsibility By integrating environmental sustainability into internal and external procedures, CSOs may use fewer resources, cut emissions, and save money. Also, greener, healthier environments will improve the quality of life and productivity of staff and others. CSOs will gain an advantage in complying with the increasing number of environmental laws and regulations, not to mention the increasing pressure to report on environmental impacts Cont. page 6
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The Istanbul Principles...
and progress towards sustainability. It helps CSO to stand out in a positive light. e. Increase Public Confidence It helps CSOs to meet standards that global civil society has set for itself, thus ensure continued acceptance into the community of CSOs peers. Donors will also value and appreciate the effort that CSOs make to act on the Istanbul Principles. Additionally, it can help CSOs protect themselves from today’s political clamp down on civil society by showing that they are accountable for their actions. CSOs with a strong record of effective development work will have stronger support from within their communities as well as nationally and internationally.
f. Inspires Improvement The Toolkit offers insights, experiences, good practices and a multitude of resources that are recommended by participants in the Open Forum based on their experience. They offer an abundance of resources: skills, knowledge, experience, volunteerism, professionalism, ideas, creativity, relationships and more. The Toolkit is a celebration of the excellent work already being done and an encouragement to go even further. It is an invitation and stimulation for each CSO to commit itself to the journey of advancing development effectiveness.
g. Deepen Development Effectiveness Due to conscience, genuine and sustained efforts to put the principle in to practice development effectiveness shall be improved. Thorough reflection, analysis and planning will enable CSOs to make better decision and to better address the root causes of poverty and conflict. Notably, CSOs shall become learning organizations that can contribute even more to advancing the cause of development. In this way, the Principles become not something to be added to the work of CSOs but rather the way CSOs envision and do their work. This success requires real commitment – not only the commitment to work harder, but the much more difficult commitment to work differently than in the pastboth internally and externally. In general, the principles aim at enabling CSOs to exercise their roles as independent development actors with particular
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focus to strengthening their accountability and their contribution to development effectiveness. Having said that, let us now go to the detail components of the principles.
Principle 1: Respect and promote Human Rights and Social Justice
This column covers interviews with government officials,professionals and representatives of civil society on the current concerns and challenges faced by CSOs as well as proposed solutions
“We don’t witness publicizing of their work to encourage better performances”
CSOs are effective as development actors when they develop and implement strategies, activities and practices that promote individual and collective human rights, including the right to development, with dignity, decent work, social justice and equity for all people. A rights-based approach to development work has been adopted and implemented by many CSOs. CSOs are empowering people to find their voice and secure their rights using holistic approaches, including holding governments accountable to respect, protect and fulfill rights for all people. These approaches address systemic causes of poverty such as inequality, vulnerability, exclusion and discrimination on any basis. CSOs reference important civil and political rights, economic, social and cultural rights and international human rights standards derived from the United Nations (UN) human rights system and other declarations and conventions at international and regional levels. Accordingly, Istanbul principle 1 focuses on: a. Respecting human rights, empowering impoverished people, promoting gender equality and sustainability b. Reforming development partnerships based on solidarity, sovereignty and mutuality; c. Transforming the aid architecture and ensuring policy coherence.
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Assistant Professor Ato Abey Yimer
Our today’s guest is Assistant Professor Abey Yimer. He is the Chief of Resource Collection and Relations Office in the Amhara Rehabilitation and Development Organization (ARDO). We did an interview with him concerning his organization and have presented his response as follows. Have a good read!
MUHAZ: When wand how was ARDO established? Who were its founders? Ass. Prof. Abey: ARDO was established in 1977 Ethiopian Calendar in Sudan. It is to be recalled that the time was when our country was greatly suffering from severe famine. Moreover, it was a time when EPRDF was in escalated armed struggle with the Derge Regime for its downfall. In addition to the war, because the severe famine was largely threatening to those living in liberated Amhara regions and areas under the control of the liberators,
fighters particularly belonging to the Amhara People Democratic Movement established ARDO. The founders were volunteer fighters. At that time, even though the whole of the country was suffering from the famine, the situation was much graver for the society of this area as there was no relief activity extended to them by the central government. The organization was undertaking activities such as provision of food, medicine and other similar support to the society that were victims to the war and famine. Cont. page 8 ...
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MUHAZ: What are the main activities conducted by the organization since its establishment? Ass. Prof. Abey: At the time of establishment, ARDO’s performances focused on relief activities. It used to provide food and medicine on daily needs basis. Hence, the majority of the work was aid and relief. But later on, it began to engage in activities that bring sustainable development and growth. These development activities are undertaken under separate programmes. 1. The first is conservation of natural resource. Several activities have been and are being implemented in this regard. For example, reforestation, soil and water conservation, and conservation of wild life and plantation over the mountains of the region. The works performed and still undergoing on the Guna Mountains are examples of these efforts. 2. The second programme is water resource development. Under this programme, activities such as developing spring water and digging of new water holes were performed. Through this activity, access to clean water is ensured to the society. Parallel to this, the organization also conducts cleaning and hygiene keeping. 3. The third programme is food security. ARDO performed several activities in the area of
cesse
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farming and agriculture in order to ensure food security in the region. For instance, distribution of winter fruits especially apple seedlings to farmers from seedling stations managed by the organization is one of the main activities to be mentioned. Through this activity, several farmers are currently benefiting from the production and sale of apples fruits. In relation to this, the organization is in the process of establishing a large scale fruit processing factory with the capacity to produce mixed fruit juice for local and foreign market consumption. To this end, ARDO has set-up a factory in Dare-Tabor for which people who have received training from an organization called ‘Ukopiya’ and have established themselves in small scale associations are currently producing and supplying raw materials to the factory. Preparations to open selling shops in Bahir Dar are expected to be completed soon for wider accessibly of products to the market. This process links agriculture and food security. 4. The fourth programme is called ‘Transaction’ and works on
70/30 is not ARDO’s problem as it has several projects and sufficient income
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the youth and reproductive health. This project is implemented in five towns of the region namely. The region is known for hosting cross country roads and large intersections entertaining several drives and crossings. For example, Woreta, Debre Tabor, Bahir Dar, Gonder, and Metema, etc. are towns that have many load trucks and vehicles passing through. There are many prostitutes in these towns. Because one prostitute has greater possibility of having sexual engagement with more than one man, the chances of being infected with HIV/AIDS and transmitting the same to another is higher in these areas. Hence, in these cities, the project ‘Transaction’ has opened information centers that circulate information publications on sexual activities among the society. Moreover, the center is serving as a library/resource center as well. In addition, the center provides free coupon and counseling to volunteers willing to take HIV/ AIDS test. Also, the organization builds the capacity of women who are economically weak by assisting them to form associations. Congruently, it encourages the youth to become innovators to change their lives. Besides the aforementioned activities, ARDO has conducted many activities in the education sector. For example, it has build schools in different areas. In this regard, the schools built and handed over to the society in Wadla can be mentioned. Also, the organization has constructed and transferred health clinics to the society. However, since recently the Amhara Development Association (ADA) Cont. page 11...
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By Berhane Berhe International Law Researcher
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“Together we can bring Change!”
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ne of the sayings that impress me the most “Together we can make a difference”. I guess it pleases me because it improves on the old saying that goes “Ethiopians only know how to eat together and not how to work”. The day is 13th of August, 2013. I remember reading the quotation in the office where I went looking for success. As soon as I read it, I said to myself, “the right saying at the right place”. Difference in opinion among people is both inevitable and necessary. However, putting aside our differences in dealing with our shared concerns helps us realize our goal of bringing change together. One of the areas where differences must come to one is work. In this situation, both the work and the work environment are common. Of course, it is unthinkable to secure a special work zone or place for each worker according to his/her individual beliefs and perspectives. Even government and private institutions are destined to interact with each other so long as they are working towards the realization of the much needed development in a given country. It is only then that all actors involved will have the audacity and the ability to say “Together we brought change” when they succeed to perform the task that made them one. Otherwise, the saying will remain what it is- a saying. The organization I was at is called Dorkas Aid International Ethiopia. In our previous publication of Muhaz Vol. II No. 4 March 2013, we presented to our readers the establishment, objective and general activities of the organization. The organization runs metal and wood work workshops in its compound. I was there on a quest to find out the transition of beneficiaries of one of the programmes of the organization on “Social and Economic Empowerment of Vulnerable Youth and Women’s Project”. Here is the answer.
“Berhan Le Hulum Self-help Group ”
When you stand on the road to Gurd Sholla at the round-about of Megenagna, you will find a narrow path on your right before you reach the steep slope leading to St. Gabriel Hospital. Not far from the main road, you will find a house right on the roadside. Although the exterior of the house is not inviting, I have no doubt that once you’re in, you will have the pleasure of eating the delicious food served inside. Try it- trust me! The restaurant established under the name Berehan lehulum self-help group is where I and my colleague had two dishes of “beyayenetu” for 20 birr. You will get even greater pleasure from looking at the mothers running up and down inside the restaurant space that is no more than four by four to serve their customers with speed. Only cruelty is harmful to human beings not work; hence, I wish well
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The basic purpose of the project is to scale up the social, economic, and political capacity of the society.
“Berhan lehulum self help group” was established with the help of Dorkas Ethiopia as a small scale enterprise having 11 members in 2010 E.C under Bole Sub city Woreda 6 Administration. The group started work with a capital of 30,800 birr (thirty thousand eight hundred birr) donated by Dorkas AID International Ethiopia through its Income and Development Entrepreneur project. However, six members are currently running the activity as the others left due to different reasons. The main customers of these active workers are people with low income engaged in small scale activities or surviving as daily laborers in the area. It seems they have outsmarted the business. Their approach reveals that they aim to grow from profit earned not by imposing on customers but rather by offering affordable prices that will attract them. Prior to entering this business, the members stayed at home waiting on their husbands or children to provide for them to make
“We don’t witness ... is extensively working in the area of education and health, ARDO’s focus on these two development activities is limited.
MUHAZ: Is there a difference between ADA and ARDO in terms of objective, activities and rules of engagement? Ass. Prof. Abey: It can be said that both have the same goal as they aim to serve the Amhara people -Amhara region. Hence, both are supportive development organizations. However, ADA finances its activities from member contributions while donors or charities are ARDO’s source of income. It does this by designing projects and submitting proposals and competing for funds like any other non-governmental organization.
to Dorkas Ethiopia and its staff who have enabled these elderly women to earn their own living from this large number of customers instead of retiring.
MUHAZ: How many donors does ARDO have? their daily needs meet with no source of income of their own. Due to the financial and training support provided to the women by Dorkas, not only their perception but their economic situation has improved. Currently, each member earns 600 ETB monthly and has a bank saving no less than 35,000 ETB. This doesn’t include the 2,000 ETB spent to run the daily activity and pay for the house rent. The basic purpose of the project is to scale up the social, economic, and political capacity of the society. Vulnerable and marginalized people are the target beneficiaries. The project provides beneficiaries with trainings that build their decision making capacity on matters of their families and the community. In addition, social and economic
development activities that build their capacity and skills in trade and entrepreneurship, management, selfconfidence, saving, work culture, etc. are provided. Currently, members of the society whose awareness has improved under the project are monthly earning at least 300 ETB. We spoke with some of those engaged in fast food preparation and provision and sewing with the project support. According to the organization’s briefing, beneficiaries engaged in fast food preparation and provision with its financial support, currently run a total of 100,000 ETB per annum.
W.ro Mulumebet Muche For 18 years she has been employed under private organizations. After being fired from her employment as a bread and cake baker, she spent Cont. page 17 ...
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Ass. Prof. Abey: As I mentioned earlier, ARDO was formed as a local NGO at a very difficult time. This organization has more than 30 donors. The main donors such USAID, DFID, German Agro Action, Care Ethiopia, Action AID and Plan Ethiopia can be cited as examples. Through this support, we raise an annual income of approximately half a billion ETB. For example, last year’s budget was 624 million ETB.
MUHAZ: How do you evaluate the work of the organization before and after the coming into effect of the Charities and Societies Proclamation? Are there challenges faced as a result of the Proclamation particularly in implementing regulations issued after that? Ass. Prof. Abey: Thus far, neither
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the Proclamation nor the regulations have posed major challenges for our organization. ARDO’s performance capacity has been increasing over time. When financial resource increases, funds allocated to cover administrative costs also increases. We hear that the complaints raised by many organizations relates to the 70/30 threshold. However, this is not ARDO’s problem as it has several projects and sufficient income. Moreover, our employees are not luxuriously furnished. Their salary in not high or is over the scale. Therefore, the administrative costs are compatible. Our experience thus far shows that our administrative cost is less than 30%.
MUHAZ: Where are the organizations’ activity areas? Ass. Prof. Abey: There are no weredas in the Amhara region that the organization doesn’t work. Up until now, it has and is still performing several development activities in all of the zones and weredas. Hence, ARDO is known among all of the farmers in the region.
MUHAZ: Is the work of the organization limited to the above four programmes or are there others? Ass. Prof. Abey: In addition to the main activities mentioned above, the organization performs other tasks as well. For example, it works on alternative power supply. In this regard, there is one project that it implements in relation with
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Experience
Belaya
Vol.2 No. 10 Sep. 2013 This column deals with the objectives of establishment, successes and challenges of Charities and Societies
Ato Biniyam Berasso Belaya Children's and Family Development Association Director
A Sanctuary for Vulnerable Children Establishment Belaya Children's and Family Development Association is one of the main and successful charities and societies working in Gedeo Zone of the Southern Nations Nationalities Peoples Regional State (SNNPRS). The association was formerly known as Christian Children Fund Childhood Development Organization. Although the beginning of the association dates back to August 2004, its independent registration as “Belaya” under the Charities and Societies legislation materialized from April 1, 2009 onwards. “Belaya” represents a cultural place of the Gedeo Zone. According
their culture, the place is where elders gather around to pray to God when faced with challenges, shortage of seasonal rain, or whenever there occurs any kind of famine. It is also the place where major decisions concerning the society are given. Because the place is known and regarded with respect among members of the society, the founders have named the organization after Belaya. It is the families of beneficiary children who have established the institution independent from Christian Children Fund. The association's target groups are children and youths under 24 years of age. The Association's Program area extends to two weredas- Wonago and Dilla Zuria of Gedeo Zone, in the SNNPRS. Administratively, the
two Weredas include 32 kebeles; where the operational area of the Association covers 6 kebele administrations namely Golla, Michile Sisota, and Chichu around Dilla zone and Tumata Chirecha, Belebukisa and Jemjemo kebeles of Wonago. Chichu, capital of Dilla Zuria wereda, is semi urban whereas Wonago, capital of Wonago wereda is urban. The total area of the districts collectively is 463.6 km2. According to information accessed from the Gedeo Zone Finance and Economic Development Office, in 2009, although the projected population of both woredas collectively was 231,963, existing people at the time of implementation were however 40,049. Currently the project's main funding source is Child Fund Ethiopia.
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Vision "improve the quality of life by creating a productive, sustainable, self- governing and healthy
society and inspire the transfer of sustainable environment protection to the future generation"
Belaya believes that health, education and livelihood of children and families are inseparable; hence, through the development and implementation of integrated community development programs designed as grass root projects, ensure community’s participation in decision making, implementation, benefit ownership and control of children and family projects or programs.
Objectives 1. To increase the productivity and income of families and children towards ensuring their participation in the overall community development; 2. To introduce, adapt and implement development/income generation activities;
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3. To generate programs, projects and activities that ensure the benefits of the children & families and the society at large;
Chichu Kebeles and transferred to the community. Furthermore, it has built high standard libraries in Chichu and Wonago.
4. T o mobilize local materials, finance and human resources for the development of children;
On the other hand, it develops spring water. Accordingly, more than six spring waters and access to clean water made possible in all of the kebeles by the organization. In addition, Belaya provides various professional trainings to the youth. It has enabled children from 0-5 years, particularly those malnourished, to attend their education while also being provided with nutritional food inside the day care institutions it has established. It has seven similar child feeding centers in Golla, Chichu, Sisota, Balebuksa, Tomata Chiracha and Jamjamo kebeles where each support 40 children with a total of 280 beneficiaries.
5. To improve quality of education of children;
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6. To solve challenges in areas where there is food scarcity and health problems;
Accomplishments ‘Belaya” conducts its activities under three main programmes. These are:¤ Care and Development of Infants and Young Children (for those under 5 years old) ¤ Quality Learning Opportunities and Enhancing Achievements in Basic Education (for those 6-14 years old) ¤ Leadership and Livelihood Skills for the Youth (15-24 years old) The organization has accomplished several activities since its establishment. Particularly, in capacity building where it has built schools in partnership with the government. In this regard, it has built three modern schools in Jemjemo, Tumata Chiracha, and
Moreover, it fills gaps within government institutions, particularly when the latter is in urgent need of medicines, the organization purchases and supplies medicines to government clinics. Similarly, given the high value it gives to the improvement of quality of education, the association visits different schools within the weredas where it implements its projects and provides materials where they are lacking. For example, it has availed school desks, books shelves, and reference materials. As we know, the Gedeo Zone is one of the areas known for its vast production and use of the “Enset” plant as food. Therefore, Belaya conducts distribution of various types of “Enset” plant to farmers.
Project Activities As mentioned earlier, Belaya Cont. page 19 ...
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Vol.2 No. 10 Sep. 2013 This column is where concerned bodies express their opinions and exchange ideas on issues of current and critical interest for civil society
MEDREK
Exploring the Relationship between the Media and Civil Societies It is to be recalled that in our previous three consecutive editions, we presented the views and opinions of authorities and representatives of civil societies concerning the relationship between the media and non-governmental organizations. Now, we will present the comments reflected by media institutions concerning the issue in two parts. The person who shared his views to us is known as Ato Negusu Wedajnew- Editor-in-Chief of Addis Zemen gazette of the Ethiopian Press Agency. It is presented as follows;
Ato Negusu Wedajnew The government believes that non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are development partners that come next to the government and private owners in the line of development forces. Therefore, the law of Charities and Societies has been promulgated to govern their administration. Like any other government media institution, our perception of these organizations is the same. It is undeniable the utilization of the media is irreplaceable for NGOs in terms of making their activities known to the public. However,
Civil societies are entertained at the third level
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Vol.2 No. 10 Sep. 2013 the Ethiopian Press Agency accommodates NGOs in line with its Editorial policy. The Agency's Editorial Committee is a selection of persons from Addis Zemen gazette, Ethiopian Herald, Zemen Magazine, Berisa and Alhal gazette including one represented by the manager and it is this committee that decides on the sequence of requests for media coverage. The main areas of priority are government policy directions. Therefore, we give priority to agendas set at the Federal level and different events organized by the Federal government. Next, to large public forums and meetings, and at the third level, we attend requests and programmes of civil societies and private owners. If there were occasions where requests for media coverage by NGOs failed to be entertained by the Agency, it is for this reason alone and not because we view them negatively. We are willing to publish their grievances if any. Previously, there were situations where we entertained articles sent by NGOs focusing on health, HIV/ AIDS, access to clean water, etc. Moreover, we used to provide coverage where the organizations invite journalists to visit their activities; however nowadays, the practice is minimal. Keeping this in mind, it should be noted that there are organizations with problems just as there are those that are highly successful and working for the benefit of the people. Some may have big names but their performance may not go beyond financially furnishing higher management and professionals inside the organization. In addition, when requests are made in a manner that does not disclose activities in detail and when an earlier exchange of information fails to be conducted with the relevant officer, it will not
They will benefit more in the use of government media if they strengthened their relations with the Ministry...
be given weight and therefore, not covered. On the other hand, it is my opinion that in order to solve their problems in this regard and be able to make greater use of government media, the organizations will benefit more if they introduced their work and strengthened their relations with the Ministry of Government Communication Affairs and other similar institutions. By doing this, we may be able to entertain Articles prepared and educational activities conducted by them. Similarly, when they build their relationship with us and transmission of advertisements
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and educational message is strengthened, we will provide them with the support they need to build up on their activities as we shall consider them as one of our stakeholders. Moreover, they should invite journalists to witness and have a tour of successful works. It is important to introduce one another and build partnership. If this happens, problems will be tackled. There shall be no reason for their isolation. If there is lack of impartiality on our part, it should be corrected. There should be increased understanding and relationship between us. In our performance thus far, we do not include NGOs working on small scale, trade, health, investment, agriculture, industry, etc. in our planned activities. When invited to partake in field visits, we do so if we feel that the issue should be made known to the public and therefore needs coverage. For example, we provide coverage to VEVOD (Vision Ethiopian Congress for Democracy) news upon invitation. When organizations as big as Mesion for Mesion invite us to report huge development activities, we do so without any hesitation by giving it priority like any other government work. On the contrary, there may be those who do not approach the media at all. Generally, not only do we consider NGOs as our stakeholders, but also we believe that the constitutional right to make use of the media and that we are obligated to entertain them appropriately. -----------------------
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“Together we can...
T
he Documents Registration and Authentication Office(DARO) was earlier organized by Proclamation No. 334/2003 under the City Government of Addis Ababa to be later on put under the ministry of Justice by Proclamation No. 467/2005 performing acts of registering businesses established for
commercial purposes while also authenticating documents. Since September 2013 however, DARO has launched a document authentication and registration service for non-profit associations and organizations. This was following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) on 28 August, 2013 between Charities and Societies Agency and DARO.
According to the memoran-
dum, DARO's responsibility is confined to the registration and authentication process involving charities and societies while the Agency maintains the regulation aspect. The duty shall also extend to foreign associations seeking to operate in Ethiopia. Source- Fortune Newspaper. Vol.14, No.69, September 22, 2013
Respecting Human Dignity- A Charitable Act
The International day of charity is celebrated on 5 September 2013 as it was decide by Resolution 67/105 of the UN General Assembly on 17 December 2012. Secretary General of the United Nations called upon all people in the world to act on the charitable impulse that resides in every human being. This day is the anniversary of Mother Teresa, who in so many ways, personified the charitable soul. Charity is not only related with giving money for the have not. Giving love, respecting the human dignity …is by itself charity. Commemorating this day, MUHAZ brings to you some famous sayings that might help you take a look into your spiritual side to motivate and sustain your engagement in charitable activities irrespective of your economic status.
This is one of the associations established with the support of Dorkas Ethiopia’s Income and Development Entrepreneur project. It was formed with 17 members in 2000 EC. Representing the association, W.ro Yizeshwal briefed us that previously they neither had the awareness of working in partnership nor the skill of trading and saving culture leading to their initial training including in tailoring for one year with the help of W/t Eleni, the project leader. Then, two sewing machines were purchased and given to them. They began their work by sewing uniforms and bed covers to Dorkas. Upon advice, they later on rented a shop around Gerji area although it wasn’t profitable. They changed location and continued their work in a rented shop for 600 birr.
“Let us not be satisfied with just giving money. Money is not enough, money can be got, but they need your hearts to love them. So, spread your love everywhere you go” “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other” “The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread” “Yes, you can make a difference, even if you’re broke, over-scheduled, over-worked, too busy, depressed, or hungry yourself. Yes you can, absolutely and without question, make a difference. You are being stingy if you’re not.”
Yizeshwal Askale and Friends Share Holder
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her time at home. However, she met with the helping hand of Dorkas. She received tailoring and marketing training. Her knowledge in trade and entrepreneur skills improved as a result of the training. She began a fast food business with her other colleagues using the 2,400 birr loan she acquired from the organization free of interest. Previously, their service provision was related with meetings, trainings and other programs conducted by the organization. However, later on, they were able to increase their income by extending their services to other areas. The 7 birr weekly individual saving has now become 7,000 ETB. Because of this, the challenging life led by W.ro Mulumebet’s family has improved from what it used to be. Her vision and inspiration to grow more is boosted. She is able to educate her three children. Her first child is preparing to start his own business. Her husband who used to earn little from as a broker business is currently supporting her in the trade.
“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one”
“….Acts of caring and kindness with no thought of recompense…helps us in our shared quest to live together in harmony and build a peaceful future for all
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Although each member has taken 710 birr in credit from the organization, W.ro Yiseshwal explains that it was not spent appropriately as the loan was taken before they started work. Due to this, while some members bought personal staff with the money, others returned it to the organization from their saving account. Though currently the association is running properly and earning minimal income, it was asserted that it needs additional loan for an expanded growth. They require new location for their work as the rent is beyond affordable. Their attempt to get 45,000 birr credit from Addis Saving and Loan Institution did not succeed as they were required to show 9,000 birr in the bank. Dorkas’s Income and Development Entrepreneur project has a solution for this as well. It plans to support them through two alternatives. On one hand, it plans to donate sewing machines purchased for other associations but not put to use. On the other hand, it is strategizing to furnish the required amount of money to help them access the credit they have applied for. However, the possibility of getting affordable rent or shop where they can conduct their work is in the hands of the administration. Despite challenges, the now 9 membered Yizeshwal and Friends Shareholders Association still harbors the motivation to grow. We should not however overlook the changed perception that resulted from the training and support provided by Dorkas leading them to the success road they are in today. ------------------
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A Sanctuary for Vulnerable...
“We don’t witness ...
From page 11 ...
environment conservation. This project produces oil from a plant called “Jatorfa” in its factory established in Bati. This oil product serves as edible oil for food preparation and as an alternative source of light. In addition, it is utilized by vehicles and engines using petrol as fuel. Products supplied in this regard are for testing purposes only. Preparation for a large scale production and supply of the product in the market as well as utilization of its byproducts for the production of soap and similar products is complete.
MUHAZ: What are the future plans of the organization? Ass. Prof. Abey: So far, the activities undertaken by ARDO have been successful. Hence, we plan to strengthen our capacity in order to ensure that the society’s participation in development on one hand and also be able to support the government in its efforts to bring sustainable development on the other. Notably, many organizations are implementing the BSC (Balanced Score Card). Similarly, ARDO has introduced the system to its organization since last year. Therefore, our main plan is to sustain a strengthened implementation of this procedure.
The organization works on alternative power supply
employee turnovers. This is however resolved by recruiting another staffthough admittedly the resignation of an employee who is familiar with the work has its own setbacks. Nonetheless, as these problems are encountered in the process of performing tasks, it’s difficult to label them as challenges. In my opinion, there is one issue
MUHAZ: What are the that can be raised as a challenge. challenges faced by the This involves transferring the organization in its activities? ownership title of a property situated Ass. Prof. Abey: Like any other organization, ARDO has faced different problems in performing its activities. For example, there were
in Addis Ababa in the name of the organization. The organization seeks to own the property in order to construct a 15 floored modern building for office and other uses. However, for the last 5 years, the organization’s effort to own the land has been futile due to bureaucratic procedures. Currently, ARDO incurs
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15,000 ETB for lease of office. If we owned the land, we would have been spared this cost and been able to construct a modern building that will contribute to the city’s attraction. Income raised from the lease of the buildings’ offices would have also increased the organizations financial capacity towards increased performance in development.
MUHAZ: If you have any other message that you would like to pass… Ass. Prof. Abey: NGOs conduct development activities in partnership with the government. Today, there are many organizations like ARDO that have succeeded in the realization of development in the country by working in partnership with the government. However, there are no efforts to approach the organizations and bring to the public what they are doing, what their activities look like, etc. to encourage performances. One of the comments given to us is that “we do lots of development work but that we don’t publicize them”. Of course, we produce articles, magazines, etc. at the office level to make known our organization. But so far we haven’t seen any official medial which needs to promote our work. However, as far as I know, there has never been a media that has approached us to promote or make public our work. My interview MUHAZ has given me great pleasure as it has given me the opportunity to provide information about my organization. This is something that should be supported. Thank you! ------------------
conducts its development activity by segregating its beneficiaries into three age groups. According to this, it implements the following activities; The organization has a successful record of provision of health services and nutritional food to children between 0-5 years of age by assigning capable professionals and development officers in line with the associations' activities. In relation with this, it also conducts health care activities to mothers. In coordination with government health extension professionals, it supervises monthly child growth. Moreover, when children are ill, the sponsors and provides them with coupons that allow them to get free medical assistance from Dilla University Referral Hospital and other health centers. For those with severe illnesses and are referred to Addis Ababa for higher medical help, it enables them get access to the service by covering all their costs.
In
relation with this programme, the organization develops spring water. In addition, it provides consecutive training to mothers on issues of child care and feeding. On top of that, not only does it offer different awareness raising educations on the benefits of giving birth in health centers, it also trains traditional midwives and provides them with equipments as well as establishing a working system for them in partnership with health extension workers.
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The second programme category concerns children from 6-14 years of age where the association gives special attention to the group and assigns a professional that only undertakes education activities thus ensuring the children's proper education. Under this programme, 1487 boys and 1344 girls with a total of 2831 children are made direct beneficiaries.
In
addition, under this programme, Deprived, Excluded and
distributes different types of ‘Enset’ plant to farmers Vulnerable Children (DEVs) are given special attention. Every year, the association provides education materials such as school uniforms, shoes and other materials to these children. Besides ensuring that children are enrolled in schools, the association implements different activities in cooperation with school teachers and principals towards decreasing the number of school drop-outs.
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Belaya
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Target groups falling under the third category are youths between the ages of 15-24. The majority of these youths are students of secondary school education. The association provides capacity building trainings to students with high scores in their secondary education. For those who failed to score college entrance grades, the association provides skill trainings in general construction, hair dressing and beauty salon, cooking, welding, and other professions in collaboration with Dilla Technical and Vocational Institution after which it supplies them with different equipments ensuring their employment. There are 49 youths selected by the association and are made direct beneficiaries under this programme.
Moreover, there are associations engaged in cattle rearing after being trained. The association called 'Horsinso' established in Chichu is a case in point.
Challenges Belaya has entertained various challenges in its existence. The main challenge the association raises is in relation to organization of the youth. Many of the youths exhibited challenges of finance management after forming into organizations. Because of this, certain amount of the associations' money has been wasted. In order to do away with the problem, the association employed experience sharing strategy to build on the working procedure of the youth associations. In this regard, Ato Biniyam Berasso- the associations' Director, stated that members of the association visited World Visions' project in Sidama Zone undertaking similar activities and shared good practices that has raised their capacity to perform better.
Future Plans Thus far, Belaya has been conducting its development activities using funds made available by donors. However, it plans for its members and staff to undergo capacity building training in fund raising strategies, particularly in the preparation of proposals, to ensure the associations' continued existence in the event that donor funding freezes. Moreover, it plans to implement practical activities that will mobilize the community to engage in fund raising. On the other hand, the association plans to increase its capacity to design additional programmes other than the mentioned three that will enable it to excel the number of kebeles presently benefiting from its programmes and reach out to all the zones and surrounding areas.
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The Istanbul Principles... Principle 2: Embody gender equality and equity while promoting women’s and girl’s rights CSOs can play their role as development actors through embodying gender equity, reflecting women’s concerns and experiences, while supporting women’s efforts to realize their individual and collective rights, participating as fully empowered actors in the development process. Achieving gender equality, through addressing unequal power relations and fulfilling women’s and girls’ rights - in all their dimensions - is essential for realizing sustainable development outcomes. The empowerment of women, through gender equity, promotes equal access for women and girls to opportunities, resources, and decision-making at all levels. Given that women are not a homogeneous category; CSOs stress the need for diversified approaches in order to promote women’s empowerment, safety and well-being, especially for marginalized and disadvantaged groups of women. CSOs also acknowledge that men and boys are crucial partners and need to be fully engaged.
Principle 3: Focus on people’s empowerment, democratic ownership and participation CSOs shall play a role in the process of empowering and inclusive participation of people to expand their democratic ownership over policies and development initiatives that affect their lives, with an emphasis on the poor and marginalized. Development will be appropriate and effective if it is grounded in the rights, expressed priorities and local knowledge of affected populations. As they work to promote human rights and
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positive change, CSOs must be respectful of the traditions and culture of local communities. CSO empowerment activities build women and men’s collective capacities and their democratic ownership as actors in both their communities and nations and as individuals claiming their rights. Affected populations, therefore, have more influence, decision-making power and resources, giving them more control over factors that shape their lives. When CSOs collaborate in development initiatives with governments, CSOs seek avenues and outcomes for women and men to claim and exercise their rights, while protecting the autonomy and political space for peoples’ movements and organizations.
Principle 4: Promote Environmental Sustainability The human rights of both present and future generations depend on development paths and strategies where sustainability within the Earth’s limits is the cornerstone of all development actions. All people have the right to live and work in a healthy and sustainable environment. Complex environmental challenges, including the urgency to mitigate and adapt to climate change, require capacities and skills that advance sustainable ecosystems, human development and are inclusive of all affected populations. Meeting these challenges will demand environmental awareness and innovative solutions. These solutions should be shaped by principles of environmental and climate justice and equity as well as policy coherence. The millions of women and men, particularly in developing countries, who are deeply impacted by environmental degradation and climate change, bear no responsibility for the conditions that have result in the deepening environmental and climate crises. CSOs must explicitly give priority to local socio-economic conditions and cultural and indigenous approaches in strengthening well-being, biodiversity and sustainability in their development practice.