Plan International Australia 2008/09 Annual Report

Transform the world for children. annual report 2008–09 plan international australia

Contents Report from our Chair

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Report from our CEO

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The Plan Story

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Plan in Action

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Plan Supporters

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Plan Financials

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Plan’s People

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Cover: A girl learns new skills in maths class at a Plan-funded school in Boulsa in Namentenga province, Burkina Faso.

Right: Girls pumping water from a well in Togo.

Published November 2009 Plan International Australia ABN 49004875807 Design: Motion | Printing: Complete Colour Printing

Plan transforms the world for children by promoting child rights and building capacity to ensure children, families and communities are active and leading participants in overcoming poverty.

Plan Annual report 2008–2009

Report from our Chair It has been a year of dramatic and turbulent change in the world – with the Global Financial Crisis, the world food shortage and the impact of climate change affecting the communities in which Plan operates. Despite these significant global challenges, Plan in Australia has weathered the storm relatively well and the Australian public has not wavered in their generosity.

This year was also a new era of change with the Australian Government honouring its pledge to increase its aid and development funding. This will enable Plan to reach potentially even more children through its work such as providing early childhood care and development for children in Cambodia or supporting children and their communities with water and sanitation programs in Vietnam. It also allows us to strengthen and deepen our impact as a professional development agency and continue our advocacy role in transforming the world for children in the countries in which we work.

This is a great result and has been made possible by the vision and leadership of our Chief Executive Officer, Ian Wishart, and the dedicated and committed staff throughout Plan in Australia. To all of the Plan team, a very big thank you for the outstanding achievements this past year.

Plan is also changing at the international level, with a new global strategic direction and new leadership. Plan International appointed a new Chief Executive, Nigel Chapman. His experience in marketing and brand development is already positioning Plan well for the future in strengthening its commitment to being a worldwide recognised organisation committed to a child rightsbased development approach.

We have also seen Plan return to Hong Kong.

In the early 1950s Plan International provided services and support to refugee children from China. Now as a developed economy and a hub for financial services in Asia, Plan Hong Kong has opened as a fundraising office.

As part of its launch of the new office, Plan Hong Kong ran the Where are they now? campaign, where adults who were once Plansponsored children came forward to tell their compelling personal stories of how indebted they are for the education, support and assistance Plan gave them for a better start in life. These stories and testimonials are the essence of Plan’s work – where if children are given the opportunity and capacity to break the cycle of poverty, there is a very different outcome to their lives.

The initiative to establish a Hong Kong National Office came from the vision and leadership of Plan in Australia and we will have an ongoing commitment to their

success over the next five years with a strong mentoring relationship at both Board and management level. The close relationship between Hong Kong and mainland China provides an ideal opportunity to connect donors and supporters to the programs and development projects in the rural provinces of China.

Plan at an international level has committed to a nine-year longitudinal research program on the impact of poverty on girls titled Because I’m a Girl. This advocacy campaign, based on research on the plight of girls in developing communities, has captured worldwide attention and this year has been successfully launched in Australia.

With a different focus each year, the theme in 2009 is the economic impact of poverty on girls. One statistic that resonates with me is that if a girl living in poverty has access to just seven years of education, as an adult she is 80 per cent more likely to economically support her family and children whereas for boys it is as low as 40 per cent.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow Board directors for their continued support and valuable contribution to Plan over the past year. They have willingly and enthusiastically given their time to guide the organisation in a challenging and difficult year.

I would also like to acknowledge our retiring Board directors Emily Booker and Wendy McCarthy. During her time on the Board, Emily’s contribution as a strong advocate for the voice of children and ensuring Plan’s programs reflect this have been most valued and appreciated. Wendy’s contribution and legacy to Plan is evident worldwide – she has led the international branding of Plan, been instrumental in the governance restructure internationally and strengthened the capacity and leadership of Australia to become a significant National Office. Her vision and commitment to Plan has been truly inspirational and we are all benefiting from her enormous contribution.

And finally, but most importantly, I would like to acknowledge and thank the Plan members, sponsors and loyal supporters for your invaluable support. This has enabled us to continue our vital work and to have a positive impact on the lives of many thousands of children in developing communities.

Working together we can lead the transformational change needed for a better world for all our children.

Anne Skipper, AM Chair, Plan International Australia

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Plan Annual report 2008–2009

Report from our Chief Executive Officer ‘While 2009 will always be remembered as the year of the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), I am very pleased to report that Plan weathered the storm and in fact emerged the other side, stronger, and in a better position to do more for children.’

In light of the overall environment, Plan’s financial results for the year were both very positive and perhaps somewhat surprising.

Total revenue increased by 20 per cent, from $32.8m to $39.3m. Significantly, community giving from our many loyal sponsors deepened during the year from $18.3m to $19.3m, an increase of $1m. Grants made up another key part of the increase, with income from this stream lifting by an exceptional 50 per cent to $18m. At the same time expenditure was kept in check with increases in cost areas below the rate of growth in our revenue. The end result of all of this is that Plan is raising more resources, for more children, more efficiently, despite tough economic times.

Manager was appointed to ramp up our work on measurement and evaluation of programs. Additional project officers were appointed to help design and then monitor the implementation of our increasing project portfolio.

While more resources are of course important, equally important is that they are used effectively to transform children’s lives.

Plan took several steps in 2009 to strengthen its effectiveness. The internal program framework that guides our project work was updated and aligned to both Children’s Rights and the Millennium Development Goals. A new Program Effectiveness

Part of Plan’s global transformation is to strengthen our child rights approach to development. I saw evidence of this during 2009 in China, when I visited a school that Plan had supported. There was the traditional sign of Plan’s involvement in the new classrooms and sanitation block. More striking though was the clear evidence that this was a school that respected children’s

Plan also took a more assertive role in regard to issues affecting children. Our Learn without Fear campaign called for more to be done to make schools safe as that is what children around the world told us they wanted. Our Because I am a Girl campaign called for greater gender equality and investments in girls to ensure that the Millennium Development Goals are met for girls as well as boys.

Left: Children enjoy early learning activities at a village preschool in Siem Reap province, Cambodia.

rights. Student leaders showed us around and clearly had a voice in how the school was run. They spoke of improved instruction methods that were far more participative, and of the respect they had for the friendly and supportive approach of their teachers. This was an example of a child-friendly school that Plan hopes will be replicated in other parts of China.

have been magnificent. While surrounded by all the fear and pessimism in the media you stuck to the job and kept Plan moving. The Board were also truly tested this year. How to calibrate the settings for Plan during such uncertain times to ensure the organisation is both protected and able to prosper? You chose well and we are a stronger organisation as a result.

2009 was also the year when Plan’s relationship with the Australian Government moved to a new level. Plan is currently one of five agencies in consideration for a highlevel partnership agreement. The agreement would provide $18.7m to Plan over four years to be used across increased program, policy development work, effectiveness measurement and community engagement.

This arrangement is not just about increasing funds but a transformed, deeper and broader engagement between AusAID and Plan.

The approach we took during 2009 was to keep on advancing despite the GFC. We believed that people would be mindful of the needs of children around the world despite the seeming chaos on the economic front. It turns out this was correct. People do yearn for a better world, a safer world for children, despite present turmoil. Ultimately they know this is what Plan is striving for – a transformed world, where children can grow up safe, supported and achieve their potential.

I’m grateful for the support of our many sponsors and donors during this tough year.

Your ongoing commitment has enabled us to do more for children. Our staff and volunteers

Ian Wishart Chief Executive Officer, Plan International Australia

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Plan Annual report 2008–2009

The Plan story

Right: A woman watering plants in a school garden in Koupela, Burkina Faso.

the planplan in action story

Our vision A world in which all children realise their full potential in societies which respect people’s rights and dignity.

Plan Annual report 2008–2009

Australia – part of a global network Plan in Australia is a part of Plan International – one of the world’s largest community development organisations. Plan’s work in 49 developing countries is supported by national organisations in 18 donor countries like Australia.

Our mission Plan strives to achieve lasting improvements in the quality of life of deprived children in developing countries through a process that unites people across cultures and adds meaning and value to their lives by: • enabling deprived children, their families and their communities to meet their basic needs and to increase their ability to participate in and benefit from their societies • building relationships to increase understanding and unity among peoples of different cultures and countries • promoting the rights and interests of the world’s children.

Our work Founded more than 70 years ago, Plan is one of the oldest and largest children’s development organisations in the world and has no political or religious agendas.

We work at the grassroots to empower communities to overcome poverty so that children have the opportunity to reach their full potential – and children are encouraged to be actively involved in the process.

We unite, empower and inspire people around the globe to champion every child’s right to survival, develop to the fullest, be protected and participate fully in family, cultural and social life. Together with our supporters we can transform the world for children.

Plan’s offices in developed countries are well-placed to carry the major responsibility for raising funds. They provide financial and technical resources to communities and serve as links between sponsors, donors and the children, families and communities Plan works with. Plan’s offices in developing countries are responsible for delivering development programs that benefit children.

Plan’s headquarters is in the UK. It has responsibility for guiding the overall efforts for children and overseeing the transfer of resources.

Being part of this global network allows Australia to share resources and knowledge about the best ways in which we can work together to enable children to reach their full potential.

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Plan Annual report 2008–2009

Plan in action

Right: Children learn at a preschool in Pha Oudon, Huey Xay, Laos.

plan in action

Plan Annual report 2008–2009

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Plan recognises that children’s wellbeing is fundamentally connected to the community, and children’s lives will improve only when their family and community situation improves as well. Communities, families, youth and children are encouraged to be active participants in community development to ensure that their interests and needs are met.

Our rights-based approach is guided by clear standards and obligations provided by international human rights instruments, primarily the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Child rights are protected and realised by raising awareness amongst children, youth, families, communities, the government and others about the rights of every child, and by working to build the capacity and commitment of those responsible for ensuring these rights are recognised and supported. This means that the protection and access to rights for all community members is essential for the creation of a positive rights environment.

Through our country strategic planning processes we determine what the key focus and priority is for our programming in each country. Our work globally can be understood in terms of eight key areas. Individual projects may cover one or several of these areas, depending on each community’s unique needs.

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Plan is committed to quality programming through our Child-Centred Community Development (CCCD) approach, which we reviewed and updated in FY2009.

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Guiding principle to our approach Key elements of our approach 8 areas of work 8 areas of work

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Plan Annual report 2008–2009

plan in action

How we apply our approach in Australia Plan in Australia supports Plan’s community projects in two ways:

Plan in Australia’s five program outcomes are:

1 We contribute to globally funded

Children aged 0–8 in Plan-supported ECCD programs are equipped with the tools that enable them to participate, learn and contribute according to their evolving capacities in cognitive, emotional, social and physical development areas.

projects in communities in 47 developing countries through Child Sponsorship.

These projects may cover one or all of the eight programming areas. We influence the directions and delivery of these programs through inputs at the global strategy level.

2 We design, develop and monitor projects in Africa and Asia where specific local needs match our expertise and experience. We call them Priority Projects and they are designed to achieve five program outcomes that we have identified as priorities for Australian funding support.

We fund these projects through government grants, donations and from our Children First! members.

1 Early childhood care and development

2 Improving educational outcomes and opportunities Children of school-going age in Plansupported education programs enrol in school, attend regularly, and achieve good learning outcomes through good quality schools.

3 Water, sanitation and hygiene Improved health and wellbeing of children and their families through socially and technically sound, and replicable community managed sanitation and water programs.

4 Livelihoods and food security Improved wellbeing of vulnerable children and their families in Plan-supported programs through improved household livelihoods and food security.

5 Rights and community resilience Human and legal rights of vulnerable children and their families are promoted and protected in Plan-supported programs.

In order to ensure we promote resilient and inclusive community development, disaster risk reduction, social inclusion and youth engagement are integral elements to all programs supported by Plan in Australia.

In FY2009: $19,284,180 was raised through Australian supporters sponsoring 41,170 children. $19,655,693 was raised for Priority Projects designed, managed and monitored by Plan in Australia.

Above: Organic vegetables provide nutrition and extra income for families in Northern Samar in the Philippines.

plan in action

Plan Annual report 2008â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2009

Where we work

Priority Projects funded by Plan in Australia

Plan program countries

Plan national offices

National Offices Australia Belgium Canada Denmark Finland France Germany Hong Kong Ireland Japan Korea Netherlands Norway Spain Sweden Switzerland United Kingdom United States Program Countries Bangladesh Benin Bolivia Brazil Burkina Faso Cambodia Cameroon China Colombia Dominican Republic Timor Leste Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Ethiopia Ghana Guatemala Guinea Guinea Bissau Haiti Honduras India Indonesia Kenya Laos Liberia Malawi Mali Mozambique Nepal Nicaragua Niger Pakistan Paraguay Peru Philippines Rwanda Senegal Sierra Leone Southern Sudan Sri Lanka Sudan Tanzania Thailand Togo Uganda Vietnam Zambia Zimbabwe

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Plan Annual report 2008–2009

plan in action: Quality education

plan in australia priority project

Making education accessible in Bangladesh Thousands of children in Bangladesh are not only ‘making the grade’, they are also helping to make their schools safe and inspiring places to learn.

In Bangladesh, going to school can be a frightening experience. Corporal punishment is rife and bullying is commonplace with children from poor families targeted: the label ‘slow learner’ the cause of taunts by their classmates.

On top of this, with primary school compulsory, government schools are severely overcrowded; up to 50 students per class.

Teaching is by rote learning with the focus on passing exams to advance to the next year. To pass, private tutoring is an absolute necessity but can only be afforded by the more well-off students. Of the 16.5 million children enrolled each year in government primary schools,

A student from South Groaldiha Primary School in Northern Bangladesh writing on the blackboard.

around 40 per cent will drop out, usually by grade four or five when the struggle to keep up becomes too much. Beaten by their teachers, bullied by classmates and with next to no self-confidence, life in the eyes of these children holds little hope. This is the crux of the problem because fear is a terrible obstacle to learning.

But back in 1998, a more child-friendly way of learning was trialed for children from Bangladesh’s poor rural communities. Plan introduced an interactive problem-solving approach to learning where children attend school tuition sessions in a safe environment, called Learning Camps, before or after their

normal school sessions. These camps are now the cornerstone of Plan’s Community Learning Action Project.

Aligned with the national curriculum, each Learning Camp has about 30 students who attend daily two-hour sessions held in a classroom provided by the school. Sessions are run by a Plan-trained tutor, usually a high school graduate, who receives fees from the parents (about 70 cents per child per month). For those children from families living in the most difficult circumstances, the local community provides their fees. Parents are also involved, taking on the day-to-day management of the camps, and have helped

Children use interactive child-friendly learning to improve their maths at a Learning Camp session in Bangladesh.

instigate quality learning methods being adopted by some schools and teachers.

Last year, 26,332 children were enrolled in Plan-supported Learning Camps in two districts – Naushingdi and Jessore. Many of these children have gone from the bottom of the classes to the top. In 2009, Plan began to step back from supporting these camps so that the communities themselves can take over. In partnership with communities, we also began setting up Learning Camps (benefiting around 15,500 children) in every community in one province in Sreepur, one of the poorest regions in central Bangladesh.

A young boy learning at school in Bangladesh.

plan in action: health and early development

Plan Annual report 2008–2009

plan in australia priority project

Children in Uganda set to benefit from early childhood care All children have the right to the best possible start in life, so Plan’s Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) projects help prepare children for school, and for life.

In rural Uganda, the day-to-day survival of the family is often an all-consuming priority for parents. The lack of knowledge of early learning and its benefits to a child’s development can mean children are less able to reach their full potential. There are no formal services for 0–3 year olds in Uganda and most children aged 3–8 miss out on early learning, such as preschool.

However, for communities in the Luwero West district that is all about to change. In the last year, Plan in Australia and Plan Uganda have worked together with communities to develop a new project that will harness experience, skills and understanding of ECCD.

Children learning traditional songs in their community in Uganda.

The project will develop an appropriate and culturally-relevant model of early care and learning, and aims to empower families to increase support for their own children and take collective action to ensure the growth, development and protection of every child in the community.

While the Ugandan Government has developed an ECCD framework document, it doesn’t exist in local languages and is not accessible for rural communities. The current need is for the framework to be taken beyond words and into a practical guide for caregivers and parents at a local level. Over the past twelve months Plan has worked

A young boy plays in his community in Uganda.

with six communities, conducting a survey to understand community needs, concerns and existing knowledge of ECCD and selecting caregivers for training. In addition, Plan has developed a training manual on ECCD that includes early learning and parenting skills and incorporates traditional parenting. This manual is now widely used by early learning teachers, caregivers and parents at ECCD centres set up by parents.

Plan’s approach is to support communities to take the lead in deciding what is best for their children and to invest in building the capacity of communities, caregivers, parents and different levels of government.

As Program Manager Katie Ramsay says, ‘Communities themselves will be leading the development of an appropriate ECCD model that will begin from the ground up.’

While children are the ultimate beneficiaries, much of the project focus will be on working with adults to enhance their skills and knowledge to support the growth, development and protection of children from birth to age eight. Plan will make the most of indigenous knowledge and traditional child-rearing practices and will respond to local needs of children in relation to preschools and transition to primary school, as identified by the communities themselves.

Children learning at an ECCD Centre in Luwero, Uganda.

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Plan Annual report 2008–2009

plan in action: Water and sanitation

globally funded project

Community-led sanitation changes lives in Nepal ‘When I heard that the neighbouring village had been declared as a No Open Defecation (NOD) area, I had a belief that it could also be done in Pragatinagar. I requested Plan and its partner organisation show the way towards achieving No Open Defecation.’

Dhan Kumari BK lives in Pragatinagar village in the Banke district of Nepal. There are 35 families living in the village, the majority of them belonging to so-called Dalit (untouchable) groups. As well as the shame and embarrassment of defecating in the open, Dhan Kumari felt anger and disappointment when people from the upper caste defecated openly but did not tolerate others doing the same.

She still remembers, ‘It was disgusting to walk around the village and work in the fields because of the human faeces around the fields and on the paths. It was not safe for us to go to defecate in the open during

night due to fear of snakes or other wild animals. There was also fear among the girls and women of getting watched during their nature’s calls.’

Upon her request, staff from Plan visited Pragatinagar and enquired about hygiene, sanitation and health practices, and then assisted Dhan Kumari to form the Pragatinagar Water and Sanitation Users’ Committee.

At first, Dhan Kumari thought it might be difficult to convince villagers to stop defecating in open areas, but she and the committee led the process and prepared an action plan. The date of their NOD declaration was fixed for the next month.

The people of Pragatinagar village celebrating on the declaration day of No Open Defecation.

The momentum for building and using the toilets increased in the village. The people became united for this common cause and worked collectively to achieve the set target.

There was a healthy competition among the people to build the toilets in such a short time – and they succeeded, building 35 toilets in just 25 days.

Finally the day of the ceremony arrived.

It was 31 January 2009. The village was colourfully decorated and people were in a festive mood. Plan officials, government and village development committee officials, Plan’s Nepalese NGO partner, people from neighboring villages, the media and

community organisations were all invited.

The villagers felt proud of their achievement and everyone wanted to show their toilet to the guests. A cultural program was organised to express their happiness and entertain the people. Amidst this, Dhan Kumari formally proclaimed Pragatinagar as No Open Defecation village. The people pledged to maintain and continue this practice by abiding with the code of conduct prepared by them.

‘In the past, children used to suffer from diarrheal diseases, especially in rainy season,’ said Dhan Kumari. ‘But to tell the truth, after our defecation-free declaration, we have not heard of any children suffering.’

Above and Above right: the newly-built latrines made by locally available materials.

plan in action: Protection

Plan Annual report 2008–2009

globally funded project

One woman’s struggle against female genital cutting in Guinea In May 2007 Plan began funding a project to raise awareness of the consequences of excision (or Female Genital Cutting).

In February 2009 real progress was achieved in a public display of defiance and celebration in the streets of Guinea.

Appalled by the deaths and suffering of women she witnessed in her 38 years as a midwife, Tante Mado set up the Association des Femmes pour l’Avenir des Femmes (AFAF), the Women’s Association for the Future of Women.

‘I was my mother’s only child and I almost lost my life twice. The day of my excision I bled a lot and went into shock. My mother cried and screamed, thinking I was dead.

It took 15 days to heal – for three days I couldn’t urinate or defecate because it hurt the wound too much. These are very painful memories. Excision was worse than giving birth.’

A re-enactment of a traditional initiation ceremony by girls in Koumonin village.

Nearly 50 years later, Tante Mado still finds it traumatic to discuss the day she was excised. Despite this, she talks about excision most days as she spearheads a movement challenging the practice in Guinea.

boys, women, men, chiefs, local authorities, even former excisors – the women who perform the ceremony. AFAF has also developed an alternative initiation ceremony for girls.

The practice is an ancient tradition, deeply entrenched in Guinean society where 98 per cent of girls are excised. It forms part of a girl’s initiation into adulthood and any challenge is seen by many as a direct threat to the country’s culture. A taboo subject, excision has remained a secret passed on through generations of women – until now.

The project has taken this area of Guinea by storm. Barely a year into the project one village, Koumonin, declared publicly that it would no longer practice excision. Another village has recently followed suit and three more are expected to do so imminently.

AFAF, with support from Plan, informs and involves everyone in the community: girls,

girls would have been unthinkable before, but the project has snowballed and women are now supported to stand up and take action.

‘I was very happy marching and singing about excision – what was once hidden has now come out. I’m really happy that this practice is coming to an end,’ said one girl.

On 6 February 2009 – International Day Against Excision – hundreds of girls and women marched through Gueckedou town centre. This public display of non-excised

Girls from Koumonin village celebrate the end of the AFAF training course by singing and dancing.

This replaces the traditional festivities following female excision.

Former excisors attend a march to mark International Day Against Female Genital Cutting.

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Plan Annual report 2008–2009

plan in action: Economic security

plan in australia priority project

Building opportunities for the poorest families in Cambodia Sim Sean and his family are already benefiting from their involvement in Plan’s project to empower and support some of the poorest families in Siem Reap province, north-western Cambodia.

The family has realised that it is not their destiny to be poor, and after Sean received training as a preschool teacher and the family was given support to learn how to grow more and better food, they are starting to thrive.

Cambodia is one of the poorest nations in Asia, and even within poor communities, the poorest families are particularly vulnerable when they are faced with unplanned expenses or loss of income as a result of an illness, a poor harvest or natural disaster.

Many families in Cambodia also face the added hurdle of ongoing recovery from depression, low self-confidence and low self-

Children enjoy early learning activities at a village preschool in Siem Reap province.

esteem caused by traumas suffered during the country’s civil war.

But with support from Plan and partner organisation Krousar Yoeung, families such as Sean’s are finding new hope and the opportunities to move forward.

‘The change in perception is very important for me and my family since it makes us think about ourselves and act differently to improve our living conditions. As a result our family life is changing for the better,’ says Sean.

‘Before we thought we are poor because our parents and grandparents were poor too. We needed to do the same things,

Children drawing at Trapaing Tounk social centre in Siem Reap province.

and live the same ways our ancestors did.

However, when we started to think and act differently through counselling provided by Krousar Yoeung, our family living standard has been improved. For example, we have better foods to eat from rice and vegetable growing, chicken and duck raising, and incomes from teaching at the preschool.

We actively participate in community development activities, and gain better respects from our villagers.’

Since the pilot project began in 2007, about 300 families such as Sean’s, in five villages, have taken part in counselling to address the stresses of poverty and social

isolation, and in some cases, untreated trauma. These families have been assisted to develop livelihood projects, such as making baskets and growing vegetables using locally available resources. Village social centres have been set up where community activities such as parenting skills sessions are held.

A literacy program has been established and each village now has a preschool with a local teacher such as Sean.

As the project moves forward, Plan Cambodia will also be working to develop a stronger understanding of the dynamics within villages that help or hinder resilience and relationships of mutual support in a community.

Families attend a parenting and child rights session at a village social centre.

plan in action: Protection and assistance for people in emergency situations

Plan Annual report 2008â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2009

plan in australia priority project

Saving lives through emergency food relief Plan, in partnership with the World Food Program (WFP), has been providing thousands of Zimbabweans, especially vulnerable children, with a supply of basic food.

Once the bread basket of southern Africa, there is little to eat for many in Zimbabwe these days. Over the past two years, food production has declined drastically, which left more than five million people in need of food assistance between November 2008 and March 2009.

instead of growing crops is often the norm.

However, with a nation-wide shortage of cereals like maize, families have bartered their goats and cattle for the limited supplies available and many of the most food insecure families no longer have any livestock.

Hyperinflation, lack of adequate agricultural inputs including seed and fertiliser and adverse weather for crop production have meant that many families who previously could feed themselves now go hungry. Periods of drought only add to their food insecurity. With rainfall less than 450mm per year, raising livestock

One such drought-prone area is Chiredzi district in southern Zimbabwe, where Plan is helping to feed vulnerable families. A study undertaken by Plan in Chiredzi in November 2008 found that to eat, families had resorted to stealing livestock, eating wild fruits and roots or sending their children to beg food from neighbours. In the study

A health worker weighs a child as part of the Plan Growth Monitoring Program.

Girls carry sacks of agricultural seed received from Plan.

based on interviews with 200 families, 92 per cent said during the previous four weeks there were times their household had no food at all.

Between October 2008 and March 2009, Plan Zimbabwe with support from Plan in Australia, has distributed more than 10,000 metric tonnes of food to more than 160,000 people in Chiredzi.

Fortunately, during these difficult times, the WFP has been providing emergency food relief for Zimbabweans. While the WFP ships basic food (mostly maize, beans and vegetable oil) to Africa and trucks it to Zimbabwe, cooperating non-government organisations like Plan distribute the food to ensure it gets to the most vulnerable: orphans, child-headed households, single mothers, the elderly, the disabled and those affected by HIV and AIDS.

Above and Above right: Plan staff ensure food aid provided by the World Food Program is distributed to food insecure families in Chiredzi, Zimbabwe.

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Plan Annual report 2008–2009

plan in action: participation as citizens

globally funded project

Youth have their say about climate change In June this year, youth representatives from Plan participated in a forum about a very big issue – climate change.

Children are particularly vulnerable to climate change as they make up a large part of the population in regions that are likely to be impacted, particularly in Africa and Asia. Given that children are to be so affected by climate change, Plan aims to ensure their voices are heard in the ongoing debate.

Children, supported by Plan offices from around the world, participated in the European Union Green Week in June 2009.

One of the key activities was involvement in the biggest annual conference on European environmental policy, held in Brussels, in which young people supported

by Plan offices from Belgium, Sweden, Netherlands, UK and Indonesia, took the floor.

To make a real impact, Plan youth also ran a bicycle-charged juice bar at the conference, asking several policy makers to provide peddle power as they were interviewed.

Plan Indonesia climate change ambassador Nural Parameswari Susantono spoke at the conference. ‘I wanted to tell all the youth that we can also play a part in climate change. I want us to explore, together, all the options on what we can do.’

Czech Minister of Environment, Ladislav Miko, told the youth that in his experience, ‘Young people often come up with very interesting and challenging new ideas that are incredibly helpful.’

Nurul and her team, named Gambar Idoep Productions, were the first winners of Plan International Indonesia’s video documentary competition in October 2008, called Children’s Voices in Changing Climate.

Plan youth also interviewed high-level politicians such as the newly elected Member of the European Parliament Reinhard Buetikofer (German Greens) and other European political leaders about how climate change and other environmental

Johe Soetaert, Youth Board representative from Plan Belgium interviewing Reinhard Bütikofer, Germany politician from Green Party at the annual conference on European environment policy.

Plan Indonesia climate change ambassador Nural being interviewed by Belgian radio station.

issues are affecting their lives. They discussed why children are particularly vulnerable to climate change and why children must be involved in EU policy formulation and decision-making.

Plan youth run a Bicycle-charged juice bar at the conference.

plan in action: sexual and reproductive health

Plan Annual report 2008–2009

plan in australia priority project

Kenyan HIV support groups transform their communities In Homa Bay district in Kenya, Plan’s work with nine communities to improve HIV and AIDS prevention and care is having a big impact on the lives of people living with HIV, their children and broader community attitudes.

From a reduction in AIDS-related deaths to people living with HIV working together to support each other and provide for their children’s needs, there is much to celebrate as the program moves into its sixth year.

Plan in Australia program manager Avega Bishop says that in the past year, six new support groups for people living with HIV were formed, bringing the total to eleven.

All of these groups are providing support and services to their own members. Ten of the groups are also providing services and support to others in their communities.

Members of the groups encourage each other to live positively, to access treatment

Kakoka Youth Group member performing at World AIDS Day event in Homa Bay district.

and medication, and to develop their livelihoods as individuals and groups through improved household vegetable and crop production and small livestock keeping. Nine of the groups are also managing their own savings and loans schemes.

Many members of these groups are involved in community volunteer activities and services, carrying out community education on HIV prevention and motivating the community to provide support and encouragement to children and adults affected by HIV and AIDS. The support groups’ activities have had a significant impact at a range of levels.

Positive outcomes reported by members include: increased self-reliance of HIVaffected people; reduced numbers of HIVrelated deaths; reduction of stigma and discrimination in the community; increased access to voluntary counselling and testing; improved livelihood and capacity to provide for their families; increased awareness of children’s and women’s rights, particularly in inheritance and property matters; and, very importantly, an overall increase in support for HIV-affected people.

Group members have reported a range of improvements in their own health situation and for their children. As one parent says:

St Monica’s Women’s Group is one of the self help groups that have established banana farms through project support.

‘I have been able to transfer my skills from the group horticulture farm to my kitchen garden, where I grow a variety of local vegetables. My children do not have to suffer malnutrition because I am able to provide for them.’

‘There have been substantial outcomes in all areas of the program,’ says Avega.

‘The feedback from the support groups demonstrates that there has been a major reduction in stigma. There have also been significant improvements in the health and ability of people living with HIV to “live positively” and to continue to look after their children.’

Radienya Widows Group is one of the self help groups assisted to increase goat ownership and dairy production.

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Plan Annual report 2008–2009

plan in action

Plan’s influence AusAID-NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) partnership agreement The AusAID-NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) is a funding program for Australian Non-Government Organisations (ANGOs) that have been accredited with AusAID. Under the ANCP, AusAID works with ANGOs to implement their own development and poverty alleviation programs overseas.

In FY2009 AusAID announced that they intend to restructure and adjust this program to include partnership agreements that would see certain ANGOs receive additional resources.

Plan in Australia intends to take up this opportunity and enter into a multi-year ANCP Partnership Agreement with AusAID from FY2010. Key Plan in Australia staff spent much of FY2009 planning and positioning the organisation to apply for the partnership. Plan proposes that the Partnership with AusAID provide a foundation for enhanced effectiveness of Plan programs in developing countries, but also more extensive engagement with and support for the Australian Development Assistance Program. Plan views the partnership as an exciting opportunity for growing its relationship with AusAID, and for making a greater contribution to children and their families.

Thought leadership Plan in Australia is leveraging research skills and capacity from across the global organisation to ensure the communication of children’s rights issues is conveyed to as many audiences as possible. This global view of children’s rights enables us to demonstrate the focus and knowledge of our entire organisation and further our vision of societies that respect children’s rights and dignity, regardless of where the children are located.

Financial year 2009 included continued global campaigning for universal birth registration and an end to violence in schools (the Learn Without Fear campaign). The year also saw the launch of the second Because I am a Girl report, raising awareness on the inequitable access to rights for girls in developing environments. Each of these initiatives has been communicated to both the wider public through media pieces and interviews, and has also informed our contribution to discussions taking place within the development sector.

Our contribution to thought leadership also extends to our active collaboration with other Australian stakeholders in a range of development forums. Plan’s representation in (and contribution to) the work of our peak body through numerous development committees and sectoral working groups has a direct and profound impact on the Australian development discourse. Details of

this involvement can be found on the next page (see Partnership and Collaboration).

Development education Youth-led learning is when young people can share experiences, stories, ideas and concerns with each other. In doing so, they gain an understanding of the issues faced by young people in other countries, which inspires them to develop joint solutions to create positive change within their communities. Such opportunities are being provided through Plan’s Global Connections Priority Project.

Plan’s Global Connections Priority Project connects secondary school students in Australia with poor and marginalised young people in Indonesia. Plan-trained facilitators, who are either university students or youth leaders from local groups, facilitate opportunities for youth to gain leadership, communication and planning skills.

Approximately 200 young Indonesians and a further 200 young Australians participated in the program this year. The initiative continued to impact young participants by raising awareness about global issues and highlighting commonalities rather than difference. In the succinct words of one participant: ‘They are the same as us with the same issues’.

This year the project also enjoyed a strong focus on relationship building and

programmatic or organisational learning, culminating in the publishing of the first technical project report (funded by an Australian Research Council grant). The report was produced by a research team including Plan, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) and the Australian Youth Research Centre (AYRC) at the University of Melbourne. The report is the first of three and reflects upon the issues of young people and social change, civic engagement and participation, global learning and citizenship education before going on to highlight the specific outcomes of Global Connections.

In addition to the technical report, two intern research projects were undertaken, exploring the involvement of Australian youth in international development organisations (one focusing on global learning and youth participation, the other on young people’s participation in policy and practice).

In FY2010 Plan’s approach to development education, global learning and youth participation will be further refined as part of a new commitment to Australian Community Engagement. We will be seeking to capitalise on the strengths and lessons of Global Connections in a wider engagement program.

plan in action

Policy engagement Financial year 2009 has been an exciting period for policy engagement, with the government encouraging input and the Australian non-government organisation (ANGO) community coming together in partnership to influence government practices.

A great example of this is the Plan-led effort to engage with the government on child rights. A concerted effort to influence the Australian Government towards a more childfocused, and possibly a child rights-based aid program began with a budget submission in August 2008. This submission brought Save the Children Australia, Child Fund and Plan together to ensure the government has reliable information on the importance of child rights in achieving widespread and sustainable development. While the government has been receptive to this multiagency policy engagement approach, there is still a long way to go to ensure the aid program looks at development through a child rights lens.

Other policy engagement examples have arisen via direct requests from AusAID to comment on policy drafts or programming plans. Much of this work has been done in coalitions or working groups to ensure the sector is engaging on policy issues in a cohesive manner. Increasingly Plan is

being approached as a critical development voice and, given the enhanced focus on effectiveness and influence within Plan in Australia, we can expect this to continue into 2010 and beyond. Plan’s increasing capacity combined with an enabling environment presents a fantastic opportunity to ensure children’s rights are integrated into government and sector plans, policies and guidelines.

Partnerships and collaboration Plan places great importance on the networks, committees and working groups associated with the international development community. It is through such partnerships and collaborations that information is shared, practice improved and policy influenced. Within Australia, Plan is particularly active on committees and working groups associated with our peak body, the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID).

During 2008 we participated on the ACFID Executive Committee as well as the three key practitioner committees: the Development Practice Committee (DPC); the Advocacy and Public Policy Committee (APPC), and; the Committee for Development Cooperation (CDC). These three groups represent a critical link between the sector, the Australian Government and the international development community and are often

approached for representative views. In addition, Plan was active on a number of thematic working groups during 2009 including the Child Rights Working Group and the Water Reference Group.

Internationally, Plan in Australia is participating in global forums related to our technical and thematic interests. Plan in Australia is part of the Plan’s Child Rights Technical Network, designed to facilitate knowledge-sharing and technical input to various country programs, advocacy efforts and policy engagement. Through this network Plan in Australia is asked to provide input into international documents and studies, is able to share knowledge and is able to benefit from others’ experiences.

Another international committee that drew heavily on Plan in Australia was the Advisory Group on Universal Primary Education, where we were seen to contribute technical advice and numerous working hours to a thematic evaluation during 2009. Other networks (Gender, HIV, ECCD) also included Plan in Australia representation this year.

The 20th anniversary of the CRC Late 2009 marks the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). A child rights-based approach to development is founded on the CRC. In 2003 Plan global officially adopted a child rights-based approach when applying

Plan Annual report 2008–2009

the Child-Centred Community Development model. Our updated Program Framework makes this connection explicit and as a result a child rights-based approach is central to the planning, implementation and monitoring of our development and emergency response activities. This is an ambitious approach as rights-based programming is comparatively new and inherently complex to apply. Plan recognises that we still have a lot to learn on this topic however in committing to this model, and to applying our learning as we go, we believe we contribute towards a greater impact for children.

In late 2009 when the CRC turns 20, Plan in Australia will take this opportunity to draw Australia’s attention towards the rights of children – both what has been accomplished over the past 20 years, and what still needs to be done. Internationally, Plan will be an active participant in global anniversary celebrations centred in Geneva. Given that the CRC sits at the heart of all we are striving to do, marking this anniversary is a good opportunity to reflect on where we have been and to look towards an even greater celebration when it reaches 40!

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Plan Annual report 2008â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2009

Plan supporters

Right: Australian pro-surfer Serena Brooke visited her sponsored child, Miguel, while in Peru for the Mancora Pro world championship event in October 2008.

plan supporters

Raising awareness and support in Australia Over the last financial year, Plan in Australia has continued to develop and build partnerships with individuals, trusts and foundations and the Australian corporate and business sector. These partnerships have enabled us to continue our work to develop the structures and skills needed to build safe, sustainable and healthy communities in which children are able to realise their full potential.

Support from donors During the last financial year, Plan in Australia continued to strengthen relationships with supporters and provide opportunities for them to learn how their contribution is helping transform the lives of children in the developing world. Project staff from Plan’s Water and Sanitation project in Tanzania and the Sustainable Livelihoods project in the Philippines visited Australia to share, with supporters, their on-the-ground knowledge and experience of working with local communities.

In FY2009, 41,170 children were sponsored

by Plan supporters in Australia. Their regular giving through sponsoring a child has helped us continue to work with communities in more than 49 developing countries. Regular giving to our work was also provided by

Children First! members who gave over $309,000 to support Priority Projects in developing countries in Africa and Asia.

developing communities, allowing them to learn from and inspire each other to create positive change within their communities.

Our supporters also gave generously to Plan appeals. More than $224,000 was donated to our Annual Appeal in December 2008 for funds to support our Water and Sanitation project in Tanzania, and more than $400,000 was donated to our End of Financial Year Appeal in support of Plan’s work in the area of emergency food relief and long-term food security programs.

Greenlight Foundation continued its support of Plan by funding the Orissa Component of our Strengthening Early Childhood Care and Development project in India, which aims to improve access of families to existing government child development services as well as extending the reach of these services.

Once again, Plan’s Priority Projects received strong support from individual philanthropists and trusts and foundations.

ACME Foundation committed significant funding to the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) project in Uganda which is introducing a new ECCD model to six communities in Uganda’s Lowero West district. ECCD is a holistic and integrated approach involving the physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of children up to the age of eight years.

Funding from Bluesands Foundation and Sangora Education Funding facilitated the growth of our highly successful ‘Global Connections’ program to engage more young people and expand to Bangladesh. This youth-led global learning initiative connects students in Australia with their peers in

Plan also received generous support from the Pratt Foundation, Oaktree Foundation, RobMeree Foundation and The Charitable Fund.

Business support Despite the Global Financial Crisis, Plan enjoyed the continued support of many longterm partners and welcomed a number of new supporters as well.

Coffex Coffee, the producers of Global Café Direct Fair Trade organic coffee, ran an in-store competition to win a trip for two to Africa to visit Plan’s work in Uganda and enjoy an eightday gorilla trek, donated by long-term Plan partner Gecko’s Adventures. The promotion raised $15,000 to help reduce community vulnerability to HIV and AIDS and was widely promoted through print advertising and in Coles supermarkets nationally. Incredibly, it was won by an existing Plan supporter!

Plan Annual report 2008–2009

We also saw a surge in online initiatives and joined the Footprints Network, an alliance of e-commerce businesses and their customers. Footprints provides businesses with the technology to facilitate micro donations from customers at the end of their online transactions. World Nomads raised $10,000 in just two months with the Footprints technology and we have other businesses joining the network in the coming year.

Accor continued its strong support of Plan, launching a campaign whereby donations were made to Plan when customers booked with Accor online. Accor contributed over $25,000 to support our Early Childhood Care and Development project in India from a one-month online promotion and donations in lieu of Christmas gifts. Accor hotels and staff continue to be the sponsors of the largest number of children through any one group, with an incredible 79 children sponsored through their networks.

Overall business child sponsorships continued to grow. Over 400 businesses, big and small, sponsor one or more children with Plan. We’ll be launching a toolkit in 2009/10 to acknowledge these sponsors and help them communicate their good corporate citizenship and the difference child sponsorship can make.

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Plan Annual report 2008–2009

plan supporters

Community fundraising In the last 12 months Plan sponsors and supporters raised almost $80,000 through community fundraising.

More than 40 people around the country took on a physical and fundraising challenge for Plan by registering in events like Run Melbourne, City2Surf and City-Bay Adelaide.

Together they raised over $10,000. Andrew McIntosh and Robert Stevens participated in Run Melbourne in June for the second year, and Luke Griffiths became the first person to swim for Plan when he completed the Cole Classic in Sydney in February.

Bill Doran and Kasey Nairn from Sydney fundraised as part of their once-in-a-lifetime adventure – cycling across Mongolia with Raw Travel. Together they raised more than $8,500 to support Plan’s work on Water and Sanitation in East Timor. Tiffany Taylor from Melbourne also added a fundraising angle to her trip with Raw Travel. In October, she did the Great Ocean Walk along Victoria’s scenic Great Ocean Road and in the process raised more than $700 for Plan’s work.

In April, two men took on the Sahara Desert for Plan in what is widely known as the world’s toughest foot race. Guy Gibbs and Nikolai Pitchforth completed the Marathon des Sables (Marathon of the Sands) – a six-day, 243km endurance race across the

Sahara Desert in Morocco. The event was mentally and physically demanding, but they enjoyed the real sense of community amongst the participants, the amazing scenery and the unique sense of accomplishment that came with finishing the race and raising $10,000 on their Everyday Hero fundraising page for Plan’s Water and Sanitation work in Tanzania.

Friends of Plan Friends of Plan groups also contributed to community fundraising with their activities.

In Adelaide, a Women’s Group donated more than $10,000 to support children and families in Cambodia. Friends of Plan Canberra also fundraised to help empower families in Cambodia and with the support of the Cambodian Association of the ACT raised $6000 from their fundraising events – a raffle, a Cambodian themed dinner dance, and their annual Art and Crafts Show. In Perth, Plan sponsor Julienne Patience sold Entertainment Books and in Sydney, Friends of Plan volunteers helped out at ‘The Black Party’, a fundraising event organised by Daimon Downey from Sneaky Sound System.

This event at the Piano Room raised more than $3,300 to help feed vulnerable families in the Chiredzi District of Zimbabwe.

Volunteers Eighteen regular volunteers contributed over 2000 hours of volunteer work in our

Guy Gibbs and Nikolai Pitchforth completed the Marathon des Sables in April and raised $10,000 for Plan.

Bob Fennessey is one of our many dedicated office volunteers.

national office in Melbourne. The assistance they provide to the Supporter Services team is invaluable and helps us keep administrative costs down. Supporter Services volunteers undertake a range of tasks including mailroom support, data entry and managing communications between sponsors and sponsored children. We also have occasional volunteers and interns assisting in other departments who undertake projects like research and communications support.

office one day a week and feels satisfaction in knowing he is assisting the community.

He loves the conviviality of the place, and enjoys the time he spends volunteering.

Bob has learnt about how Plan works, but is always learning more. When he organised to visit one of his sponsored children in Vietnam, he saw firsthand the difference his sponsorship money is making and is proud of his support of Plan.

One of our regular volunteers is Bob Fennessey. He is the self-proclaimed CEO of stuffing envelopes at Plan! Bob works as a mailroom assistant and helps to ensure that incoming mail from sponsored children gets to their sponsors in Australia. Bob also has two sponsored children himself. Since 2005, Bob has been coming to the Plan

Right: Gosta Lynga from Friends of Plan Canberra (second left) and Hon. Bob McMullan MP (far right) with members of ACT’s Cambodian Association at a Cambodian-themed fundraiser at Parliament House.

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Plan Annual report 2008â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2009

Plan Financials

Right: A teacher writes on the blackboard at a primary school in Hangdoy village, Huey Xay, Laos.

plan financials

Plan Annual report 2008â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2009

Overview The national environment for public funding was extremely challenging in FY2009 given the dual impact of the Global Financial Crisis and the Victorian Bushfire Appeal. Although these events negatively affected some specific Plan income lines, overall revenue still improved significantly. Total organisational revenue rose to an all-time record of $39.3m, representing a 20 per cent increase on the previous corresponding period (FY2008 $32.8m). Total expenditure of $8.7m reflected an 18 per cent increase (FY2008 $7.4m) primarily in the the key areas of program delivery and sponsorship acquisition.

It was particularly pleasing that commitments to overseas projects together with the staff team that delivered this work could be maintained in such complex times.

The full version of Planâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Financial Statements are available at www.plan.org.au or on request from the Plan office, tel: 13 7526.

Revenue

expenses

Child sponsorship

Overseas projects (includes World Food Program)

Australian Priority Project donations (appeals, other cash donations and grants)

Community education

Other (legacies, bequests, investment income and other)

Fundraising costs Administration

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Plan Annual report 2008â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2009

plan financials

Income statement

For the year ended 30 June 2009

REVENUE Donations and Gifts â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Monetary & Non-Monetary Child sponsorship Appeals Other cash donations

Legacies and bequests Grants AusAID Other Australian World Food Program Other overseas

Investment income Other income Total Revenue EXPENSES Overseas projects Funds to overseas projects Other project costs Remittances to Burnet Institute

Domestic projects Community education Fundraising costs Public Government, multilateral and private sector

Administration Total Expenses Excess of revenue over expenses (shortfall) from continuing operations

2009 $

2008 $

19,284,180 651,024 942,800 20,878,004 53,532

18,273,430 588,924 1,434,831 20,297,185 43,489

4,495,248 231,700 13,281,044 53,877 18,061,869 326,284 14,804

4,067,434 393,306 7,500,351 79,245 12,040,336 395,129 7,964

39,334,493

32,784,103

31,021,220 932,388 760,000 32,713,608 0 223,643

25,588,674 688,619 760,000 27,037,293 0 153,695

5,018,089 3,587 5,021,676 1,745,906

4,239,865 4,319 4,244,184 1,509,861

39,704,833

32,945,033

(370,340)

(160,930)

Balance sheet

as at 30 June 2009

2009 $

2008 $

2,094,851 217,224 1,220,000 3,532,075

2,133,943 195,943 1,220,000 3,549,886

157,911 139,046 296,957

155,691 201,174 356,865

TOTAL ASSETS

3,829,032

3,906,751

LIABILITIES Current Liabilities Trade and other payables Provisions Total Current Liabilities

1,005,450 276,783 1,282,233

1,114,218 248,997 1,363,215

20,979 20,979

10,599 10,599

TOTAL LIABILITIES

1,303,212

1,373,814

NET ASSETS

2,525,820

2,532,937

ASSETS Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents Trade and other receivables Financial assets Total Current Assets Non-Current Assets Property, plant & equipment Intangible assets Total Non-Current Assets

Non-Current Liabilities Provisions Total Non-Current Liabilities

EQUITY Reserves TOTAL EQUITY

2,525,820

2,532,937

2,525,820

2,532,937

plan financials

Plan Annual report 2008–2009

Statement of changes in equity

Independent audit report to the members of Plan International Australia

Retained Reserves Total Earnings Balance at 1 July 2008 0 2,532,937 2,532,937 Excess of revenue over expenses (370,340) 0 (370,340) Amounts transferred (to) from reserves 370,340 (7,117) 363,223

We have audited the accompanying summarised financial report of Plan International Australia, comprising the summary balance sheet as at 30 June 2009, the summary income statement, statement of changes in equity and statement of cash movements for designated purposes, for the year then ended, which was derived from the financial report of Plan International Australia for the year ended 30 June 2009. We expressed an unmodified auditor’s opinion on that financial report in our auditor’s report dated 24 September 2009.

For the year ended 30 June 2009

Balance at 30 June 2009

0

2,525,820

2,525,820

Statement of cash movements for designated purposes

In our opinion, the information reported in the summarised financial report is consistent, in all material respects, with the financial report from which it was derived. For a better understanding of the scope of our audit, this auditor’s report should be read in conjunction with our audit report on the financial report.

PriceWaterhouseCoopers PR Lewis, Partner Melbourne, 24 September 2009 Freshwater Place, 2 Southbank Boulevard, Southbank VIC 3006 Tel: 03 8603 1000

No single appeal or other form of fundraising for a designated purpose generated 10% or more of total income for the period under review.

Plan is a member of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) and is a signatory to the ACFID Code of Conduct. The Code requires members to meet high standards of corporate governance, public accountability and financial management. More information about the ACFID Code of Conduct can be obtained from Plan and from ACFID at www.acfid.asn.au or by email on main@acfid.asn.au. Tel: (02) 6285 1816. Fax: (02) 6285 1720.

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Plan Annual report 2008â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2009

Planâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s people

Right: A girl holding plants from her school garden in Koupela, Burkina Faso.

plan’s people

Plan Annual report 2008–2009

Plan in Australia Board of Directors Information on Directors currently in office

K Anne Skipper AM (Chair) Dip Nursing, FAICD, FAIM Board member since July 2003, Anne was elected Chair in November 2006. Anne is an experienced business woman currently consulting in corporate governance. She has a diverse portfolio working in government, private sector and community based organisations in public health, media, woman’s affairs, leadership, children and young people and more recently corporate governance.

Anne is a presenter for the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is currently on the following boards: Deputy Chair for the South Australian Tourism Commission Board; Director, Savings & Loans Credit Union; Chair, Royal District Nursing Service; Council Member, and Director Aboriginal Foundation SA; Director Qantas Foundation.

Margaret J Winn (Deputy Chair) BA, Dip Ed Board member since November 1998, Margaret is Deputy Chair at Plan. She is a member of Plan International’s Member’s Assembly and Program Committee. She is also a Health and Development Consultant specialising in sexual and reproductive health, water and sanitation and microfinance in Asia, Africa and the Pacific.

Thomas Kane.

Board of directors (left to right): Tim Beresford, Ian Wishart (Plan in Australia CEO), Jeremy Ingall, Anne Skipper, Margaret Winn, Neil Thompson, Emily Booker, Russell Gordon, Suzanne Bell, Philip Endersbee, Claire Hatton and Wendy McCarthy.

Suzanne E Bell CA, BCom Board member since 15 July 2008, Suzanne is a partner in KPMG Audit and Assurance practice. She has 17 years of audit and advisory experience, specialising in the audits of large, multi-national, listed clients in the consumer and industrial markets industry.

Suzanne is an Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (ICAA) and Chair of the Future Summit Leadership Awardee program.

Tim D A Beresford BEc (Hons), LLB, MPhil (International Relations) ASIA Board Member since July 2003, Tim advises corporate and government clients on strategic, organisational and operational issues. Prior to his current role as a senior advisor, Tim spent the last six years at Westpac Banking Corporation holding a number of roles including General Manager Pacific Bank, State General Manager South Australia and Northern Territory Retail Bank and, Head of Retail Strategy. Prior to Westpac, Tim worked for McKinsey & Co primarily serving financial services clients in both the London and Sydney offices.

Emily J Booker BA, MA (Mass Comm.)

Board Member since March 2005, Emily is a former newspaper and television journalist.

She worked as a senior executive in media and government relations with UNICEF in New York and Bangkok for 14 years. She is a member of the Expert Advisory Committee of the NSW Commission for Children and Young People and currently works as a consultant in development and communication.

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Plan Annual report 2008–2009

PLan’s people

Philip L Endersbee BBus (Administration)

Claire E Hatton MBA, BSc (Hons)

Thomas J S Kane FAICD

Board member since October 2003, Philip has spent the last 35 years building and managing manufacturing companies in Australia and overseas – the first 15 years with Pacific Brands and the last 20 years building Wilderness Wear. He is currently Managing Director and owner, Wilderness Wear Australia Pty Ltd.; Philip is Director of Three Peaks Outdoor Gear Pty Ltd; Member and President elect of Rotary Club of Melbourne; Deputy Chair of East Timor Embassy Building Project Pty Ltd.; Fellow of Leadership Victoria; and, Independent Trustee and Director of John T Reid Charitable Trust.

Board Member since 15 July 2008, Claire is the Head of Travel for Google Australia/New Zealand. She has over 15 years of experience in the travel industry having worked in the airline industry, online travel, distribution and travel wholesaling in Australia and the Asia Pacific region. She has extensive digital expertise and is a regular speaker on Online Marketing in the Asia Pacific region. Claire has an MBA from IMD, Lausanne, Switzerland and a BSc Hons in Business and Marketing from University of Cardiff, UK.

Board member since April 2004, Thomas is Managing Director and founder of The Grey Group Pty Ltd. He is a Chartered Member of the Australian Human Resources Institute.

Thomas has had an extensive career in the resources and manufacturing sectors in Australia and overseas. Prior to establishing The Grey Group, he was CEO of an Industry Association and managing partner of a consulting practice. He previously sat on the boards of a major superannuation fund, a manufacturing business and a property development company.

Russell Gordon CA, MBA, BBus (Acc)

Jeremy D M Ingall

Wendy E McCarthy AO BA, Dip Ed, MSICD, Hon Dr Uni SA

Board member since February 2002, Russell is a Chartered Accountant and General Manager of Alltruck Bodies Pty Ltd. He was previously a Director at KPMG, specialising in the area of financial advisory services.

Board Member since July 2005, Jeremy has over 20 years experience in investment banking and investment management in Australia and the United States. He is Executive Chairman of investment banking and investment management firm Andover Group, and Board member of MEARS Technologies (Boston), Music Icon (New York) and 3D Clinic (Sydney). Jeremy studied finance, accounting and economics at the University of NSW.

Neil R Thompson BA (Hons) Melbourne, Grad studies Beijing University Board Member since February 2007, Neil is Director, Head of Loyalty Practice with Seabury Aviation & Aerospace. He was previously Group General Manager Customer Relationship Marketing at Qantas Airways.

Neil has 20 years experience in the aviation and tourism industry and extensive experience in business development in Asia. He is Board Member of Plan International Hong Kong and Board Member and Secretary of the Trust for Indigenous Culture & Health (TICAH USA).

Board member since May 1996, Wendy was elected Chair in November 1998 and elected Vice Chair of Plan’s International Board for 3 years in January 2007. Wendy has held a wide range of positions in Australia’s public and private corporations in health, family planning, education, media, heritage and the environment. She is currently Chair of McGrath Estate Agents; Headspace; Circus Oz; Pacific Friends of the Global Foundations; and is Patron of the Australian Reproductive Health Alliance and Executive Director of McCarthy Mentoring.

Right: Board member Claire Hatton on a visit to a village preschool in Angkor Thom district, Cambodia.

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Plan Annual report 2008–2009

plan’s people

Key people at Plan Board Committee and special responsibilities

Directors who have international roles and responsibilities

National office key contacts

Finance & Audit Committee Sub Committee of the Board: Russell Gordon (Chair) Suzanne E Bell Philip L Endersbee [to 19 February 2009] Thomas J S Kane K Anne Skipper AM Carol Pagnon (Co-opted) [to 30 April 2009]

Plan International Board Wendy E McCarthy AO – Vice Chair of the International Board – Member of Program Committee – Human Resources and Financial Audit Committee

Chief Executive Officer Ian Wishart

Program Advisory Committee Sub Committee of the Board: Emily J Booker (Chair) Margaret J Winn Belinda Lucas (Co-opted) Fundraising Committee Sub Committee of the Board: Claire E Hatton (Chair) Tim D A Beresford Jeremy D M Ingall Neil R Thompson Corporate Governance Committee Sub Committee of the Board: Philip L Endersbee (Chair) Thomas J S Kane K Anne Skipper AM Margaret J Winn

Margaret J Winn – Member of Program Committee Members Assembly Margaret J Winn K Anne Skipper AM Member of the Audit and Compliance Committee K Anne Skipper AM The Annual General Meeting of Members of Plan International Australia will be held on 19 November 2009 at 4.00pm at Koorie Heritage Trust, 295 King Street, Melbourne, 3000, Victoria.

Chief Financial Officer & Company Secretary Gerard Dell’Oste Director, Child-Centred Community Development Dave Husy Director, Marketing and Communications Aimee Suchard-Lowe

Volunteers Every year, volunteers contribute thousands of hours of their time to Plan in Australia.

Their volunteer contribution includes raising funds, increasing awareness of Plan in their communities, helping out at events and assisting Plan office staff with essential tasks including mailroom support, data entry, media and research projects. All Plan volunteers, known as Friends of Plan, give invaluable support to Plan around the country. Thank you to our wonderful Friends of Plan.

Trusts & Foundations ACME Foundation Bluesands Foundation Greenlight Foundation Sangora Education Foundation Oaktree Foundation Pratt Foundation RobMeree Foundation The Charitable Fund

Business Partners Plan thanks the following key business partners and their staff for their good corporate citizenship.

Accor BHP Billiton Coffex Coffee and global café direct Gecko’s Adventures Hobsons Intrepid Travel Jetabroad Jet Couriers Macquarie Bank NRW Peregrine Adventures Westpac

Our Patron Plan International Australia is honoured to have Her Excellency, Ms Quentin Bryce AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia as our Patron.

We give special thanks for her support and endorsement of the Because I am a Girl 2009 report.

Accreditation Plan International Australia is a member of its professional peak body the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) and is a signatory to its code of conduct that covers the presentation of annual reports.

Plan is currently fully accredited and a trusted recipient of funds from AusAID, the Australian Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Agency for International Development responsible for managing the Australian Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s official overseas aid program.

This publication has been printed by an ISO 14001 environmental management system & ISO 9001 quality management system certified printer, which holds Sustainability Victoria Wastewise Gold accreditation and is printed on an ecologically rated printing press using a chemical recirculation system and 100% vegetable based inks. The text is printed on ENVI 50/50 Recycled, a PEFC certified paper which contains 50% recycled fibre. It is made from elemental and process chlorine free pulp derived from sustainably managed forests and non-controversial sources. ENVI 50/50 Recycled is certified carbon neutral and Australian Paper is an ISO 14001 EMS accredited mill. This publication is fully recyclable, please dispose of wisely.

13 PLAN (13 7526) www.plan.org.au Plan 1/533 Little Lonsdale Street Melbourne VIC 3000 GPOâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;Box 2818 Melbourne VIC 3001 Tel: 13 7526 Fax: +61 (3) 9670 1130 Email: info@plan.org.au A.B.N. 49 004 875 807