CSML_QR_102013-122013.pdf

CSML

Civil Society and Media Leadership Program

QUARTERLY REPORT

October to December 2013

Submitted to USAID/Liberia

Award Number: 669-A-00-10-00074-00 Grantee: IREX

Contacts:

IREX Washington Jill Miller 1275 K Street, NW Suite 600 Washington, DC 20005 U.S.A.

1 202-628-8188

IREX Liberia Bill Burke Payne Avenue & 15th Street Sinkor, Monrovia Liberia 231(0)88-060-1859

CSML October-December 2013 Quarterly Report Page 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

2. PROGRAM PURPOSE

3. PROGRAM RESULTS

4. PROGRAM ACTIVITIES

4.1. Management Overview

4.2. Finance, Administration and IT

4.2.1. Finance

4.2.2. Administration

4.2.3. Information Technology

5. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND CAPACITY BUILDING FOR CSOS AND FOR INDEPENDENT MEDIA

(Workplan 1.)

5.1. General (Workplan 1.1.)

5.1.1. Host Weekly Program Meetings (Workplan 1.1.1.)

5.1.2. Host Quarterly Partners’ Meetings (Workplan 1.1.2.)

5.2. Objective One: (Workplan 1.2.)

5.2.1. Enhance Institutional Capacity of RPs (Workplan 1.2.1.)

5.2.2. Enhance the Institutional Capacity of CSOs and CRSs (Workplan 1.2.2.)

5.2.3. Promote Reconciliation Among Citizens Through CSO Led Activities (Workplan 1.2.3.)

5.3. Objective Two: (Workplan 1.3.)

5.3.1. Promote Advocacy and Address Corruption Through CSO Led Activities (Workplan 1.3.1.)

5.4. Objective Three: (Workplan 1.4.)

5.4.1. Improve Citizens’ Dialogue with their Leaders Through CSO Led Activities (Workplan 1.4.1.)

5.4.2. TCC Support to the National Traditional Council (Workplan 1.4.2.)

5.5. Objective Four: (Workplan 1.5.)

5.5.1. Enhance Institutional Capacity of Media Main Partners (MMP) (Workplan 1.5.1.)

5.5.2. Specialized Consulting and Business Development Initiative (Workplan 1.5.2.)

5.5.3. Sol Plaatje Media Leadership Training Program (Workplan 1.5.3)

5.5.4. Women’s Media Initiative (Workplan 1.5.5)

5.5.5. High School to Journalism Initiative

5.5.6. Investigative Journalism Initiative

5.5.7. On-line Media Resources Clearinghouse (Workplan 1.5.8.)

5.5.8. Exit Strategy (Workplan 1.5.9.)

5.6. Objective Five: (Work plan 1.6.)

5.6.1. Enhance Media Content of Partner CRSs (Workplan 1.6.1.)

5.6.2. Ensure Effective Monitoring of CRSs (Workplan 1.6.2.)

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5.6.3. Strengthen Community Radio Station Boards (Workplan 1.6.3.)

5.6.4. Establish Equipment Resources Pool (Workplan 1.6.4.)

5.6.5. Build the Institutional Capacity of ALICOR (Workplan 1.6.5.)

5.7. Objective Six: (Workplan 1.7.)

5.7.1. Ensure Effective Use of SMS System (Workplan 1.7.1.)

5.8. Objective Seven: (Workplan 1.8.)

5.8.1. Build Capacity of Civil Society to Utilize FOI (Workplan 1.8.1.)

5.8.2. Develop and Maintain FOI Tracking System (Workplan 1.8.2.)

5.8.3. Support County FOI Networks to Encourage use of FOI Law (Workplan 1.8.3.)

5.8.4. Materials Development (Workplan 1.8.4.)

5.9 . Objective Nine: (Workplan 1.9.)

5.9.1. RSC Start-up (Workplan 1.9.1.)

5.9.2. RSC Training and Mentoring of Regional CSOs/CRSs (Workplan 1.9.2.)

5.9.3. Social Enterprise Development (Workplan 1.9.3.)

6. GENDER AND YOUTH (Workplan 2.)

6.1. Ensure Effective Implementation of the Gender Mainstreaming Strategy (Workplan 2.2.)

6.1.1. Identify and train MPs’ Gender/Youth Focal Points (Workplan 2.2.2.)

6.1.2. Identify and Train CSOs’/CRSs’ Gender/Youth Focal Points (Workplan 2.2.3.)

6.1.3. Conduct Gender Assessment with MPs (Workplan 2.2.4.)

6.2. Complete and Implement Youth Mainstreaming Strategy (Workplan 2.3.)

6.2.1. Conduct Youth Mainstreaming Training for MPs (Workplan 2.3.4.)

6.3. Conduct Ongoing Gender and Youth Mainstreaming Mentoring and Monitoring of CSOs/CRSs (Workplan

2.4.) 35

6.4. Strengthen Relationships with Relevant Institutions (Workplan 2.5.)

6.5. Implement Women and Youth Celebrations with Partners (Workplan 2.6.)

7. GRANTS (Workplan 3.)

7.1. Ensure Compliance with USAID and IREX Policies (Workplan 3.1.)

7.2. Improve and Maintain Subgrant Filing and Tracking System (Workplan 3.2.)

7.2.1. Update Backlog of Subgrant Information on the IKNOW Sub-award Tracking System (Workplan 3.2.2.)

7.3. Coordinate Grants Support with CS, Media and RSC (Workplan 3.3.)

7.3.1. Work with RPs to set up New Re-granting System for Awarding Grants to CSOs (Workplan 3.3.2.)

7.4. Provide Support as Needed (Workplan 3.4.)

7.5. Administer Grants (Workplan 3.5.)

7.5.1. Reconciliation Grants (Workplan 3.5.2.)

7.5.2. CSO Advocacy Grants (Workplan 3.5.3.)

8. MONITORING AND EVALUATION (Workplan 4.)

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8.1. Performance Management Plan (Workplan 4.1.)

8.1.1. Administer the PMP (Workplan 4.1.1)

8.1.2. Establish Centralized System for Data Collection (Workplan 4.1.2.)

8.2. Conduct assessments and Surveys (Workplan 4.2.)

8.2.1. Conduct Survey on Percentage of Liberian Population Reached by Community Radio Partners

(Workplan 4.2.3.)

8.3. Training and Tools (Workplan 4.3.)

8.3.1. Assess and Provide Technical Assistance to MPs for Improved M&E Systems (Workplan 4.3.1.)

8.4. Train new M&E Officer and provide continuous training and support to M&E Assistant (Workplan 4.4.) ... 38

8.4.1. Provide Ongoing Training and Support for M&E Assistant (Workplan 4.4.2.)

9. ATTACHMENTS

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The third quarter of Year Four for the CSML program was characterized by numerous trainings and continued mentorship to all of our civil society and media sector partners. The trainings coupled with targeted workshops with leaders and staff from our partner organizations helped to further build the capacity of these institutions to fulfill their roles as CSML partners, and thrive after the program ends in 2015.

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The Mentors and Master Trainers from our Resource Partners (RPs) were fully engaged in training this quarter, including participating in various trainings, as well as developing and delivering trainings to the Civil Society

Organizations (CSOs) and Community Radio Stations (CRSs) they mentor under the CSML program. The RPs developed new skills in Organizational Development (OD), Project Cycle Management, Proposal Writing, Youth

Mainstreaming, Board Development, and Reconciliation. They also worked collaboratively among themselves and with local consultants to deliver training on Board Development, Advocacy, Reconciliation, and the SMS initiative.

Other key partners like the Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP) delivered additional training on participatory governance to partner CSOs, further empowering those organizations with the tools to engage effectively with local and national government.

Our media partners benefitted from enhanced mentoring in Content Creation, Basic Journalism, and Organizational

Development, thanks to the ongoing support they receive from Media Main Partners (MMPs) Liberia Media Center

(LMC) and the Liberia Women Media Action Committee (LIWOMAC), as well as from the Sol Plaatje fellows.

Additional trainings on gender sensitive reporting and targeted one-on-one support from the Media Team have furthered these media outlets’ capacity to produce quality news reporting. CSML’s 19 Community Radio Partners benefitted as well from additional technical support and mentoring from LMC and LIWOMAC, and several stations received new equipment this quarter to ensure that they can continue to produce and share information with their communities.

This quarter was also characterized by public events and workshops centered on raising awareness around issues of sexual abuse, violence, and exploitation. Liberian Women Democracy Radio (LWDR) hosted three “I Know My

Rights” Forums to engage community members and radio listeners on topics including teen pregnancy and spousal abandonment. IREX’s Gender and Youth Manager led a public workshop and targeted training for media professionals on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA), and also supported LIWOMAC, who partnered with the

Women’s NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) and the Female Journalists Association of Liberia (FeJAL) to hold a series of events in commemoration of the international 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. These events increased the broader community’s awareness of these important issues, and further solidified the role of civil society and media in promoting an informed, engaged society.

The activities accomplished this quarter demonstrate the breadth of information and depth of impact that IREX continues to achieve via the CSML program, largely thanks to the commitment and efforts of our extraordinary partners. As we move towards the end of Year Four, and begin to prepare for Year Five, the program will continue to implement an exit strategy that empowers our partners with the tools, confidence, and knowledge necessary to continue to serve and represent the Liberian people long after 2015.

2. PROGRAM PURPOSE

To sustain peace in Liberia through greater inclusion, giving a voice to, informing and engaging Liberian citizens.

3. PROGRAM RESULTS

Thirty (30) individuals (17 males and 13 females) participated in the Quarterly Partners’ Meeting.

Five (5) heads of Main Partner organizations (2 males and 3 females) took part in guided discussion about organizational planning for turnover of leadership.

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Fifteen (15) Master Trainers and Mentors (9 males and 6 females) received training in Organizational

Development.

Seventeen (17) Master Trainers and Mentors (10 males and 7 females) were trained in Project Cycle

Management and Proposal Writing for mentoring.

Twenty-one (21) Master Trainers and Mentors (12 males and 9 females) were trained in Youth Mainstreaming.

Two (2) Master Trainers (1 male and 1 female) designed the training manual for Board Development.

Eight (8) Master Trainers and Mentors (4 males and 4 females) took part in a ToT on Board Development.

Seventeen (17) MTs and Mentors (10 males and 7 females) took part in the Quarterly Mentoring Workshop.

Fifty-seven (57) CSO directors and their board chairpersons (41 males and 16 females) were trained in board development.

Twenty-three (23) Master Trainers and Mentors (12 males and 11 females) participated in a ToT in Reconciliation

Module II.

Sixteen (16) Master Trainers and Mentors (9 males and 7 females) co-facilitated or observed two reconciliation trainings each for greater familiarity.

Fifty-five (55) CSO and CRS representatives (41 male and 14 female) were trained in Alternative Dispute

Resolution, Reconciliation Module II.

Two (2) CSO reconciliation grants were approved and are being implemented by CSOs during this quarter.

Fifteen (15) Master Trainers and Mentors (10 males and 5 females) completed the design of the Advocacy

Module II training manual.

Fifty-six (56) CSO and CRS representatives (38 males and 18 females) took part in the Advocacy II training.

Six (6) advocacy grants representing ten (10) CSOs and CRSs were approved. Two (2) additional proposals were received and are under revision.

One (1) CSO roundtable grant was approved, and one (1) new proposal was submitted.

Thirty (30) citizens representing local government authorities, CSO workers, and community radio station workers were trained in Participatory Governance.

Fifteen (15) Master Trainers and Mentors (10 males and 5 females) provided training on the SMS Initiative to fifty-six (56) CSO and CRS representatives (38 males and 18 females).

One-hundred and fifty (150) Chiefs participated in a Joint Council of Chiefs and Elders to discuss security and the community’s role in reconciliation among border communities in Liberia and Cote D’Ivoire led by TCC/ATJ.

One-hundred and fifty (150) citizens (105 males and 65 females) participated in a town hall meeting in Palala, Bong County, to resolve a dispute between local government officials and law makers with support from TCC/ATJ.

Fifty-seven (57) citizens (10 males and 47 females) participated in a town hall meeting in Fuamah, Bong County organized by the women to convene government and local leadership.

Forty-seven (47) individuals (28 males and 19 females) participated in a meeting with support from the TCC/ATJ trained Community Dispute Resolution Monitor (CDRM) to successfully resolve a boundary dispute.

Six (6) senior staff members (3 males and 3 females) from the two (2) Media Main Partners (MMPs) and FeJAL participated in a five-day Organizational Development (OD) training.

Three (3) coordination meetings were held with LMC during the quarter.

Seven (7) reporters participated in two (2) monthly reporting trips to Bong and Grand Bassa counties.

During a reporting trip, an LWDR reporter uncovered accusations of embezzlement on the part of a District

Superintendent resulting in widespread news coverage and citizen response.

Twenty-one (21) media professionals (15 males and 6 females) participated in a five-day gender sensitive reporting training.

Eighteen (18) reporters and editors (13 males and 5 females) from seven (7) media outlets in October, and eight

(8) reporters and editors (five males and three females) in December participated in story formulation sessions with the LMC.

Ten (10) reporters (8 males and 2 females) from Sky FM/TV benefitted from radio and TV production training.

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Seventeen (17) reporters (five males and 12 females) from LWDR received training in script writing, editing, and other basic reporting skills.

Five (5) SCBDI partner outlets underwent financial assessments facilitated by a Sol Plaatje fellow in order to develop comprehensive long range business plans.

Four (4) Media Managers of SCBDI partners (2 males and 2 females) received training from a Sol Plaatje fellow in developing business plans and conducting market research.

The second group of Sol Plaatje fellows provided mentorship to Radio Vahun and Peace Radio in media management.

Forty-seven (47) individuals (19 males and 28 females) reviewed and provided input to a draft gender policy during a roundtable discussion led by LIWOMAC and FeJAL.

Forty-seven (47) Media Managers, government officials, reporters and civil society organizations (19 males and

28 females) were introduced to SEA prevention, identification, and response strategies.

Six (6) staff members of LIWOMAC and FeJAL (3 males and 3 females) participated in a Training of Trainers on

Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA).

Thirty-five (35) media professionals (16 males and 19 females) attended the official launch of the National SEA

Awareness Campaign.

Thirty-eight (38) female journalists from six (6) CRS partners received training and mentorship in editing, program production and gender sensitive reporting.

One-hundred and one (101) community members (2 males and 98 females) in three counties attended an “I Know

My Rights’’ forum, an initiative designed to engage women in discussion about issues that affect them and their families.

Five (5) additional students were recruited for the High School to Journalism project in addition to the one-hundred and forty-five (145) students recruited in the previous quarter.

Three (3) reporters (2 males and 1 female) submitted proposals to receive Investigative Reporting grants.

Two (2) roundtable discussions were held to begin developing a framework for a journalism institute in Liberia.

Ninety-seven (97) community radio journalists (75 males and 22 females) received mentoring in Content Creation.

Four (4) CRSs received technical support from the LMC.

Broadcast equipment was installed at six (6) CRSs

Eighteen (18) community radio professionals (all male) from four (4) community radio hubs benefitted from one-on-one training and mentoring on the SMS Initiative.

CSML’s SMS Initiative was presented at the international ICTD2013 Conference in Cape Town, South Africa.

Twelve (12) reporters and producers (9 males and 3 females) were trained on the FOI law with support from

TCC/ATI.

Fifty-one (51) FOI stakeholders held a meeting organized by TCC/ATI to identify and resolve barriers to successful

FOI implementation.

Forty-eight (48) teachers participated in an FOI information session hosted by TCC/ATI.

Thirty-five (35) members of the Association for Disabled Females participated in a training on FOI filing led by

TCC/ATI.

Over eight-hundred and fifty (850) individuals benefitted from FOI awareness raising activities hosted by TCC/ATI across CSML’s seven target counties.

One-hundred and fifty-nine (159) individuals (109 males and 50 females) visited the Regional Support Center during the quarter.

All seventeen (17) targeted CSOs and CRSs represented by thirty-six (36) individuals received one-on-one mentoring meetings with the RSC staff at the RSC.

Thirty-four (34) mentoring visits were conducted by the RSC mentors to the seventeen (17) targeted CSOs and

CRSs.

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Twenty-one (21) Mentors and Master Trainers (12 males and 9 females) participated in Youth Mainstreaming

Training.

Eighteen (18) organizations (11 CSOs and 7 CRSs) benefitted from mentoring provided by IREX’s Gender and

Youth Manager.

Sixty (60) individuals participated in sit-in protests organized by Main Partners WONGOSOL and LIWOMAC at several key government offices in Monrovia to raise awareness of child rape.

Over one-thousand (1000) Liberian men, women, and youth participated in a street march to demand justice for rape victims organized by LIWOMAC and WONGOSOL, with participation from President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

4. PROGRAM ACTIVITIES

4.1. MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW

There were no significant changes in the office this quarter in regards to management or staffing. The IREX staff continues to strive to serve as a model organization, and continuously aims to improve our communication and organizational systems to ensure that our work is successful. To mark the end of the calendar year, IREX staff held a retreat at Quelu Farm in Careysburg. We took advantage of that time to reinvigorate our team, reflect on a challenging successful year, and look forward towards what is sure to be a busy final year of program implementation.

4.2. FINANCE, ADMINISTRATION AND IT

4.2.1. FINANCE

4.2.1.1. ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH EXISTING AND NEW GOL REGULATIONS

Throughout the quarter, the Finance Office liaised with relevant government ministries and agencies to ensure that

CSML worked in compliance with existing and new government regulations.

4.2.1.2. PROVIDE SUPPORT TO SUBGRANTEE’S FINANCE OFFICERS

The Finance Office worked with the Grants Office to review submitted documents including financial reports submitted by subgrantees corresponding to the completion of various milestone activities during the quarter. With approval from the Program teams, payments were made to subgrantees that fully met all deliverables outlined in their subgrant agreements. Ongoing financial and grant support was also provided to subgrantees during the quarter.

4.2.1.3. ONGOING FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Throughout the quarter, CSML maintained its burn rate as more payments were made on subgrants, contracts, trainings, and other program expenditures.

Total expenditure for the quarter amounted to $696,000. Expenditure, therefore, represents approximately 28% of the annual budget of US$2,482,000.00.

4.2.2. ADMINISTRATION

4.2.2.1. RENEW SERVICE CONTACTS AS NEEDED

The Administration Office completed vehicle registration renewal for five vehicles including four loaned to our partners and one IREX office vehicle. Additionally, the Administration office obtained a work permit from the

Ministry of Labor for the Senior Media Specialist.

4.2.2.2. PROVIDE SUPPORT TO OTHER DEPARTMENTS AS NEEDED

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Throughout the quarter, the Administration Office provided support to the Program departments as needed. This included completion of the monthly staff list which was sent to HQ, as well as carrying out all routine administrative activities during the period.

4.2.3. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

4.2.3.1. PROVIDE IT SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE TO IREX

The IT Officer ensured the ongoing maintenance of IREX’s IT equipment throughout the quarter, including repairing the photocopy machine, the shared drive, and replacing the damaged roller on the black and white printer in the

IREX office. In addition, five internet modems were purchased to assist staff during field visits.

4.2.3.2. PROVIDE IT SUPPORT TO CSML PARTNERS

4.2.3.2.1. Provide ongoing IT support and Maintenance to CSML Partners

The IT Officer provided support to the Liberia Media Center (LMC) with their ongoing implementation of the SMS

Initiative. Earlier in the quarter, an electric shock damaged the server board and two sources of power supply. After determining that the server was damaged beyond repair, the IREX IT Officer worked with the LMC Team to purchase a new Dell T410 server, along with one uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and a voltage regulator to reduce the probability of similar problems in the future. These items were installed and the server is now up and running and fully functional.

The IT Officer also visited the campus of the Development Education Network-Liberia (DEN-L) during the quarter to support the installation of an upgraded internet system at the Regional Support Center (RSC). The completion of the installation is delayed until DEN-L’s Internet service provider completes their internet upgrade, which is expected to occur in January.

4.2.3.2.2. Provide Ongoing Support to PUL with Online Media Resources Clearinghouse

Throughout the quarter, the IT Officer supported the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) with ongoing maintenance of the

Online Media Resources Clearinghouse (OMRCH), http://www.pul.org.lr which has been running smoothly since it went online in August. The IT Officer assists the webmaster in uploading articles, videos, and audio clips and managing the OMRCH’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Radio Veritas is one of the first stations to express interest in taking advantage of the child domain/Sub domain feature on the site to allow media outlets without a website to post their stories.

4.2.3.2.3. Perform quarterly monitoring and mentoring of SMS hubs

Eighteen (18) community radio station journalists received training on the SMS Initiative platform

The IT Officer conducted quarterly site visits to the SMS hubs in four counties (Lofa, Nimba, Bong, and Grand Bassa) during the quarter. Travelling with the LMC IT Officer/Network Coordinator, these visits provide the hub operators and CRS staff with training follow-up and mentorship on the platform, and allow IREX and the LMC to conduct general maintenance of hub computers. During the visits, an Antivirus update was performed on every computer assigned to each hub and Trojans, Malwares, and all dangerous software applications were removed from computers to ensure that they are functional at all times. A total of 18 reporters including hub operators were trained from the four counties on the usage of the SMS Initiative platform with a focus on creating an Opinion Poll, submitting Complaints, and an overview of the platform’s backend.

5. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND CAPACITY BUILDING FOR CSOS AND FOR

INDEPENDENT MEDIA (WORKPLAN 1.)

5.1. GENERAL (WORKPLAN 1.1.)

http://www.pul.org.lr/

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5.1.1. HOST WEEKLY PROGRAM MEETINGS (WORKPLAN 1.1.1.)

The Program team continues to hold weekly meetings at 9am every Tuesday to provide updates on program implementation and coordinate activities. These meetings are facilitated by the Senior Program Manager and include the Civil Society and Media teams, as well as the Gender and Youth Manager, Senior RSC Program Officer , M&E Manager and Program Assistant. The Program Assistant shares notes from the meeting with the Program team and Chief of Party following each meeting.

5.1.2. HOST QUARTERLY PARTNERS’ MEETINGS (WORKPLAN 1.1.2.)

Thirty (30) individuals (17 males and 13 females) participated in the Quarterly Partners’ Meeting.

IREX held a Quarterly Partners’ Meeting on November 14th at Corina Hotel. The focus of that meeting was to brainstorm ideas for a potential program extension beyond February 2015 and discuss CSML’s exit strategy for the remaining year of programming to ensure, that in the event the program is not extended, the gains that have been made over the past several years are sustained. In addition, the Senior Program Manager and a representative from the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) held a discussion of the IREX Youth Mainstreaming Strategy, which was developed by the YMCA in partnership with IREX. The group brainstormed strategies to ensure that the document is utilized by IREX’s partners both within the IREX program activities and beyond.

The agenda for the Quarterly Partners’ Meeting is included with this report as Attachment 1.

5.2. OBJECTIVE ONE: (WORKPLAN 1.2.)

5.2.1. ENHANCE INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY OF RPS (WORKPLAN 1.2.1.)

5.2.1.1. PROVIDE LEADERSHIP TRAINING TO MPS’ EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS (EDS) AND MASTER TRAINERS

(MTS) (WORKPLAN 1.2.1.1.)

Five (5) heads of Main Partner organizations (2 males and 3 females) took part in guided discussion about organizational planning for turnover of leadership.

The Leadership Breakfasts with the heads of the Main Partners continued into the quarter under review. The topic for the December 11th breakfast was “Building Leadership in our Organizations.” It had been observed that some directors were not planning for the time of their departure and preparing others in the organization for a smooth transition. Directors were encouraged to delegate a certain level of authority and decision making, both for smoother transitions when they leave their organizations and for better operation of all units.

The Executive Director of DEN-L was asked in advance to talk about DEN-L’s policies, which include a Constitutional limit of EDs to two terms, consultation with staff during appointment of a new director, commitment of outgoing leaders to provide help to their successors, and preparation of staff within the organization for succession. The example of recent turnover of two senior positions in IREX Liberia was also used as an example. The tone was informal conversation in which everyone felt comfortable making comments.

5.2.1.2. PROVIDE INTENSIVE ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (OD) TRAINING FOR RPS FOR THEIR OWN

INSTITUTIONAL SUSTAINABILITY AND FOR TRAINING/MENTORING OTHERS (WORKPLAN 1.2.1.2.)

Fifteen (15) Master Trainers and Mentors (9 males and 6 females) received training in Organizational Development.

In October, Ghanaian consultant Daniel Inkoom delivered the first five-day training in Organizational Development

(OD) to 15 RP Trainers and Mentors. His approach encouraged trainees to focus on themselves first in order to get a more holistic picture of their mentoring interventions, including their personal roles as interveners. It won high praise from the CS trainers and mentors. One participant said it helped him think about how to approach his interaction with a difficult mentoring partner differently, while another said “it gives us the energy to keep going.”

Overall training goals were as follows:

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Enhance ability of participants to influence self, individuals, organizations and large systems

Increase competence in understanding and working with multiple levels of systems

Improve skills in recognizing and working with multiple realities

Enhance one’s presence as an intervener and use of self as an instrument of change in organizations

Enhance appreciation of organizational culture and differences and enhance competence in influencing organizational systems in a multicultural context

Create a community of practitioners who work to empower organizations to contribute to the sustenance of peace in Liberia

Participants developed personal work plans for the three months between the consultant’s visits, and he made himself available by email for mentoring as they implemented their plans.

5.2.1.3. PROVIDE RPS MORE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE IN GRANT MAKING (WORKPLAN

1.2.1.4.)

Seventeen (17) Master Trainers and Mentors (10 males and 7 females) were trained in Project Cycle Management and Proposal Writing for mentoring.

The quality of CSO grant applications has demonstrated that CSOs were not getting the mentoring they needed for proposal preparation; likewise work with the RP Grant Review Committee (GRC) demonstrated that Master Trainers and Mentors needed training or retraining. In November, the CS Team delivered training for 17 Master Trainers and

Mentors. The goal was to reduce the grant application weaknesses that come to the Grant Review Committee, streamline the grant writing and approval process and, ultimately, enhance the capacity of all CS partners to win well designed grants after the end of the program.

The three-day training covered Project Cycle Management, which was important for providing the context of the proposal, and all the parts of the proposal. On the third day participants made practical use of the learning by evaluating and writing feedback for CSO proposals that were with the GRC at the time. The RPs were also encouraged to assist the CSOs by email and phone between visits to speed up their proposal revisions.

During the period the GRC reviewed 13 grant applications, in each case giving feedback for revisions or approving for granting. Re-submitted grants were hence reviewed at least twice. Nine grants were signed by the RPs, who drafted their own FOG agreements and obtained approval from IREX. At the end of the quarter the CS Team and Grants

Officer made the determination that it was time to disband the Grant Review Committee and permit the RPs to mentor their CSOs’ proposal writing, determine when it was ready for granting, and oversee their grant implementation. Beginning in January they will submit to IREX each month a CSO Grant Tracking sheet showing grant applications, grants being implemented, and their status.

5.2.1.4. ENHANCE YOUTH MAINSTREAMING CAPACITY OF MAIN PARTNERS (WORKPLAN 1.2.1.6.)

Twenty-one (21) Master Trainers and Mentors (12 males and 9 females) were trained in Youth Mainstreaming.

All MPs participated in a Youth Mainstreaming Training in October, facilitated by IREX’s Gender and Youth Manager

(see details in section 6.2.). The training empowered the MPs to better integrate youth priorities into their mentorship and overall organizational approach, and introduced them to the Youth Mainstreaming Strategy developed by YMCA and the Gender and Youth Manager.

5.2.1.5. BUILD MTS’/MENTORS’ SKILLS TO PROVIDE INDIVIDUALIZED ASSISTANCE IN BOARD DEVELOPMENT

WITHIN THEIR ORGANIZATIONS AND TO CSOS/CRSS (WORKPLAN 1.2.1.8)

Two (2) Master Trainers (1 male and 1 female) designed the training manual for Board Development.

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Eight (8) Master Trainers and Mentors (4 males and 4 females) took part in a ToT on Board Development.

The YMCA and West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) Master Trainers designed a training manual to complement the Board Development Manual that YMCA had developed earlier. The training materials were introduced to the other MTs and Mentors at a one day TOT in November. In December they practiced using their knowledge by training CSO directors and board chairs (see details in section 5.2.2.2.). CRSs and their boards were not included as they have already received mentoring in board development by the Media Team.

5.2.1.6. BUILD MTS’/MENTORS’ SKILLS TO PROVIDE INDIVIDUALIZED ASSISTANCE IN STRATEGIC PLANNING

WITHIN THEIR ORGANIZATIONS AND TO CSOS/CRSS AS NEEDED (WORKPLAN 1.2.1.9.)

Arrangements were completed with the regional OD trainer to allocate one day during his January consultation with

RPs to facilitating strategic planning for partner CSOs/CRSs.

5.2.1.7. HOLD QUARTERLY MENTORING WORKSHOPS FOR RP TRAINERS/MENTORS (WORKPLAN 1.2.1.10)

Seventeen (17) MTs and Mentors (10 males and 7 females) took part in the Quarterly Mentoring Workshop.

The Quarterly Mentoring Workshop focused primarily on finalizing and familiarizing the Mentors, Master Trainers, and Executive Directors with the draft advocacy training manual. In addition, the mentoring checklist was adopted to incorporate the changes made during the last mentoring meeting. Finally, the CS Team and the RPs reviewed the RP and CSO training schedules and made adjustments according to available dates.

5.2.2. ENHANCE THE INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY OF CSOS AND CRSS (WORKPLAN 1.2.2.)

5.2.2.1. PROVIDE INCREASED MENTORING ALIGNED WITH CAPACITY BUILDING PLANS; MONITOR PROGRESS

AND UPDATE AS NEEDED (WORKPLAN 1.2.2.2.)

This quarter, the Resource Partners submitted success stories to highlight the improvements they have observed among their mentee CSOs and CRSs. The highlights from those success stories are compiled and included with this report as Attachment 2.

5.2.2.1.1. EMPLOY OD TECHNIQUES TO ENHANCE INSTITUTIONAL NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND

MENTORING INTERVENTIONS (Workplan 1.2.2.2.1.)

Following the October Organizational Development training, the RP mentoring teams were able to apply new approaches in their regular mentoring of all CSO and CRS partners. Being able to correspond with the trainer in

Ghana was an extra source of aid to them.

5.2.2.2. PROVIDE VARIED TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES BASED ON INSTITUTIONS’ NEEDS AND

INTERESTS (WORKPLAN 1.2.2.3.)

Fifty-seven (57) CSO directors and their board chairpersons (41 males and 16 females) were trained in Board

Development.

This quarter was very busy for CSO and CRS training. Instead of offering a menu of training topics from which each

CSO would have at least four as planned, the RPs delivered five training topics to each CSO except in the RSC, where training will be delivered in the new quarter. Three topics—advocacy, participatory governance, and SMS—were written together into one training period for CSOs and CRSs. The Media Team had already worked with CRSs on board development and SMS. Following are the trainings offered; most are discussed more fully in the appropriate sections:

Advocacy and Anti-Corruption, Module II (see section 5.3.1.1.)

Participatory Governance (see sections 5.3.1.1. and 5.4.1.1.)

Use of SMS technology for civil society involvement in government affairs (see section 5.4.1.1.1.)

Alternative Dispute Resolution and Reconciliation, Module II (see section 5.2.3.1.)

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Board development: A three-day board development training was offered for the head and the board chairperson of each CSO. Participants were given their own copies of the CSML Board Development

Handbook to refer to during the training and take with them. The training allowed for individual work by each CSO, at which director and board chair developed together a Board Development Action Plan. Master

Trainers and Mentors are also ready now for ongoing mentoring help to the boards, as planned in the

Workplan and discussed in section 5.2.1.5.

5.2.3. PROMOTE RECONCILIATION AMONG CITIZENS THROUGH CSO LED ACTIVITIES (WORKPLAN 1.2.3.)

5.2.3.1. BUILD MTS’/MENTORS’ SKILLS IN RECONCILIATION (WORKPLAN 1.2.3.1.)

Twenty-three (23) Master Trainers and Mentors (12 males and 11 females) participated in a ToT in Reconciliation

Module II.

Sixteen (16) Master Trainers and Mentors (9 males and 7 females) co-facilitated or observed two reconciliation trainings each for greater familiarity.

The focus of the CSML reconciliation initiative has been alternative dispute resolution, one of the outputs of the

Road Map to Reconciliation. Reconciliation has been the only training topic in which some MTs have not had the confidence to train CSOs and CRSs without assistance, even after their work with the consultant in the previous quarter and the ToT he offered in October. Liberian consultant Bill Saa delivered the ToT to 23 Master Trainers and

Mentors including those from the RSC. The consultant was then contracted to facilitate the module to two groups of

CSOs and CRSs with the MTs and Mentors observing and taking part. From that point two experienced Master

Trainers (YMCA and WANEP) led the training together in Lofa County and the Southeast, with some assistance from their Mentors.

5.2.3.2. PROVIDE ADVANCED TRAINING, MENTORING AND GRANTS TO APPROPRIATE CSOS/CRSS

(WORKPLAN 1.2.3.2.)

Fifty-five (55) CSO and CRS representatives (41 male and 14 female) were trained in Alternative Dispute Resolution, Reconciliation Module II.

Two (2) CSO reconciliation grants were approved and are being implemented by CSOs during this quarter.

As noted in section 5.2.1.3., Reconciliation consultant Bill Saa trained two consecutive groups of CSOs and CRSs, from

Montserrado and Grand Bassa Counties. Two experienced Master Trainers (YMCA and WANEP) led the training together in Lofa County and then in the Southeast. A total of 55 CSO and CRS representatives received the training.

Three CSOs submitted reconciliation grant proposals based on the Module I training received last year even as

Module II training was ongoing. One was from the Lofa County Network of NGOs (Lofa Net) to reactivate the

Voinjama Conflict Management Committee to deal with conflict between two historically rival ethnic groups, the

Mandingo and the Loma, in the town of Ziggida. The project will train committee members to work with the groups to report signs of early warning of conflict and with relevant stakeholders to intervene and address the issue before it becomes worse.

Another was submitted by National Empowerment Program for Women and Children (NEP) to heal a divide in a district of Montserrado between local government leaders and citizens. It was partly sparked by denial by local leaders of citizens’ request to have a voice in the allocation of County Development Funds (CDF). Upon the advice of the Grant Review Committee, NEP worked first with the leaders on the CDF issue through quiet and targeted advocacy. When they had reached consensus on a role for community members, the leaders were eager to reconcile with their constituents and agreed with NEP to hold a three-day Peace and Reconciliation dialogue between 75

CSML October-December 2013 Quarterly Report Page 14 leaders and community members, followed by a sports competition. The CSML Reconciliation consultant is providing advice to NEP during project implementation.

A third proposal for reconciliation activities has received feedback from the Committee and is being revised.

5.3. OBJECTIVE TWO: (WORKPLAN 1.3.)

5.3.1. PROMOTE ADVOCACY AND ADDRESS CORRUPTION THROUGH CSO LED ACTIVITIES (WORKPLAN 1.3.1.)

5.3.1.1. BUILD MTS’/MENTORS’ SKILLS TO PROVIDE ADVANCED TRAINING AND MENTORING TO SELECTED

CSOS/CRSS (WORKPLAN 1.3.1.1.)

Fifteen (15) Master Trainers and Mentors (10 males and 5 females) completed the design of the Advocacy Module II training manual.

Fifty-six (56) CSO and CRS representatives (38 males and 18 females) took part in the Advocacy II training.

The four Master Trainers worked throughout the quarter on the design of the Advocacy and Anti-corruption Module

II under the leadership of the WANEP MT and guidance of the CSML CS Team. It includes refresher material from the

Module I training (policy analysis, analysis of target audience, message development and communication, impact of corruption and strategies to combat it) with new content, including the role of poverty in the political terrain, human rights and advocacy, power and politics, and more focus on “insider” and “outsider” approaches to advocacy. The anti-corruption module opened with the theme, “We have met the enemy and it is us” to encourage a look at the role of societal acceptance and expectations regarding corruption in common places such as the schools. Materials on principles of good governance, examination of dependency, and leadership styles were adapted from CEMESP’s

Participatory Governance manual, and a full day focus was added on use of the CSML SMS Initiative.

The manual was reviewed at the Quarterly Mentoring Workshop, with MTs each presenting the topics they designed. There was lively discussion, particularly on “insider” and “outsider” approaches to advocacy and when agitation and confrontation through the media may and may not be useful. This furthered their ability to generate enthused discussion when facilitating the training with CSOs and CRSs.

The intensive 5-day training was provided in November and December to CSOs and CRSs in all counties except those within the RSC.

5.3.1.2. OFFER MORE FLEXIBLE ADVOCACY GRANT OPTIONS TO CSOS/CRSS FOR SUSTAINED OR MORE IN-

DEPTH ACTIVITY (WORKPLAN 1.3.1.2.)

Six (6) advocacy grants representing ten (10) CSOs and CRSs were approved. Two (2) additional proposals were received and are under revision.

RPs submitted four new CSO advocacy grant proposals to the Grant Review Committee. The Committee approved two of them as well as four that were submitted earlier and revised. Following are the summaries:

Refugees Education Sponsorship Program Enhancing Communities Together (RESPECT)’s proposal “Reducing

Educational Malpractices in Schools” was approved and signed. RESPECT conducted an assessment on regular collection of funds from students for printing tests, collection of primary school registration fees without official receipts, and sexual abuse and money for grades. RESPECT is raising awareness of the findings and establishing educational watch clubs in six primary and secondary schools in two districts.

A consortium of LIWOMAC, Female Journalists Association of Liberia (FeJAL), and WONGOSOL applied and were approved to carry out activities around the 16 Days of Activism Against Sexual and Gender Based

Violence. They launched a live interactive radio program on LWDR to educate the public about sexual crimes, medical procedures, and legal response systems; supported 90 women from Bong, Grand Bassa and

CSML October-December 2013 Quarterly Report Page 15

Montserrado Counties to participate in the mass anti-rape campaign during 16 Days of Activism and conduct follow on activities in their counties; and produced a 15 minute awareness video to portray the harm associated with rape and the need for victims to speak out and for reducing the compromising of evidence.

Center for Justice and Peace Studies (CJPS) received approval of a revised proposal to train 40 community members from two communities in the Jorquelleh 1 District of Bong County on voting processes and the importance of voting so they could enhance awareness through drama, radio, and town hall meetings.

Inter-Visionary Artists (IVA), Liberia Motorcycle Transport Union (LMTU), and Radio Kergheamahn (RK FM) were approved for a revised proposal focusing on reducing mob violence incidents by motorcycle riders and gas vendors in Ganta.

Aiding Disadvantaged and Traumatized Women in Liberia (ADWANGA) resubmitted a proposal and was approved to conduct lobbying efforts in Tappita District, Nimba County for the full implementation of the

Girls’ Education Policy, specifically the section guaranteeing safe spaces for girls in school. They are engaging officials of the Ministries of Education and Gender and Development on gender-based violence issues affecting girl students and providing a four-day training to 16 adolescent girl students, five parents and four school administrators. A multi-stakeholder committee will monitor progress and ensure project sustainability.

Fore-runners of Children’s Universal Rights for Survival (FOCUS) received approval on an earlier submitted proposal to assess the implementation of the Government’s Free and Compulsory Primary Education policy for public schools and share its findings with stakeholders in the education sector. The RP and CS Team provided assistance in writing the survey instruments.

Two proposals submitted during the quarter required some revision:

Community Safety Initiative (CSI) proposed “Advocacy for Citizens’ Participation in the Use of the District

Development Fund in Kolahun District.” They submitted revisions at the end of the quarter and are ready for approval in early January.

Concerned Christian Community (CCC) seeks to reduce teenage pregnancy in two communities (Buzzi

Quarters and Bernard Communities) and three schools (G.W. Gibson, Gray D. Allison and Adventist High

Schools). A revision is expected in the next quarter.

5.4. OBJECTIVE THREE: (WORKPLAN 1.4.)

5.4.1. IMPROVE CITIZENS’ DIALOGUE WITH THEIR LEADERS THROUGH CSO LED ACTIVITIES (WORKPLAN 1.4.1.)

5.4.1.1. OFFER GRANTS AND TRAINING TO ENABLE CSOS TO ORGANIZE EVENTS TO BRING GOVERNMENT AND

CITIZENS TOGETHER (WORKPLAN 1.4.1.1.)

Thirty (30) citizens representing local government authorities, CSO workers, and community radio station workers were trained in Participatory Governance.

One (1) CSO roundtable grant was approved, and one new proposal was submitted.

CEMESP provided its Participatory Governance training to government representatives, CSO workers and CRSs in a combined training group in the Montserrado districts of Careysburg and Todee. The training team reported some misgivings and even heated arguments about issues of marginalization and unfair allocation of resources that were eventually worked out smoothly. In addition, mixed levels of literacy required pictorial illustrations of concepts and

CSML October-December 2013 Quarterly Report Page 16 issues rather than printed handouts. As usual the training included a separate component for the participating CRSs to develop a weekly series called County Development Watch.

As discussed in section 5.3.1.1., portions of CEMESP’s training manual were brought into the Advocacy and Anti-corruption Module II that was delivered to 56 CSO and CRS representatives (38 males and 18 females).

NAYMOTE-Partners for Democratic Development (NAYMOTE) submitted a proposal to hold two roundtable discussions in Montserrado County to bring together legal experts, academia, CSOs, youth, women, student groups and Commissioners from the Constitution Review Committee to broaden the dialogue on the Constitution Review

Process. It was approved in December for implementation in January.

A new grant proposal came in from Prison Fellowship Liberia to enhance understanding and communications between the officials of the justice sector and the community regarding laws and practices related to pre-trial detention. It will be reviewed in January.

5.4.1.1.1. Build MTs’/Mentors’ knowledge to provide training to CSOs/CRSs on the SMS

Initiative (Workplan 1.4.1.1.2.)

Fifteen (15) Master Trainers and Mentors (10 males and 5 females) provided training on the SMS Initiative to fifty-six

(56) CSO and CRS representatives (38 males and 18 females).

The CS Team and Master Trainers reviewed the training materials used for training the RPs in the SMS Initiative in

August and adapted them for one day of training along with Advocacy II. It was delivered to 56 CSO and CRS representatives in November and December.

5.4.2. TCC SUPPORT TO THE NATIONAL TRADITIONAL COUNCIL (WORKPLAN 1.4.2.)

In continuance of its support to traditional leaders to appropriately carryout their duties and assist in the country’s development priorities (conflict resolution, governance, peace and genuine reconciliation), the Carter Center during this quarter conducted a series of town hall meetings and provided support to a joint council of chiefs and elders meeting in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh. The town hall meetings were followed by one-on-one chiefs’ visit by County

Disputes Resolution Monitors (CDRM) to access the impact of the training and to provide ongoing mentorship and assistance to traditional leaders on good governance.

A portion of the funds to support the Carter Center’s efforts are provided through the CSML program.

5.4.2.1. JOINT COUNCIL OF CHIEFS AND ELDERS MEETING

One-hundred and fifty (150) Chiefs participated in a Joint Council of Chiefs and Elders to discuss security and the community’s role in reconciliation among border communities in Liberia and Cote D’Ivoire.

As part of The Carter Center’s (TCC) involvement with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, TCC facilitated the transportation of local traditional chiefs, women, and youth leaders to the Joint Council of Chiefs and Elders meeting. The meeting brought together 150 chiefs from border communities in Nimba, River Gee, and Grand Gedeh and was also attended by high level government officials from Liberia and Cote D’Ivoire, United Nations officials from both countries, INGOs, and the media. Discussion topics included security issues, communities’ roles in restoring the peace and reconciliation, refugees, and youth employment.

The meeting concluded with the reading and signing of a joint communiqué that seeks to pursue peace, reconciliation and development between the two countries followed by special statements from the Presidents of

Liberia and the Ivory Coast.

5.4.2.2. TOWNHALL MEETINGS AND CHIEFS VISIT

CSML October-December 2013 Quarterly Report Page 17

One-hundred and fifty (150) citizens (105 males and 65 females) participated in a town hall meeting in Palala, Bong

County, to resolve a dispute between local government officials and law makers.

Fifty-seven (57) citizens (10 males and 47 females) participated in a town hall meeting in Fuamah, Bong County organized by the women to convene government and local leadership.

Forty-seven (47) individuals (28 males and 19 females) participated in a meeting led the Chief and with support from the CDRM to successfully resolve a boundary dispute.

In Bong, the CDRM collaborated with citizens of Palala, Kpaai chiefdom and hosted a townhall meeting to address issues with the district commissioner and its law maker and included 150 citizens. At the ceremony, both disputants embraced one another, shared kola nut, and thanked the paramount chief and elders for their interventions. In a related development, the CDRM and CJA assigned in Fuamah chiefdom, Bong County monitored a town hall meeting organized by women of Hiddi on November 16th. The meeting was attended by 57 persons including the District

Commissioner, Paramount Chief, Clan Chief, General Town Chief, women, and youth.

The CDRM visited chiefs in Zeansue, Gbatala, Palala, Totota, Salala and Melekie to support them in resolving local disputes including a workplace conflict and a boundary dispute.