COMMUNITY FORESTRY MANAGEMENT BODIES LESSONS LEARNED CONFERENCE – GANTA – FEB. 29, 2020
LIBERIA ACCOUNTABILITY AND VOICE INITIATIVE (LAVI) SUMMARY ACTIVITY REPORT QUARTER TWO:
April 30, 2020
The author’s views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States Government. LIBERIA ACCOUNTABILITY AND VOICE INITIATIVE (LAVI)
Quarter 2 Report: Fiscal Year(FY) 2020 January 01– March 31, 2020
Program Title: Liberia Accountability and Voice Initiative (LAVI)
Sponsoring USAID Office: USAID/Liberia
Contract Number: AID–669–C–16–00003
Contractor: DAI Global, LLC
Date of Publication: April 30 2020
Author: DAI Global, LLC
The author’s views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States Government.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACRONYMS ...... 2
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 4
DETAILED ACTIVITIES AND RESULTS ...... 8
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT ...... 8 1.0 ADMINISTRATIVE AND OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT ...... 8 1.2. FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE QUALITY CONTROL ...... 8 1.2 GRANTS QUALITY CONTROL ...... 8 2.0 TECHNICAL PROGRAM SUPPORT ...... 10
TECHNICAL PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION ...... 11
OBJECTIVE 1: STRENGTHEN HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL LINKAGES AMONG ACTORS ENGAGED IN SIMILAR ISSUES ...... 12 C1 - TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (NRM) COALITION ...... 12 C2 - SUPPORT EDUCATION PARTNERS FOR THE MORE -FOR -EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ...... 14 C3 - SUPPORT THE THIRD THEMATIC WINDOW IMPLEMENTATION (E LECTORAL REFORMS ) ...... 26 C4 – THE FOURTH THEMATIC WINDOW IMPLEMENTATION (C OMMUNITY FORESTRY ) ...... 31 OBJECTIVE 2: INCREASE ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY OF TARGETED CSO S TO PARTICIPATE IN ISSUE -BASED REFORMS ...... 34 D1 – CORE FUNDED PARTNER TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ...... 34 D2 - CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES FOR FOURTH THEMATIC WINDOW (E LECTORAL REFORMS ) ...... 37 D.4 PROVIDE MENTORING AND CONDUCT CAPACITY ASSESSMENTS OF EDUCATION PARTNERS ...... 39 OBJECTIVE 3: PROMOTE THE DEVELOPMENT OF ONGOING CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES ON THE LOCAL MARKET ...... 40 E.1 - IMPLEMENT SERVICE PROVIDER QUALITY CONTROL MEASURES ...... 41 E.2 - PROVIDE CONSORTIUM SUSTAINABILITY AND MARKETING SUPPORT ...... 42 E3 - IMPLEMENT CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY STRATEGY ...... 44 OBJECTIVE 4: ENSURE THAT LEARNING AND METHODOLOGIES ARE SHARED AND APPLIED BY OTHER DEVELOPMENT ACTORS ...... 44 F.1 - CONTINUE COLLABORATION WITH STRATEGIC LEARNING PARTNERS (AL AB ) ...... 44 F.2 - PROVIDE CONTINUOUS TECHNICAL SUPPORT WITH ESTABLISHING AND IMPROVING PARTNER MONITORING AND EVALUATION (M&E) SYSTEMS FOR NRM, EDUCATION , AND FORESTRY THEMATIC WINDOW PARTNERS ...... 48 F3 - FACILITATE LAVI LEARNING , KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT , AND RESEARCH ...... 48 G - PROJECT MONITORING AND EVALUATION ...... 49 H - REPORTING ...... 50
ANNEXES ...... 50
1 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – JANUARY 01 TO MARCH 31, 2020 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV ACRONYMS ALab Accountability Lab CBDSPL Consortium of Business Development Service Provider of Liberia CBO Community Based Organization CD Capacity Development CDCS Country Development Cooperation Strategy CDG Center for Democratic Governance CDP Capacity Development Plan CEMESP Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding CEO County Education Officers CEO Chief Executive Officer COP Chief of Party COR Contract Officer Representative COTAE Coalition for Transparency and Accountability in Education COVID -19 Corona Virus D isease of 2019 CFMA Community Forest Management Agreement CFMB Community Forest Management Body CFMP Community Forest Management Plans CFWG Community Forest Working Group CSDF County Social Development Funds CSO Civil Society Organization CUC Commercial Use Contract DEO District Education Officers ECC Election Coordination Commission ERP Electoral Reform Project FBMC Field Based Monitoring Consultants FIFES Forest Incomes for Environmental Sustainability FDG Focus Group Discussion FGP Forest Governance Project FY Fiscal Year HCEI House Committee on Elections and Inauguration IAA Internal Audit Agency IDI Inclusive Development Initiative IREDD Institute for Research and Democratic Development LAVI USAID/Liberia Accountability and Voice Initiative LEGIT Local Empowerment for Government Inclusion and Transparency (Liberia)
USAID.GOV USAID LAVI FY2020 QUARTER 2 REPORT | 2 LIMPAC Liberia Macroeconomic Policy Analysis Center LSP Local Service Providers LRA Liberia Revenue Authority M&E Monitoring and Evaluation MEL Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning MFDP Ministry of Finance and Development Planning MOE Ministry of Education NAPTANOL National PTA Network of Liberia NAYMOTE National Youth Movement for Transparent Elections NEL New Elections Law NRM Natural Resources Management NTAL National Teachers Association of Liberia NU -CFMB National Union of Community Forest Management Body PIDS Performance Indicators Database System PMC Project Management Committee PTA Parents Teachers Associations QPR Quarterly Performance Review RFP Request for Proposal SDI Sustainable Development Institute SOP Standard Operational Procedures SME Subject Matter Expert TAMIS Technical Administrative Management Information System TWG Technical Working Group USAID United States Agency for International Development WANEP West Africa Network for Peacebuilding WONGOSOL Women’s NGO Secretariat Liberia YMCA Youth Movement for Collective Action YOCEL Youth Coalition for Education in Liberia
3 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – JANUARY 01 TO MARCH 31, 2020 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The five-year, USAID-financed Liberia Accountability and Voice Initiative (LAVI) works to strengthen multi-stakeholder partnerships to advocate for and monitor policy and accountability reforms in Liberia. The project aims to increase the influence of citizens and media in the governance of public goods and services. The program also supports Development Objective 2 of the USAID/Liberia’s 2019-2024 Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS): Effective and Inclusive Governance Catalyzed through Reforms and Greater Accountability. The LAVI project aims to achieve the above-mentioned goals by directing efforts towards achieving the four (4) objectives or intermediate results mentioned below.
Objective 1 (LAVI IR 1): Strengthen Horizontal and Vertical Linkages among Actors Engaged in Similar Issues
Natural Resource Management (NRM) Thematic Window
In response to the Exit Strategy workshop, held in Quarter 1 (Q1) 2020 in Buchanan City on November 7-9, 2019, LAVI, during the quarter under review approved an “Add-on-Grant” to the Institute for Research and Democratic Development (IREDD) to continue advocacy for the passage of the draft Standalone - County Social Development Funds (CSDF) bill. The grant was signed by LAVI’s Chief of Party (COP) – Milica Panic on February 3, 2020, and it requires that IREDD coordinate with other Natural Resources Management (NRM) partners to organize engagements, including legislative engagements (i.e. Representatives & Senators), engagements with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, and advocacy with concessionaires (Mittal Steel & China Union) to raise awareness of the draft stand-alone CSDF bill.
The NRM coalition of eight civil society organizations has been working on CSDF reform with support of USAID LAVI since late 2016. Duringthe last four years, the coalition has engaged legislators and citizens in Liberia’s 15 counties on the impact and challenges of the CSDF. Coalition members organized dozens of citizen forums across the country, hosted talk shows featuring legislators, passed two amendments to the Budget Law in 2018 and 2019 and on March 12, 2020 the House of Representatives passed the draft CSDF bill into law. Accordingly, with the swift passage of the CSDF bill, IREED and its NRM partners have now focused the CSDF advocacy engagements at the Liberian Senate. Already, three engagement meetings with key senators, which aimed at soliciting their support for the passage of the bill at the level of the Liberia Senate, were held. In furtherance of this effort, there were two in-person meetings with Senator Gbeeblo Brown member of the Senate Ways and Means Committee and Chairperson on Internal Affairs Committee on March 17, 2020 at his office, and with Senator Morris Saytumah, Chairperson on the Senate’s Ways, Means and Finance Committee on March 26th, 2020.
Education Thematic Window
In Q1, LAVI continued to support the More-for-Education campaign and its advocacy goals, specifically that “the Government of Liberia increase the national budget for the education sector to a minimum 20%.” In the second phase of the education project implementation, the current grant holders, namely Coalition for Transparency and Accountability in Education (COTAE), the Inclusive Development Initiative (IDI), the National Teachers Association of Liberia (NTAL), and the Youth Coalition for Education in Liberia (YOCEL), continued their advocacy engagements. These partners conducted various activities, including one research study, two coordination meetings, nine (9) watch forums, ten (10) engagement meetings with legislators and community CSOs, one press conference, and fourteen (14) radio talk shows of which COTAE had “issues in education” radio talk shows on ELBC 99.9 FM Radio Station in Monrovia every week. As a result, during Q2, the More-for-Education coalition partners increased their level of engagements and partnership with Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Assistant Ministers and Directors or
USAID.GOV USAID LAVI FY2020 QUARTER 2 REPORT | 4 Heads of government institutions, namely Ministry of Education (MOE); Ministry of Finance and Development Planning; Ministry of Internal Affairs; Bureau of Concession; Liberia Revenue Authority; National Investment Commission, Commission of Higher Education, West African Examination Council, National Education Advisory Board; and Lawmakers of the National Legislature.
COTAE, one of the More-for-Education partners, produced a research report focused on identifying Alternative Domestic Resource Mobilization. The study unearthed that Liberia’s National Budget envelop to fund the education sector is largely inadequate; and as well it captures primarily alternative resource mobilization strategies for meeting the minimum 20 percent benchmark for financing the education sector including linking legislative agenda to county social development fund in alternative domestic budgeting be pursued to have binding effect. The results, including findings and recommendations are currently being used by COTAE in its campaign for More-for-Education as evidence for the lawmakers, policy makers, and the executive in advocating for a budgetary increment for the education sector.
Electoral Reform Window
In Q2, under the LAVI Electoral Reform thematic window, LAVI’s Elections Coordinating Committee (ECC) partners continued their robust campaign aiming at advocating lawmakers to pass the remaining ECC proposed amendments. In Q1, Liberian Legislature passed four ECC electoral reform proposals relating to constitutional change to be held in referendum on the next Senatorial elections. Partners conducted advocacy activities, including four (4) town hall advocacy engagement meetings with legislators, senators, and motorcycle union; published four (4) media editorials in local diaries; eight (8) radio talk shows; four (4) legislative engagement meetings specifically with the women legislative caucus; two (2) legislative advocacy meetings with legislators; one social event that relaunched the ECC’s social media pages (Facebook and Website); and one one-day stakeholders’ engagement meeting for political parties. All these activities consist the robust engagements needed to ensure the complete passage of the remaining amendments by the lawmakers.
Meanwhile, the House Committee on Elections and Inauguration (HCEI) during Q2 had remained with one major activity (i.e. public hearing) to complete their electoral reform project; however, the chairman of the HCEI, Honorable Alex Grant, approached LAVI with an idea for an added activity i.e. another working session of the HCEI to be held in conjunction with the leadership of several House and Senate committees with some oversight function for electoral reform provisions (participation of select members from House and Senate leadership offices) – where participation of these committees and influential members would expedite consideration of the bill. LAVI was able to include the modification at no additional cost, and activities would happen late March through April; however, the planned schedule of remaining activities under the HCEI grant was altered due to current COVID-19 pandemic in Liberia.
Community Forestry
LAVI’s overall intervention strategy within this thematic window is to strengthen forest governance and increase citizens’ knowledge of Community Forestry Management Agreements (CFMA), Third-Party Contracts, and Community Forestry Management Plans (CFMP) in affected communities. The National Union of Community Forest Monitoring Body (NU-CFMB) conducted two town hall meetings in Northern Nimba County to Forest Incomes for Environmental Sustainability (FIFES) supported hubs. The town hall meetings provided clarity and awareness to the Community Assemblies (CAs), Executive Committees (ECs), Community Forest Management Bodies (CFMBs), religious leaders, local authorities, youth leaders, on the significance of various community forest governance tools including the roles and responsibilities of the governance structures. In addition, the NU-CFMB completed their third quarterly monitoring
5 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – JANUARY 01 TO MARCH 31, 2020 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV exercise from February 3-26, 2020 across the three hubs of Barconnie/Homerville and Matro/Kparblee hub of Grand Bassa County; Gbobayee hub in Northern Nimba; and Yriah hub of southern Nimba in assessing the compliance of forest laws and related documents. Findings from the monitoring exercise will be used to develop a monitoring bulletin, which will eventually be shared with stakeholders, including Legislators, CSOs, FDA authorities, International NGOs, for advocacy purposes.
Additionally, in Q2, LAVI held a coordination meeting with the Forest Department Authority (FDA), specifically with the FDA Deputy Managing Director for Operations – Hon. Joseph J. Tally, and the Head of the Community Forestry Department, Mrs. Getrude Nyaley. The meetings informed the representatives of LAVI’s interventions in the forest sector, and aimed at strengthening coordination amongst the two institutions. LAVI provided the representatives with an overview of LAVI’ Forest Governance Project (FGP) and emphasized the project’s objectives, goals and anticipated outcomes.
Objective 2 (LAVI IR 2): Organizational Capacity of Targeted CSOs to participate in Issue- Based Reforms Increased Objective 2 of the LAVI project is to provide targeted capacity development assistance to CSOs in order to improve their skills and expertise better manage projects and improve their organizational sustainability. During Q2, IREDD, LAVI’s Forestry core-partner, provided training to FIFES supported CFMB hubs located in Southern Nimba, Northern Nimba, and Grand Bassa. The training focused on key governance aspects, including strengthening coordination mechanisms amongst CFMBs, building CFMBs’ skills in community level advocacy, and also provided an understanding of benefit sharing mechanisms amongst CFMB leaders. During the training, CFMBs managed to developed individual actions plans that would help them to strengthen coordination more especially on reclaiming of the boundary lines around community forests. Also, on February 28-29, 2020 IREDD, facilitated a 2-day conference on lessons learned with FIFES supported CFMBs from Grand Bassa, Southern Nimba, Northern Nimba hubs. During this meeting NU- CFMB helped them to identify of lessons learned on main activities accomplished by CFMBs after acquiring Community Forest Management Agreements; to develop new actions towards increased implementation of forest governance activities; and to provide recommendations for the improvement of future forest governance activities.
During the Q2, LAVI supported service providers PACE Consultancy and PERT Consultancy, provided capacity development support to ECC partners in area of gender and monitoring and evaluation, identified in their capacity development plans. PERT Consultancy also provided capacity development support in strategic planning to LAVI supported Education partners during the Quarter 2.
Objective 3: Promote the Development of Ongoing Capacity Development Services on the Local Market
In Q2, LAVI Capacity Development (CD) team together with PERT Consultancy developed a Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) that outlined areas for improvement PERT, based on a Client Satisfaction Survey (CSS) that the CD team had conducted across LAVI education partners i.e. UMOVEMENT, COTAE, IDI, NTAL, and HOPE. The Quality Improvement plan outlined areas of improvement, including the following three: 1) Overall Service Quality – service provider capacity to conduct activities and ability to meet client needs; 2) Assurance – the service provider capacity to courteously respond to clients concerns; and 3) Empathy – service provider’s capacity to understand clients` specific needs and interest
During the quarter, the Consortium of Business Development Service Providers Limited (CBDSPL) on at the Monrovia City Hall, organized a two-day matchmaking event focused on CBDSPL’s efforts to increase
USAID.GOV USAID LAVI FY2020 QUARTER 2 REPORT | 6 marketability and visibility for businesses. As a result of the event, consortium members networked and secured potential business contacts and partnerships with USAID Implementing Partners, United Nations’ agencies, and other international organizations operating in the development and private sector spaces in Liberia. The two-day event attracted 111 attendees.
Objective 4: Ensure that Learning and Methodologies are Shared and Applied by Other Development Actors
LAVI’s Objective 4 focuses on learning, namely sharing of experiences, methodologies and capacities across the development community. Objective 4 also focuses on innovative and creative programming to support the advocacy campaigns of its implementing partners. LAVI partners with the Accountability Lab (ALab) to implement these initiatives. In Q2, ALab organized the 2020 Liberia Learning Awards Ceremony that recognized and celebrated civil society organizations that have integrated learning methodologies throughout their programs. ALAB modeled the program from USAID Collaborating, Learning and Adapting (CLA) case competitions, and Smart Liberia – a local Innovation Hub offering technological and entrepreneurial skills to promising Liberian youths emerged the winner; while Inclusive Development Initiative (IDI) to the second position; and Pan-Afrikan Volunteers Network (PAVON) emerging third.
In Q2, the iCampus upgraded and launched its Inclusion Café on March 10, 2020 – a first-of-its-kind and a social enterprise cafe– which is social enterprise in support if the iCampus financial sustainability. In addition, the Hub completed other key deliverable in regard to the marketing implementation plan, including the refurbishment new media lab; installed billboard for iCampus marketing; published marketing article in the newspapers.
7 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – JANUARY 01 TO MARCH 31, 2020 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV
DETAILED ACTIVITIES AND RESULTS
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
The LAVI project has two (2) main components under the umbrella of project management. They are:
1. Administrative and Operations Management 2. Technical Program Support
1.0 ADMINISTRATIVE AND OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
1.2. Financial and Administrative Quality Control
During period under review, the LAVI Finance and Administrative Management (FAM) team continued using DAI’s Field Accounting System and Oracle to manage project finances.
Additionally, to replace staff member who have left, the project recruited Antoinette Y. Sendolo - Capacity Development Assistant on January 20, 2020; Leela V. Paye - Grant Assistant on February 26, 2020; and Lee Ian Barduae – Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer on March 18, 2020.
1.2 Grants Quality Control Generate Grant Agreements, Review, and Submit Payments Requests, and Ensure Grants Activities are Properly Documented
During Q2, LAVI Grants team coordinated with the technical teams to award one grant. The team also, in collaboration with partners, modified two (2) grants, and as well closed four (4) In-Kind Capacity Strengthening grants in the Education thematic area. The following tables below offers more detailed information on grant status during Q2:
TABLE 1: GRANTS AWARDED DURING Q2
GRANT # NAME OF GRANTEE GRANT TITLE/ PURPOSE DATE ISSUED
G-Mon-081 IREDD Advocacy for County Social January 31, 20202 Development Fund (Add-on)
TABLE 2: MODIFIED GRANTS DURING Q2
GRANT # GRANTEE MODIFICATION TYPE DATE
G-Mon-060 HCEI 7-months No -Cost Extension and Revise SOW February 13, 2020
G-Mon -072 CBDSPL 3-months No -Cost Extension and Revise Milestones March 8, 2020
USAID.GOV USAID LAVI FY2020 QUARTER 2 REPORT | 8 TABLE 3: GRANTS THAT CLOSED OUT DURING Q2
GRANT # NAME OF GRANTEE GRANT TITLE/ PURPOSE DATE ISSUED
G-Mon-052 COTAE In-Kind Capacity Strengthening Support March 24, 2020
G-Mon-053 HOPE In-Kind Capacity Strengthening Support January 15, 2020
G-Mon-055 NAPTANOL In-Kind Capacity Strengthening Support January 14, 2020
G-Mon-057 U-Movement In-Kind Capacity Strengthening Support January 14, 2020
9 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – JANUARY 01 TO MARCH 31, 2020 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV 2.0 Technical Program Support
2.1 TECHNICAL MEETINGS AND REPORTING
Coordinate with Donor and INGO Programs to Ensure Program Synergy and Complementarity of Activities
Engagement with INTERNEWS and LEGIT on the management of CSDF
During the quarter under review, LAVI hosted a coordination meeting on January 28, 2020 with LEGIT in relation to CSDF reforms. The meeting, which was attended by the respective Chiefs of Party (COPs) from both LAVI and LEGIT and the LAVI NRM Specialist, focused on synergies between LEGIT draft Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the County Sittings and LAVI’s proposed Implementation Guidelines for CSDF management, soon to be developed. The CSDF implementation guidelines are required by Section 10(I) of the 2019/2020 Budget Law. Once prepared and adopted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), the guidelines will serve as a guiding principle for prudent fiscal management in the execution of CSDF projects. The guidelines will lay down the step-by-step processes leading to project contracting through the procurement process, financial disbursements as well as financial reporting.
To improve coordination around CSDF management, LAVI hosted another coordination meeting on February 21, 2020, again bringing together LAVI and LEGIT COPs and Internews Program Manager who represented the institution’s COP. USAID’s representatives Ms. Mary Zell and Ms. Laura Garnett were also in attendance. USAID. The meeting was organized to provide updates on activities of the various projects and as well as to determine means of coordinating activities that could support CSDF reforms. LAVI used the opportunity to inform her counterparts about a new grant, which had been issued to IREDD in continuation of advocacy for the passage of the CSDF bill. LAVI’s counterparts were also informed on the hiring of consultants to develop the CSDF Implementation Guidelines as required by section 10 (I) of the 2019/2020 budget law. After updates and comments from LEGIT and Internews, as well as representatives from USAID, it was concluded that the technical leads of the various projects would convene to develop a concept note and timeline for training workshops in Monrovia, Zwedru, Ganta and Gbarnga. The workshop would train and enlighten journalists about the 2019/2020 budget law, and well on the draft CSDF bill in order to enhance their abilities to adequately report on CSDF issues.
Coordination building and strengthening with electoral stakeholders (NEC, HCEI, LEON)
On February 13, 2020, LAVI hosted the Elections Technical Working Group meeting at main offices in Sinkor, Monrovia. The objective of the meeting was to create a platform where elections stakeholders meet regularly and provide updates on their programs to avoid overlaps and to also identify potential areas for partnership around strengthening the capacity of the National Elections Commission (NEC), thereby improving Liberia’s electoral system. The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including the National Elections Commission, USAID, National Democratic Institute (NDI), Irish Embassy, United Nations Development Programs (UNDP), and the Carter Center. The meeting was chaired by the NEC Executive Director, Mr. Anthony Sengbe and lasted for one hour and thirty minutes. During the meeting NEC provided updates on her preparation for the upcoming Senatorial Elections, stressing that the commission was faced with serious logistical and financials constraints. Other partners provided updates on their program support to elections/NEC and outlined specific activities and interventions being implemented to support the NEC in fulfilling its mandate. The next meeting was scheduled for March 12, 2020, at NDI’s office but it was postponed due to changes in activities of the NEC.
USAID.GOV USAID LAVI FY2020 QUARTER 2 REPORT | 10 House Committee on Elections and Inauguration Coordination
The HCEI has continued to emphasize coordination among various Government of Liberia (GOL) and civil society stakeholders in moving electoral reform legislation forward. Hon. Grant, Chairman of House Elections and Inaugurations Committee has been consistent in his inclusion of the Law Reform Commission (LRC) and Governance Commission (GC) in HCEI activities where appropriate. Both entities were invited to send a representative to the Joint Session meetings that were scheduled in Buchanan, before they were ultimately cancelled. It was likely that both bodies will be included on the final witness list for the Public Hearing. The link to the LRC was formalized when one of their staff and former staff under the HCEI electoral reform project, Ramses Kumbuyah, was detailed to work specifically with the HCEI during the life of this electoral reform effort. In addition to the coordination with GOL entities, civil society organizations have also remained in contact with the legislative process in the HCEI. Elections Coordinating Committee (ECC), through its own project grants, sponsored multiple town hall meetings in various counties and live legislative engagements in Montserrado County, several of which were attended by HCEI members. Also, while the Joint Working Session is intended solely for the participation of legislators, Hon. Grant asked that Liberia Election Observation Network (LEON), and its donor Carter Center, make themselves available to the program as research and information resources, and remain available to respond to any inquiries that might arise from the legislators. In exchange for this invitation, LEON/Carter Center have agreed to fund additional Senate members for the program, at Hon. Grant’s request.
Quarterly coordination meeting with FIFES
LAVI and FIFES usually have coordination meeting the last month of the quarter, but this quarter’s meeting was postponed due to COVID 19 pandemic in Liberia. Nevertheless, LAVI on February 14, 2020 held a coordination meeting with the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) staff, including the Deputy Managing Director for Operations – Hon. Joseph J. Tally, and the Head of the Community Forestry Department, Mrs. Getrude Nyaley. The meeting informed FDA of LAVI’s interventions in the forest sector and also focused on strengthening coordination amongst the two institutions. The meeting began with an overview of LAVI’ Forest Governance Project with an emphasis on the project objectives, goals and anticipated outcomes, and as well highlighted the NU-CFMB as the implementing partner and the role of IREDD is playing as co-funding partner. LAVI concluded her presentation by updating FDA with key activities implemented to-date as well as the current status of the project. The FDA representatives expressed gratitude to LAVI for her interventions to the forest sector. They stated that with the quality of support to NU-CFMB, they believed their work would be much easier especially in the area of engagements with community forest management bodies. Mrs. Getrude Nyaley recommended that regular meetings should be held for the smooth implementation of the project, while Hon. Joseph J. Tally asserted that he would be glad to understand LAVI’s basic expectations about the project and the specific role(s) expected of FDA. It was subsequently concluded that LAVI prepares and submits a background information to include anticipated role(s) for FDA. The requested information was later submitted to FDA a week after the meeting TECHNICAL PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION
During Q2, with the support of LAVI, 90 events were implemented by the NRM Coalition Partners, More- for-Education Campaign partners, National Union of Community Forestry Management Bodies, Electoral Reform Project partners, Core-Funding Partners, Local Service Providers, Strategic Learning Partner, and directly by LAVI technical staff in support of all four thematic areas. All events were linked to LAVI’s overarching objective - strengthening multi-stakeholder partnerships and advocating for and monitoring accountability reforms. Please refer to Annex 01 for a detailed calendar of events implemented by LAVI
11 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – JANUARY 01 TO MARCH 31, 2020 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV and partners during Q2. Information about LAVI’s technical project implementation is presented below, organized by each of LAVI’s four objectives.
OBJECTIVE 1: STRENGTHEN HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL LINKAGES AMONG ACTORS ENGAGED IN SIMILAR ISSUES
C1 - Technical support to Natural Resource Management (NRM) Coalition
Issue grant to NRM Partner to implement Exit Strategy
In response to the Exit Strategy workshop that was held in Q1 in Buchanan City specifically on November 7-9, 2019, LAVI approved an “Add-on-Grant” to IREDD for the continuation of advocacy for the passage of the draft Stand-alone CSDF bill. The grant was signed by LAVI Chief of Party – Milica Panic on February 3, 2020 and requires that IREDD coordinate with other NRM partners to organize legislative engagements (i.e. Representatives & Senators), engagements with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, and advocacy with concessionaires (Mittal Steel & China Union), amongst others. IREDD will also utilize the electronic media in providing awareness around the draft stand-alone CSDF bill. The grant runs from February 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020.
In fulfillment of IREDD’s coordination requirement under the new grant, a coordination meeting was held at IREDD’s office on February 12, 2020 with all the NRM coalition partners in attendance to agree on the CSDF grant implementation strategy. All eight CSO members actively participated in the discussions that aimed to strategize for the successful implementing the grant issued to IREDD, while collectively improving coordination amongst them. At the beginning of the meeting IREDD Executive Director, Harold Aidoo provided detailed information about the grant, including roles and responsibilities of each partner. This was followed by the presentation of work plan activities and corresponding costs. After an hour of interactive engagements, the following was agreed:
Each NRM partner will designate a representative to work with IREDD on project implementation; Each NRM partner will advocate six legislators prior to putting of the bill on the floor; Each NRM partner organization will make a radio appearance during the NRM coalition media week; The first legislative engagement with representatives will take place on the February 26; and A committee will be set to develop a Standard Operating Procedure for the governance and operations of the NRM Secretariat.
Provide targeted awareness on the passage of CSDF bill including commending those who sponsored and supported it; Continue engagements with the sponsors of the bill & legislative champions
During the period under review, awareness on the passage of the CSDF bill was targeted to specific legislators to garner their support for its passage. Contrary to earlier plans of providing public awareness about the bill, the NRM coalition did not have the luxury of time given the delay in finalizing their engagement strategy in addition to the exigency that accompanied legislators interest (Representatives) of getting the bill passed. In this regards, IREDD conducted the first legislative engagement meeting under the new NRM grant on March 3, 2020 at the Boulevard Palace Hotel in Monrovia. The meeting began with welcome remarks and an overview of the event by IREDD Executive Director - Harold Aidoo that also
USAID.GOV USAID LAVI FY2020 QUARTER 2 REPORT | 12 thanked the legislators for their tireless support towards the passage of the draft CSDF bill. He subsequently challenged them to remain steadfast until the bill is finally passed into law. His remarks were followed by those of LAVI’s NRM Specialist - Augustus M. Zayzay’s whose presentation focused on the various changes the bill has undergone since the county sitting awareness workshop that was held in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County.
Zayzay’s presentation was followed by an interactive session to review and finalize the bill. During the session, legislators agreed with all the changes previously made, but requested the inclusion of a sentence that calls for the allocation of Social Development Funds (SDF) at the county level based on the Mineral Development Agreements (MDA). In most MDAs, there are specific percentages of social contributions that go to affected communities. In the case of Mittal Steel MDA for example, it is required that 20% of the total SDF for Nimba county be allocated to the affected communities. Accordingly, the body included a sentence in section 1(c) to address this consideration. The meeting ended with a resounding endorsement by all the legislators and it was agreed that Hon. Francis S. Dopoh, Secretary to the Ways, Means, and Finance Committee work with the Chief Clerk to ensure that the bill is placed on the floor on Thursday, March 5, 2020. Members of the House of in attendance included: Hons. Rustonlyn S. Dennis; Hon. Tibelrosa S. Tarponweh; Hon. Larry Younquoi; Hon. Jeremiah Koung; Hon. Jay Nagbe Sloh; Hon. Manah B. Johnson; Hon. Francis S. Dopoh; Hon. Edward W. Karfiah; Hon. Joseph N. Somwarbi; and Hon. Dorwohn T. Gleekia. The NRM coalition was also in attendance.
In furtherance of this effort, legislative champions advocating for the passage of the draft CSDF bill, on March 10, 2020, solicited for signatories for placing the bill on the floor. The process was led by Hon. Francis Dopoh, Secretary on the Ways, Means and Finance Committee of the House of Representatives. Hon. Dopoh was successful and generated up to 25 signatories prior to submitting his committee’s report to the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives for onward inclusion on the plenary agenda for March, 12, 2020.
Having sustained engagements with legislative champions and other influential legislators, the House of Representatives subsequently passed the Stand-alone CSDF bill on Thursday, March 12, 2020 after a motion was raised by Hon. Francis Dopoh, Secretary of the House Committee on Ways Means and Finance. The bill reportedly received almost unanimous passage in the House of Representatives on grounds that the bill seeks to address many anomalies in the management of the County Social Development Funds. The bill was passed in its final form without any additional changes except for a very minor inclusion that focused on addressing issues around affected communities - having a just share of social development contribution. The bill is currently with the Liberian Senate for concurrence.
Q2 recorded the greatest accomplishments in CSDF reform since LAVI began intervening in advocacy work to improve the management of County Development Funds. In less than six months of the LAVI FY2020 annual work plan, the NRM Coalition was successful in getting the draft CSDF bill passed into law . Accordingly, with the swift passage of the CSDF bill, IREED and its NRM partners have now focused the CSDF advocacy engagements at the Liberian Senate. There have been already three engagement meetings with key senators, which aimed at soliciting their support for the passage of the bill at the level of the Liberia Senate. On March 12, 2020, IREDD begun her engagement with relevant senate committees’ members with the aim of engendering needed political support for the concurrence of the CSDF Standalone Bill by the Senate. In furtherance of this effort, there were two in-person meetings with Senator Gbeeblo Brown member of the Senate Ways and Means Committee and Chairperson on Internal Affairs Committee on Thursday March 17, 2020 at his office, and with Senator Morris Saytumah, Chairperson on the Senate’s Ways, Means and Finance Committee on March 26th, 2020.
Due to the Government of Liberia’s COVID-19 health regulations, IREDD could not host the third engagement meeting in person. Instead, they remotely engaged four influential Senators from the Ways,
13 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – JANUARY 01 TO MARCH 31, 2020 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV Means and Finance Committee through phone call conversations. The Senators included: Sen. Marshall Dennis, Co-chairperson on the committee, Sen. J. Milton Teahjay, member, Sen. Francis S. Paye, and Sen. Dallus Gueh. From the phone conversations, all the Senators spoken to were positive about the concurrence of the Bill once they have taken a look at it. Accordingly, they promised to remain engaged with their colleagues on a one-to-one basis to advocate for the bill to pass the senate. LAVI is therefore hopeful that in Q3, the Liberian Senate will concur with the House of Representatives by passing the draft CSDF bill into law.
Engage the MIA and other important ministries to follow up for approval of the CSDF bill
LAVI held two meetings on January 10, 2020 with both the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) and the Ministry of Finance and Development (MFDP) to solicit their approval for technical assistance in developing the CSDF implementation guidelines as required by section 10 (I) of the 2019/2020 budget law. The first meeting was held with Minister Varney A. Sirleaf at the Ministry of Internal Affairs office. After explaining the purpose of the meeting to the Minister, Minister Varney expressed his excitement about the gesture by LAVI. He averred that the Ministry lacks the technical capacity to carry out such tasks and would be glad to work with whomever LAVI recommends to provide assistance. He then instructed his Deputy Minister for Planning, Research, and Development to collaborate with LAVI and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning for successful completion of this activity.
The second meeting was held with Deputy Minister Samora Wolokollie of the MFDP. Deputy Minister Wolokollie commended LAVI for it excellent technical assistance, but recommended that LAVI hires Liberian consultant who has appreciable and technical knowledge of public financial management. He asserted that once properly crafted, the guidelines will enhance full compliance with the Public Procurement and Concession Act (PPCA) and Public Financial Management (PFM) law. He further noted that, once the CSDF guidelines are finalized, his ministry would embark on a process of training local government actors i.e. Project Management Committee (PMC) chairs, Comptrollers, Fiscal Affairs Superintendents etc., on the usage of the document. Recognizing the importance of this activity, Mr. Wolokollie promised to be his ministry focal person with LAVI on this specific venture. Immediately after the two successful meetings with MIA and MFDP, LAVI NRM Specialist – Augustus Zayzay drafted the Scope of Work (SOW) for the CSDF Financial Consultant and a CSDF Legal Consultant. The consultancies are geared towards developing implementation guidelines that address the entire public financial management aspects of managing the county social development funds. The guidelines will prescribe the step-by-step processes immediately after county sittings resolutions are signed, through project contracting and up to the point of payments. During the process of developing the document, the CSDF financial consultant will conduct extensive consultations with key stakeholders, which will culminate with a validation workshop to solicit a broader consensus on the document and integrate all other inputs. The legal consultant will guide the document development process, and all legal aspects including the designing of a legal scope upon which the document will be developed. The consultants were hired during the period under review, and are currently working on their respective deliverables.
C2 - Support Education Partners for the More-for-Education Campaign
Provide technical support to the implementation of partners' activities and review deliverables; Support policy dialogues to engage National Legislature and Government officials to increase the education budget; Support education watch forums to discuss project implementation and trending issues in education; Support research and implementation of findings; Support issues in education radio talk shows; Support the development and implementation of sustainability plan with partners; and Support the engagement of
USAID.GOV USAID LAVI FY2020 QUARTER 2 REPORT | 14 partners with political parties, INGOs, GOL, Private sector, NGOs and donors to increase education budget
In Q2 FY 2020, four of education partners i.e. COTAE, NTAL, YOCEL and IDI, under the More-for- Education campaign continued their advocacy and engagement aimed at increasing the national budget for the education sector to minimum 20%. During Q2, the More-for-Education coalition partners implemented a series of advocacy activities that included one research study, two coalition coordination meetings, nine (9) watch forums; ten (10) engagement meetings with legislators and community CSOs; two (2) education musical festivals; one press conference, and fourteen (14) radio talk shows of which COTAE had “issues in education” radio talk shows on ELBC 99.9 FM Radio Station in Monrovia every week.
These activities were implemented to continue engaging education stakeholders and policy makers including lawmakers in advocating for increased Government of Liberia spending on the Education sector. The coalition partners increased their level of engagements and partnership with Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Assistant Ministers and Directors or Heads of government institutions, namely Ministry of Education; Ministry of Finance and Development Planning; Ministry of Internal Affairs; Bureau of Concession; Liberia Revenue Authority; National Investment Commission, Commission of Higher Education, West African Examination Council, National Education Advisory Board; and Lawmakers of the National Legislature. The specific education project partners’ activities implemented for the quarter under review included in the following section.
Support policy dialogues to engage National Legislature and Government officials to increase the education budget; Support education watch forums to discuss project implementation and trending issues in education; Support issues in education radio talk shows; and Support the engagement of partners with political parties, INGOs, GOL, Private sector, NGOs and donors to increase education budget
National Teachers Association of Liberia (NTAL)
NTAL is a coalition partner of the More-for-Education campaign that has a wide network and outreach of teachers across the country. NTAL is one of the four current grant holders of the More-for-Education campaign in the second year of project implementation and works in Sinoe, Montserrado and Nimba Counties.
Montserrado County
In Q2, NTAL hosted four advocacy engagement meetings at the House of Representatives at Capitol Building with the lawmakers, including Speaker of the House of Representatives, his staff, and other lawmakers of the House of Representatives on January 21, 2020; the Senate Pro-Temp and his office staff on February 3, 2020; Grand Kru Legislative Caucus on March 10, 2020; and the Montserrado County Legislative Caucus, including their staff on March 17, 2020.
The meeting with the Speaker of the House was attended by 14 persons, including 13 males and one female including other lawmakers, namely Hon. Johnson Gwaikolo, Representative, District #9, Nimba County; and Chairperson on Education Committee at the House of Representative, Hon. Samuel Enders, Representative District #6, Montserrado County; and Hon. Joseph Somwarbi Representative, District #3, Nimba County. The purpose of the meeting was to secure continuous support and buy-in from lawmakers to support the More-for-Education campaign’s goal of increasing the budget allocation for the education sector.
15 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – JANUARY 01 TO MARCH 31, 2020 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV Likewise, the advocacy engagement meetings with the Grand Kru Legislative Caucus included Sen. Peter Coleman and his office staff; while the meeting with members of the Montserrado County Legislative Caucus included Hon./Dr. George Beyan Samah, District #12 Representative and office staff as well. These meetings with the legislative caucuses and Speaker intended to increase support and continued engagements with lawmakers to advocate for the allocation of minimum 20% of the national budget for the education sector. Copies of the assessment/research report conducted by NTAL during the first year of the education project were shared among the participants. These lawmakers disclosed that it was a big challenge to achieve the minimum 20% budget allocation requested by the More-for-Education coalition partners in the 2019/2020 national budget because of low revenue generation and the competing sector priorities; however, an increase from 14.9% in the 2018/2019 national budget to 15.8% in the 2019/2020 national budget for the education sector was among the highest and the second in the row. They confirmed that they are committed to ensuring incremental increases in upcoming national budget for the education sector. The lawmakers are working to introduce a “Resolution” to Plenary of the House of Representatives that will commit the Government of Liberia to allocate incremental increases to achieve the minimum 20% budget allocation for the education sector in upcoming fiscal years.
Similarly, the advocacy meeting with the Senate Pro-Temp and his office staff solicited for support and buy-in to the More-4-Education campaign, and it was attended by 10 persons (i.e. 9 males and 1 female). NTAL presented and discussed findings and recommendations of the research conducted during the first year of education project implementation that focused on “Paid and Unpaid Teachers in the Education Sector”. Copies of the findings and recommendations were distributed amongst the participants. During the meeting, NTAL also called on the Pro-Temp to ensure that the National Budget for the education sector is increased to minimum 20% by June 2020.
Sinoe County
NTAL hosted an advocacy engagement meeting with several influential civic society organizations (CSOs) in Greenville, Sinoe Country on January 15, 2020. The meeting was held at the Sinoe Multilateral High School Campus in Greenville City, Sinoe County with the purpose of securing continuous support and buy-in from CSOs in the county to be involved and participate in the More-4-Education campaign. The meeting brought together a total of 29 people, including 13 males and 16 females representing four (4) CSOs in the county, including National Institute for Public Opinion (NIPO); National Union of the Disabled (NUOD); County Women Platform (CWP); and Human Rights and Natural Resource Rights Movement, (HRNRRM).
Participants stressed the serious need for the education sector to be funded by the Government of Liberia in taking the first step to increase the National Budget for the Education Sector. They highlighted the issues of low salary for teachers and for education workers, as well as limited instructional materials and logistics due to the low budgetary allocation to the education sector. Mr. Lawrence K. Bloh, Chairman, Sinoe County Human Rights and Natural Resource Rights Movement, indicated that their organization had developed a strategy – they have started meeting with the community dwellers and their chiefs, and other CSOs, encouraging them to engage lawmakers on education issues. Another participant – Mr. Weedor Smith, Gender Officer, National Institute for Public Opinion (NIPO), mentioned that their Superintendent promised to take their request to the cabinet meeting for endorsement, while Senator Chea assured them to prevail on the Sinoe County Legislative Caucus to advocate with other Lawmakers to allocate the minimum 20% National Budget to the Education Sector.
Youth Coalition for Education in Liberia (YOCEL)
USAID.GOV USAID LAVI FY2020 QUARTER 2 REPORT | 16 YOCEL is another grant holder in the second year of project implementation of the More-for-Education campaign. They are working with youth and youth groups at a national level in Montserrado and at a county level in Grand Gedeh and Maryland counties.
Grand Gedeh
In Q2, YOCEL conducted various education advocacy activities in Grand Gedeh, including two radio talk shows on January 10, 2020 and March 5, 2020 at Teach Our People Communication Incorporated (i.e. TOP FM Radio Station, 105.3 MZH); a county level musical festival on January 10, 2020; a press conference on January 11, 2020; and an education watch forum on March 6, 2020.
The first radio talk show on Top FM Radio raised awareness and publicized the anticipated Musical Festival that was to happen under the More-4-Education campaign, plus YOCEL’s project activities in the county. Mr. Sheku L.S Kromah, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at TOP FM Radio facilitated the talk show, while Joseph W. Tah III (J-Sluht), George Kabbah (Muzikal), and Caroline M. Morpe (MC. Caro) served as guests. In the second talk show on the same radio station on March 5, 2020 YOCEL mobilized county level education stakeholders to identify local means for which the county could raise resources to support the education sector, and as well support for the More-for-Education campaign by taking ownership. Both talk shows individually lasted for one hour, and 15 minutes, (i.e. 9:00 am - 10:15 am). The second talk show in particular publicized the anticipated education watch forum in the county that would take place on March 6, 2020.
On January 10, 2020, YOCEL hosted a county level musical festival in Zwedru, which brought artists together to raise more awareness and advocate for increased budget allocation for the education sector. Approximately 75 people participated in the event, while artists sang songs and called on the Government to increase funding for the education sector. The following day on January 11, 2020, YOCEL hosted a press conference at its Regional Office in Zwedru that raised awareness and provided information on the outcomes of the musical festival that was held in the county concerning the More-for-Education campaign. Media practitioners representing various media houses and stations, including Liberia News Agency, West African Pilot News Paper, Joy FM 101.5 MHZ, Top Radio 105.3 MHZ, and Flash FM 102.2 MHZ were present and were given the opportunity to make comments and ask questions. YOCEL’s County Coordinator, Ben Brooks read the Press Statements and responded to questions and comments from the media and stakeholders that attended.
On March 6, 2020, YOCEL conducted a county level education watch forum in Zwedru City, Grand Gedeh, which mobilized county level support for the More-for-Education campaign. A total of 61 people, including 44 males and 17 females were in attendance, representing local county authorities, superintendents, education stakeholders, Parents & Teachers Associations (PTAs), the media, civil society organizations, and youth. Several community and county based radio stations and media houses covered the forum. Participants in the forum discussed the need to support the county school system and reviewed follow-up action points, discussed during the first forum that was previously held in December 2019. A petition statement— which called for support from government officials, including lawmakers working at the national and local levels to allocate minimum 20% of the national budget to the education sector— was also presented by the PTAs, and
Maryland County
17 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – JANUARY 01 TO MARCH 31, 2020 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV In Q2, YOCEL conducted activities in Maryland County, including a music festival on February 7, 2020; two radio talk shows on February 8 th and March 12, 2020 and an education watch forum on March 12, 2020.
The musical festival was organized in Harper City at the Harper Sports Stadium. The event convenes national and local artists who raised awareness and advocated for increased budgetary allocation for the education sector. Over 500 people, including the President of Tubman University, Dr. Wreh Wilson, County and District Education Officers of Maryland County and local officials of government participated in the event. The event was inclusive and was well attended by the youth population in the More-for-Education campaign. The national and local artists, local education stakeholders and policy makers used the event to call on the Government to increase the National Budget for the education sector to a minimum of 20% by June Participants during the More-for Education Musical Festival hosted by YOCEL in Harper City, Maryland 2020. The event contributed to increased awareness and (February 7, 2020) support to the More-for-Education campaign in the county and across the region. Community radio stations in the county, the social and print media platforms publicized the event through advertisements, promotions, and dramas.
Subsequently, the music festival was followed by a talk show on February 8, 2020 on Cape Rock Radio Station 101.2 MZH., which raised awareness and as well discussed the Musical Festival that had been held in the county, plus providing information and general updates regarding the More-4-Education campaign in Liberia. Mr. Franklin Nyealor - Radio Manager served as the moderator, while Benedict H. Appleton, Member of YOCEL’s More-4-Education Campaign team in Maryland County served as the guest on the show.
Additionally, the second talk show in the county on March 12, 2020 on Tubman University Radio Station, 102.9 FM in Harper City intended to bring together county level education stakeholders to identify local means in which the county could raise resources to support the education sector, and to also allow local stakeholders to buy-in and support the More-4-Education campaign. Mr. Willinton Dennis served as the talk show host, while Mr. David Wiah - YOCEL Advocacy and Partnership Officer and Ballah Saywala - YOCEL Program Assistant were the guests to the show. Similarly, as above, the guests discussed updates of More-4-Education campaign. Ten (10) people (i.e. 2 females, 8 males participated in the talk show through phone calls, and contributed to the discussions, while their questions were answered by the talk show guests. Later after the talk show, on the same day March 12, 2020, YOCEL hosted the county level education watch forum in Harper city, which was attended by 43 people, including 24 males and 19 females, including the Acting County Education Officer and Resident District Education Officer of Harper District, local county authorities, education stakeholders, PTAs, the media, civic society organizations, and the students’ community. The event mobilized political support for the allocation of minimum 20% of the national budget for the education sector by June 2020 fiscal year. The forum discussed the need for more support to the county school education system, and upcoming activities regarding for the More-for- Education campaign in the county.
Inclusive Development Initiative (IDI) IDI is also grant holder of the More-for-Education campaign, which is working with persons with disabilities in Montserrado, Bong, and Nimba Counties. During the quarter under review, IDI’s focused on sharing findings and recommendations of an assessment conducted on the 60% signature fees compliance; hosted engagement dialogues at national level in Monrovia with the Lawmakers; and organized education watch
USAID.GOV USAID LAVI FY2020 QUARTER 2 REPORT | 18 forums at the county levels with education stakeholders and policy makers in Nimba, Bong, Montserrado, and Grand Cape Mount Counties.
Meanwhile, in Q2, IDI printed 150 copies of the assessment or desk review results/findings and recommendations. Main findings revealed that that an overwhelming number of citizens had never heard of the 2011 Education Reform Act (ERA). Some educators indicated that they knew about Chapter 9 of the Act, and they knew that concession companies must to pay money to government for education, and that amount is around 60%; however, they were not aware that the finances are remitted to the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) and subsequently to MOE. In addition, staff of government ministries and agencies do not see themselves or their entities as having a monitoring and implementation role as required by Chapter 9 of the ERA 2011; they instead assume that it’s the Ministry of Education’s function to assume that role.
Nimba County During Q2, IDI held three education watch forums in Nimba County, one in Shaquille city on January 28, 2020 and two others in Saniquille City and in Ganta City on January 29, 2020 and February 19, 2020 respectively. The forum on January 28, 2020 had 43 participants (31 males, 12 females), while the one in Ganta City on January 29, 2020 had 69 attendants, 54 males and 15 females. The third and final forum on February 19, also in Ganta, attracted 38 people i.e. 30 males and eight (8) females including local county authorities, superintendents, PTAs, the media, CSOs, youth, and disabled persons. The meetings intended to share findings and recommendations drawn from research conducted in Bong, Nimba, Montserrado and Grand Cape Mount Counties, that focused on compliance of Chapter 9.1 of the ERA, specifically compliance with the clause that states that 60% signature fees paid by concession companies or agreements should be allocated to Education sector by the Government of Liberia. During the meetings, participants expressed their support and buy-in for the More-for-Education campaign, and also received copies of the assessment findings and recommendations. Participants called on the national Government of Liberia to set up a task force that will be robust and vigorous in ensuring that the 60% signature fees are paid by all concession companies or agreements and the Government of Liberia allocate the amount to support education in Liberia. They indicated that the task force should be made of credible civil society and media organizations that would serve as “Watch Dogs” in ensuring compliance of the 60% signature fees. Participants believed that, if executed, this initiative will enhance accountability measures and increase the funding needed to improve the education sector of Liberia.
Bong County:
During the quarter, IDI conducted two education watch forums in Bong County, specifically on January 29, 2020 and on February 19, 2020 in Gbarnga City. The event on January 29th was held at the Women in Peace Building Network/WIPNET (Women Center) Conference Room and was attended by 43 persons (i.e. including 23 males and 20 females), including Education Officers, School Principals, District Commissioners, key local leaders/authorities, and residents and citizens of Gbarnga City.43 participants, 20 females and 23 males, including local county authorities, chiefs, the superintendent, the media, and community CSO representatives, attended the February 19 forum. IDI key project activities regarding the More-for-Education campaign and the research findings on the 60% signatures fees were presented and discussed. Copies of the assessment report were also distributed among the participants. As a result of their increased awareness, participants unanimously committed themselves to, going forward, be more involved in campaign activities.
Grand Cape Mount:
19 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – JANUARY 01 TO MARCH 31, 2020 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV IDI conducted an education watch forum on February 19, 2020 in Grand Cape Mount which attracted 36 persons, including 25 males and 11 females of the education stakeholders, namely PTAs, Chiefs, community CSOs and LAVI Education Program Manager, Eugene Gray. During the event, findings and recommendations of IDI’s assessment report on 60% signature fees were discussed. Further discussions on the background, progress, goal, and objectives of the More-for-Education campaign were ensued. In addition, copies of the assessment report were distributed among the participants. Participants committed themselves to be more involved in campaign activities of the More-for-Education campaign.
Montserrado County
During the quarter, IDI hosted an education watch forum meeting in Montserrado County on January 30, 2020 at iCampus in Monrovia. This meeting focused on the provision of chapter 9 of the Education Reform Act (ERA) that stipulates that 60% of signature fees from all concession agreements with the GOL will be allocated to support education in Liberia. Fifty-five (55) persons i.e. 38 males and 17 females participated in the meeting. Amongst the attendees was Jeffrey Yates, Officer in Charge, Liberia Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (LEITI).
During Q2, IDI hosted follow-up engagement meetings with various committees of both the House of Representatives and the Senate at the Capitol Building in Monrovia, and shared the findings and recommendations of their research, on the 60% signature fee compliance mentioned in chapter 9.1 of the Education Reform Act of 2011. The engagement meeting with both the committees of Nature Resources from both the House of Representatives and the Senate on March 13, 2020 brought together 11 Lawmakers, eight from the Senate and three from the House of Representatives. They were:
1. Hon. Johnson N. Gwaikolo, Representative District #9, Nimba County; 2. Hon. Rustonlyn Dennis, Representative District # 3, Montserrado County; 3. Hon. Vicent S.T. Willie II, Representative District # 3, Grand Bassa County; 4. Hon. Alexander Poure, Representative District # 3, River Gee County; 5. Hon. Bob H. Sheriff, Representative District # 1, Grand Cape Mount County; 6. Hon. Crayton O. Duncan, Representative District # 1, Sinoe County; 7. Hon. Dr. George s. Boley, Representative District # 1, Grand Gedeh County; 8. Hon. Ellen Wreh, Representative, District number 1, Margibi County; 9. Hon. Commany Wesseh, Senator, River Gee County; 10. Hon. Armah Jallah, Senator, Gbarpolu County; 11. Hon. Henry Yallah, Senator, Bong County
The follow up engagement meetings that took place on March 17, 2020 was also attended by 13 Lawmakers, six Senators and seven House Representatives). They were:
1. Chairpersons, Dallas Gueh - Senator, River Cess County; 2. Hon. Tibelrosa S. Tarponweh, Representative District #3, Margibi County; 3. Hon. Ivar K. Jones, Representative District #2, Margibi County; 4. Hon. Samuel R. Enders, Representative District #6, Montserrado County; 5. Hon. Thomas A. Goshua II, Representative District #3, Grand Bassa County; 6. Hon. Joseph N. Soalwarbi, Representative District #7, Nimba County; 7. Hon. Johnson N. Gwaikolo, Representative District # 9, Nimba County; 8. Hon. Rustonlyn Dennis, Representative District #4, Montserrado County; 9. Hon. Alexander Poure, Representative District # 3, River Gee County; 10. Hon. Bob H. Sheriff, Representative District #1, Grand Cape Mount County; 11. Hon. Crayton O. Duncan, Representative District #1, Sinoe County;
USAID.GOV USAID LAVI FY2020 QUARTER 2 REPORT | 20 12. Hon. Ellen Wreh, Representative, District #1, Margibi County; and 13. Henry Yallah, Senator, Bong County.
Copies of the assessment report were distributed to all the lawmakers in all the meetings. These lawmakers, in return, promised to use the assessment report to engage and advocate with their colleagues to increase funding for the education sector for the 2020/2021 fiscal year. The lawmakers recommended for an Escrow account for all education funds, and for the Ministry of Education to work with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) in developing the budget to allocate the 20%, which would eventually be approved when submitted to the House of Representatives and by the Executive.
Coalition for Transparency and Accountability in Education (COTAE)
COTAE is a coalition partner of the More-for-Education campaign team. COTAE has the experience and expertise in advocacy on budget transparency and accountability in Education in Liberia. COTAE is working with education stakeholders and policy makers on transparency and accountability issues in Montserrado and River Cess Counties. During the quarter under review, COTAE implemented several activities, including an education watch forum, local and national radio talk shows, issues in Education radio program, advocacy engagement meetings with education stakeholders and policy makers including lawmakers, coordination meetings among More-for-Education coalition partners for information sharing and learning. COTAE also produced and distributed More-for-Education newsletter with key education stakeholders and policy makers including lawmakers. These activities are detailed below.
River Cess County:
In Q2, COTAE hosted an education watch forum on February 14, 2020 at Timbo District, River Cess County and created a platform for information sharing amongst education actors in the county. The River Cess Education Officer - Susannah Johnny facilitated the forum, which brought together 108 participants including 32 females and 76 males, including Education Officers, and other major stakeholders of the sector representing the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Civil Society Organizations, Parents and Teachers Associations, among others. In an effort to reach a larger audience around the same issues discussed during the watch forum, a radio talk show was hosted on River Cess Broadcasting System 99.3FM in Cestos City. Emmanuel Tamba – COTAE County Monitor and Sarah Titilope – COTAE Regional Coordinator were guests on the Show. The show also served as an alternative source of sharing information and updates regarding the More-for-Education campaign, and in so doing, raised citizens’ knowledge of the education project and of key challenges in the education sector.
Montserrado County
More-for-Education Coordination meetings
The coordination meeting is an opportunity for COTAE, the lead coalition partner of the More-for- Education campaign to coordinate and provide the needed support to other coalition partners for the successful implementation of project activities of the More-for-Education campaign across the country. In addition, the meetings continue to strengthen coordination and collaboration among More-for-Education coalition members involved in the campaign.
On January 31, 2020 and February 28, 2020, COTAE, being a lead organization, hosted two coordination meetings for the coalition partners of the More-for-Education campaign. The purpose of the two meetings was to enhance coordination amongst coalition partners, foster collaboration, provide update on implemented and upcoming activities, share information, lessons learned, best practices and
21 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – JANUARY 01 TO MARCH 31, 2020 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV successes/achievements. Five (5) coalition partners (COTAE, IDI, YOCEL, NTAL and NAPTANOL) were represented in the January 31, 2020 meeting. A total of 13 people, 2 females and11 males, including LAVI’s Education Program Manager, Eugene Gray attended the meeting. Each partner presented their activities. IDI, for instance, presented on the successful completion of their research project on compliance with the 60% signature fees provision stated in Chapter 9.1 of the Education Reform Act of 2011.NTAL, on the other hand, presented on the advocacy engagement meetings with the lawmakers to increase funding. COTAE presented on the successful completion of their research on Alternative Domestic Resource Mobilization, and YOCEL shared highlights from the musical festival they recently organized.
, The second coordination meeting held on February 28, 2020 was attended by six partners, namely COTAE, IDI, YOCEL, NTAL, HOPE and NAPTANOL representatives. A total of 14 (2 females, 12 males) people, including LAVI’s Chief of Party, Milica Panic and Education Program Manager, Eugene Grey were in attendance. Again, partners presented lessons learned, best practices and successes/achievements from project activities.
COTAE Engagement Meetings in Montserrado County
COTAE hosted two engagement meetings with key actors within the education sector —including the National Investment Commission (NIC), Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, and Ministry of Education— to solicit actors’ buy-in for the More-for-Education campaign,
On January 29, 2020, an advocacy engagement meeting was held at the offices of the Civil Service Agency located within the Ministerial complex, Congo Town, and in attendance were fourteen (14) persons from the Civil Service Agency (CSA), the Liberia Macroeconomic Policy Analysis Center (LIMPAC), Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, and COTAE itself. During the meeting, the Acting CSA Director General, James A. Thompson mentioned that the government is tightening loopholes in order to ensure that monies are prudently spent. He disclosed that pensioning of several aged education sector employees are underway, and that the Ministry of Education has submitted a list of unqualified teachers to the CSA for removal from the payroll. For his part, the LIMPAC/MFDP Executive Director - Del Francis Wreh urged COTAE to concentrate more on accountability of funds currently spent on education, in addition to advocating for the increment. He noted, “efficiency and not only abundance is the key.” He explained that during the budget formulation, total submissions by government entities regarding spending projections totaled to US$1.4 billion. With a very limited envelope, he said, government had to drastically cut down on proposals, sometimes painstakingly. He concluded, “with a situation of competing priorities, government is significantly challenged to meet all needs.”
The second advocacy engagement meeting was held on February 6, 2020 with the Director - General of the Internal Audit Agency (IAA), Hon. Emmanuel B. Nyeswah and Executive Director of IAA, Mr. David K. Akoi. The IAA Director General mentioned that the Internal Audit Agency is concerned with helping government to save revenue and avoid unnecessary expenses. As a way of finding alternative resources to support the budget for education, Mr. Nyeswa suggested government place more taxes on cigarettes, alcohol, and other beverages because consumers of these goods would buy them regardless of any slight increases in price.
COTAE also hosted an education watch forum on January 31, 2020 at Brewerville City, Montserrado County with major education stakeholder representatives from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), Ministry of Health, Civil Society Organizations, Parents and Teachers Associations,
USAID.GOV USAID LAVI FY2020 QUARTER 2 REPORT | 22 among others. This education watch forum brought together education stakeholders including, but not limited, to the County Education Officer (CEO) of Montserrado; District Education Officer - Cecelia Reeves; President of the Liberia National Student Union - Bill Kpaka Kemah; Principal of the Annie Bank Public School - Mohammed G. Kamara; Mayor of the Brewerville City Corporation - Samuel Z. Harris who delivered special remarks. The watch forum created a platform for information sharing amongst education actors in Montserrado County. It was intended to reach a large audience around the same issues discussed during this education watch forum. A radio talk show was held on the same day on Red Power FM 100.3 FM in Virginia. M, Kukoyi Sarah Titilope and Jamel Biedhyu - COTAE staff were guests, while Mr. Fanciah Rancy was the host. The talk show served as alternative source of sharing information and updates regarding the More-for-Education campaign. The two events increased citizens’ knowledge of the education project and of key challenges in the education sector.
To further increase the reach of More for Education, during Q2, COTAE signed contracts with three radio stations: Power FM 93.3; Joy FM 101.5; and Capitol FM 89.7 for airing of the education advocacy radio jingles. The jingles are currently being aired three times a day, morning, noon and evening, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Each radio station will be airing 300 spots over a period of eight (8) months. The jingles are raising awareness and understanding of the More-for-Education campaign and of trending issues of the Liberian education sector.
In Q2 COTAE continued the implementing and hosting of “issues in education” radio talk shows on ELBC 99.9 FM Radio Station in Monrovia every week for one hour every Monday from 8:00 pm to 9:00 a.m., which also were recorded and rebroadcasted every Saturday at 6:00 pm. Mr. Emmanuel Moyonee, Special Assistant to the Minister of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) was the guest speaker in the first show , and he outlined the processes and procedures that were taken in the development of the national budget of 2019/2020 fiscal year, including the allocation for the different sectors, including education. He mentioned that the government made progress by increasing the national budget for the education sector from 15% in the 2018/2019 fiscal year to 15.8% in the 2019/2020 fiscal year while reminding the audience that the current Government had identified education as one of its top priorities under pillar one of the Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD). He also reassured listeners of incoming incremental increases in national budgets for the education sector, including the in upcoming 2020/2021 fiscal year.
Other guests in Issues in Education talk shows included Mr. Teto Zogar - COTAE Director for Technical Services; Mr. Bendu Butler - IDI Program Officer; Counselor Norris Tweh - Director for Communication at the University of Liberia; Stephen Brown - Dean of Library Services at the African Methodist Episcopal University (AMEU), Ronaldon Say - Coordinator of Online Learning Program at the University of Liberia. They discussed some of the topics including ‘” Online Learning and Teaching by Radio” in response to the closure of schools due to COVID 19 and education financing under the More-for-Education campaign. The public that participated in the shows through phone calls provided comments, and majority of them together with the guests stressed the need for the government through the Ministry of Education to commence “Learning by Radio Programs” as it was done during the Ebola Epidemic in Liberia. They cautioned the public to follow the health guidelines and protocols announced by the Ministry of Health to prevent the spread of COVID 19. On education financing, they all called on the government to continue investing more in the education sector for improvements.
On February 20, 2020, a COTAE hosted national television show which lasted for an hour on Power TV 9 station. The program intended to disseminate information about the More-for-Education campaign activities. It was aired on Power TV. Appearing on the live Television show was COTAE Lead Coordinator - Gerald D. Yeakula and Mr. Emmanuel Tamba, County Monitor, while Mr. Anthony A. Stephens was the
23 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – JANUARY 01 TO MARCH 31, 2020 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV host. It was observed that many telephone callers during the show wanted government to place more emphasis on the education sector to guarantee a reliable society. The show indicated that citizens are getting more involved, concerned, and taking charge of the education challenges. Moreover, it was observed that the issue of accountability is a serious challenge for the sector. Monitoring of schools by the District Education Officers (DEOs) is also a confronting issue. Callers also opined on the need to curb corruption in order for the sector to deliver.
Support research and implementation of findings:
During Q2, COTAE produced a research report that focused on identifying Alternative Domestic Resource Mobilization mechanisms. This assessment report captures primarily alternative resource mobilization strategies for meeting the minimum 20 percent benchmark for financing the education sector. It does not focus on solving the totality of educational challenges affecting the sector, but rather focuses on how to make educational financing sustainable. The study employed a qualitative approach, that allowed for an in-depth understanding of the educator sector. The study was comprised of the following: desk review, ten key informant interviews, and four focus group discussions— each constituting at least eight (8) participants. Data collected provided insights on alternative resource financing in the education sector.
The study revealed that Liberia’s National Budget envelop to fund the education sector is largely inadequate. Non-national budget resource mobilization is paramount to attain the 20 percent for the education sector. The revealed an urgent need for transparency and accountability mechanisms for managing additional funds to the education sector, primarily due to corruption and mismanagement. In addition, the study finds that achieving the previously mentioned goals would require active participation of all stakeholders. Lastly, the study discovered that, inadequate funding to the education sector is largely responsible for the dire need of the sector; yet, the state of Liberia’s education financing is still inadequate and requires alternative funding sources to offset the limited national budget resource envelop. Moving from “mess to best” as indicated in the education sector plan 2010-2020 necessitates sourcing sustainable innovative funding approaches. The research uncovered low budgetary support to the sector primarily due to absence of political backing, unrestrained corruption, low capacity building, lack of infrastructure, and lack of transparency and accountability mechanisms. The study further revealed that domestic resource mobilization is achievable primarily through a multi-stakeholder approach. The study provided the following recommendations: Set-up an education resource secretariat with clearly defined mandate to manage and report. This means, going forward, the national voice and synergy will mainstream the issue to secure legislative and corporate buy-in in order to attain the 20% threshold budget target. This research has shown that there is adequate goodwill and preparedness among stakeholders who are not happy with the prevailing inefficiencies surrounding the education sector. Strengthen existing structures, such as the County School Boards. Strengthened civil society organization, enabling them to conduct rigorous monitoring of education program financed by government and donor partners. Liberia has signed or adopted several international agreements, including those relating to the education sector. However, implementing and enforcing theses agreement are resource intensive. Adopting and/or signing on to international instruments without their implementation can erode trust in government policies/programs. This can also raise citizen and private expectations vis-a- vis the government. Interestingly, the required resources for their sustainable implementations of these agreements are practically non-existent in Liberia., and this demoralize any political goodwill. Part of the solution is, therefore, for stakeholders to forge inclusive public-private partnerships that envisions feasible roadmap and action plan for the short, medium, and long-term. This
USAID.GOV USAID LAVI FY2020 QUARTER 2 REPORT | 24 realistic approach can provide sustainable support to the education sector. Factoring well-articulated project design and implementation monitoring plans as core fund raiding strategies to respond to specific problems contained in the Liberia Education Sector plan Establish legislative agenda to link county social development fund in alternative domestic budgeting, and ensuring this plan has binding effect
On February 6, 2020, COTAE hosted a one-day validation session at Corina Hotel in Monrovia on the assessment/research report that focused on identifying Alternative Domestic Resource Mobilization and possible ways to implement short, medium and long-term strategies for fundraising in the Education Sector outside of the National budget. During the session, Mr. Shine G. Williams, an independent Consultant with support from the COTAE staff, presented and provided a summary and highlights on the findings and recommendations of the research. Participants reviewed, validated, and agreed on key implementation actions that aimed at fundraising for education and Alternative Domestic Resources. They expressed significant interest in the assessment and also requested COTAE to share and distribute the report with key education stakeholders and policy makers to before launching final results., The results of this research report are expected to help boost the More-for-Education campaign by allowing education stakeholders and policy makers appreciate the need for increasing the national budget for the education sector to the minimum 20% by June 2020. Four (4) coalition partners/members, including IDI, NTAL, UMOVEMENT, and NAPTANOL were in attendance along with seven (7) media institutions, namely OK FM, Prime FM, ELBC Radio, LINA FM, KOOL FM, CAPITOL FM, and EMPIRE TV, and other members of civic society
organizations, international and local non-governmental organizations, government officials, and students. The session Participants during COTAE’s Research Report brought together 45 persons, including seven (7) females and Validation Session held at Corina Hotel, 38 males. Montserrado County (February 6, 2020)
SUPPORT THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION IN-KIND GRANT
Provide technical support to the implementation of MOE in-kind grant activities; Support Joint monitoring visits with MOE on data collection and school monitoring
In Q2, LAVI staff conducted three monthly supportive joint monitoring visits with the MOE staff on data collection and school monitoring. LAVI Education Program Manager - Eugene Gray; LAVI Operations Manager - Askia Biago; and the Senior Grants Manager - Prince William made visits to Grand Bassa, Bong, and Margibi counties and evaluated the usage of electronic tablets and motorbikes that were provided to county-level officials of the Ministry of Education. LAVI’s team was accompanied by the Ministry of Education staff, including Martin Wesseh - M&E Officer, and Edwin Godon - Database Administrator; and Director for Planning, who is also the Acting Assistant Minister for Planning, Research and Development - Alex Mbolonda; and Supervisor for Planning - Moses Prowd. According to the monitoring exercise, LAVI’s provision of motorbikes in Grand Bassa, Bong, and Margibi counties has allowed the MOE District Education Officers (DEOs) and Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Officers to regularly make school monitoring visits. In addition, the electronic tablets that were provided through LAVI support are allowing DEOs and M&E Officers to capture school level assessment data more accurately and more efficiently
25 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – JANUARY 01 TO MARCH 31, 2020 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV during the school monitoring visits. For instance, both the MOE staff and the M&E Officers believe that more regular monitoring and supervision will improve a number of school quality factors, including teacher attendance and school-level compliance with the MOE regulations and guidelines.
C3 - Support the Third Thematic Window Implementation (Electoral Reforms)
Provide technical support to ECC partners to implement reforms; Support ECC partners to conduct advocacy for the implementation of the amended laws (Remaining amendments); and Closeout of ECC partners' and HCEI grants
Provide technical support to ECC partners to implement reforms:
Previously in Q1, LAVI’s technical team in consultation with the six (6) Election Coordinating Committee (ECC) partners conducted a technical review and modification of all ECC partners' grant activities. The ECC partners in consultation with LAVI’s technical lead designed a new advocacy strategy for intervention. The partners divided their advocacy strategy into two phases, namely the “PREP and PUSH” phases. The PREP phase was slated for October 2019 – January 2020. This phase entailed the relaunching of ECC’s advocacy campaign in preparation for robust engagements with lawmakers for the passage of the remaining amendments. During the PREP phase, ECC partners would conduct Stakeholder retargeting; Lawmaker targeting reviews; Solidify communication platforms; and Stakeholder engagements (i.e. Women, Youth and Students’ Groups, Trade and Labor Union, Political Parties, Traditional and Religious leaders – as target group). The PUSH phase, on the other hand, was slated for February 1, 2020 – April 30, 2020. It entailed direct engagements with lawmakers, key electoral reform stakeholders and citizens for the passage of the ECC remaining proposed amendments. This phase would include Engagements with Lawmakers; Media engagements/Campaign; and Citizens engagement towards referendum.
In Q2, LAVI’s ECC partners ended the PREP phase of their advocacy strategy that was slated for October 2019 – January 2020, and which happened during the legislative recess up January 30, 2020. The PUSH phase, which is the second phase, was initiated on February 1, 2020.
Support ECC partners to conduct advocacy for the implementation of the amended laws (Remaining amendments):
The Center for Democratic Governance (CDG)
In Q2, CDG hosted a legislative town hall meeting at the Zorzor Youth Center and a radio talk show at Radio Life in Zorzor, Lofa County on January 14, 2020. CDG also hosted and a one-day engagement meeting with the Motorcycles Union of Liberia. The legislative town hall meeting publicized the ECC’s electoral reform agenda, which highlighted several amendments to the New Elections Law, the Code of Conduct of Public Officials, and one amendment of the Constitution to change the election date. The meeting also brought lawmakers face-to-face with the district residents to jointly discuss electoral reform. This town hall meeting created an opportunity for district constituents to petition their lawmakers to support the ECC’s proposed electoral reform agenda. The town hall meeting was attended by over 100 citizens, including Hon. Beyan Howard, Representative, District #5, Lofa County who pledged his support to the ECC’s electoral reform agenda and promised to advocate and advance with the remaining amendments submitted by the ECC to the national legislature. Hon. Beyan Howard also encouraged CDG to continue the engagements in the county because citizens need to be educated on the up-coming referendum.
USAID.GOV USAID LAVI FY2020 QUARTER 2 REPORT | 26 Meanwhile, the one-day engagement meeting with the Motorcycles Union of Liberia was held at Novo City, on the SKD Boulevard in Congo town. 50 members of the commercial motorcycles union of Liberia (CMUL) and the Federation of Motorcycles and tricycles union of Liberia attended the event. The meeting engaged and educated the motorcyclists and tricyclics on the ECC proposed amendments to the New Election Law and the 1986 constitution of Liberia, and also solicited the unions’ support for the ECC electoral reform advocacy. The meeting provided a platform for motor bikers to voice out their opinions and suggestions on the electoral reform agenda. ECC strongly believes that considering the membership size of the union, their support for electoral reform could push members of the National Legislature to act. The CDG’s Executive Director, Mr. Oscar Bloh presented on the ECC’s proposed amendments and encouraged participants to join the ECC and advocate for the passage of the remaining 13 amendments. Mr. Mabana D. Konneh from the ECC Secretariat, and Cllr. George Sagbe the head of sexual gender base violence at the Ministry of Justice were also in attendance. Cllr Sagbe discussed the proposed electoral reform laws highlighting the appointment of the seven commissioners by the president, their tenure and the quorum of voting procedure. He also talked about the reduction of the presidential tenure from 6-5 as well as the senatorial tenure from 9-7 and representative from 6-5. He also discussed the change in the election date from October to November, and discussed the code of conduct and women political participation. He highlighted several reasons for their advocacy and gave lots of benefits that Liberia as a country could get if the proposed reforms were signed in to law. He concluded by urging participants to engage their representative on some of these election laws. The president of the Motorcycles Union – Mr. Rainy Dennis pledged his commitment to support the Electoral Reform Project initiative in its advocacy to change some of these election laws. He stated, “I am honored to be in such a meeting because people normally do not take them to be serious minded and often do not ask for their opinions on national matters.” Mr. Dennis vowed to use his role as president of the Union to mobilize more people to join and contribute to the advocacy work underway.
Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP)
In Q2, CEMESP hosted two legislative engagements at the Administrative Building, Margibi County, Karkata City; and Cestos City Hall, River Cess County, Hon. Ivar Jones, Representative, District #2, Margibi County served as a special guest at the event in Margibi County, and Hon. Rosanna Shaacks, Representative, District # 1, River Cess County led the discussions in River Cess County. e CEMESP’s Executive Director, Malcolm Joseph facilitated both meetings. Both meetings were held under the theme: “Strengthening Liberia’s Democracy through Electoral Reform” and brought together over 100 citizens at each forum. The meetings publicized the ECC’s electoral reform agenda, and highlighted several amendments to the New Elections Law, the Code of Conduct of Public Officials, and amendment of the Constitution to change the election date. They brought face-to-face the lawmakers with district residents to jointly discuss electoral reform, thus creating an opportunity for district constituents to petition their lawmakers to support the ECC’s proposed electoral reform agenda.
Hon. Jones was very pleased to have been invited to such an event, and he shared that as a new member of the National Legislature, he has been advocating for similar reforms to the legal system. He noted that electoral reform is an urgent matter that warrants the attention of the National Legislature. He remarked, “our democracy cannot be strengthened if we do not have adequate laws within our electoral system.” and urged the ECC to continue the engagements throughout the county to build momentum for reform. Honorable Jones is now part of ECC’s list of champion supporters for reforms.
For her part, Hon. Rosana Shaacks in River Cess County pledged to be more engaged in getting her male counterparts to support bills that promote increased women political participation and inclusion. She
27 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – JANUARY 01 TO MARCH 31, 2020 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV reassured citizens of her commitment to the revision of key laws, specifically referencing the Elections Coordinating Committee propositions. Highlights centered more on women’s increase in political participation by amending Section 4.5 of the New Elections Law and the appointment of the NEC Board of Commissioners, Section 2.1 of the New Elections Law. Most of the participants strongly believed that the appointment of the NEC Board of Commissioners should include a broad-based vetting process involving civil society organizations and political parties before the president can choose nominee for confirmation by the Senate. Citizens of River Cess welcomed discussions around elections reform and called on leaders to pass these legal instruments because these represent the citizens’ views.
In Q2, CEMESP increased its media advocacy engagements through the publications of four (4) Editorials and four (4) ECC’s proposed amendments in local newspapers as well as conducting several radio talk shows at the national and local levels. The first talk show happened on January 24, 2020 in River Cess where CEMESP’s Program Assistant, Ruth Gbatoe served as guest on Prime time radio talk, while the second talk show took place on March 28, 2020 in Monrovia, on Fabric FM where Mr. Malcolm Joseph, Executive Director, CEMESP and Elkanah Taylor of the ECC’ Secretariat were hosted by Nelson Kolleh.. On both talk shows, discussants informed citizens of the status of the ECC 17 electoral reform propositions, and also briefed the listening audience of ongoing plans to ensure that the remaining propositions are enacted into law.
Likewise, on March 25, 26, 27 and 28, 2020, CEMESP published 4 Editorials highlighting electoral reform topics, including women political participation, the nomination of the NEC Board of Commissioners, elections dispute resolution mechanism and the resignation of public officials before contesting for elected seats. The editorials and ECC prepositions were published 4 times each in the Heritage Newspaper and in the Independent Inquirer Newspaper.
Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL)
On January 20th, 29th, and February 5th and 12th, 2020 WONGOSOL conducted four engagement meetings with the Women’s Legislative Caucus of the House of Representatives. The first meeting took place at Bella Cassa Hotel in Sinkor, Monrovia while the remaining three were held at the Capitol Building, Monrovia. The purpose of the meetings was to familiarizing caucus members with the ECC’s electoral reform agenda. Women Legislative Caucus members in attendance included Hon. Rosana Schaack, Chairperson of the Women Legislative Caucus; Hon. Julie F. Wiah, Chairperson on Gender and Child Development Committee House of Representatives; Hon. Moima Briggs Mensah, Representative, Districts #6, Bong County; Hon. Rosalyn Suacoco Dennis, Representative, District #4, Montserrado County; Hon. Ellen A. Attoh Wreh, Representative, District #3, Margibi County; as well Representatives of Women Civil Society Organizations, ECC members, Rural Women, and the Media.
In each of the engagements, WONGOSOL’s Program Head, Lena Cummings, made presentations on the ECC proposed amendments highlighting the four constitutional amendments passed by the National Legislature in October 2019. She pleaded with the Caucus to join forces with the ECC in pushing for greater women’s political participation. Speaking on behalf of the Caucus, Hon. Shaacks lauded WONGOSOL for engaging them on such an important agenda and revealed that the caucus is very keen on the proposal on women political participation.
Moreover, on Jan 22, 2020, WONGOSOL, conducted a one-day engagement meeting with the leaderships of women organizations at the Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) conference hall in Monrovia. This meeting educated the leaderships and created a platform for them to discuss the ECC’s
USAID.GOV USAID LAVI FY2020 QUARTER 2 REPORT | 28 proposed amendments drawn from the three legal frameworks namely: the 1986 Constitution, New Elections Law (Amended in 2015), and the Code of Conduct, to make recommendations. The meeting was facilitated by Mrs. Lena T. Cummings, WONGOSOL’s acting Executive Director. Discussions during the meeting were focused on women political participation, Section 4.5 paragraph 1b of the New Election Law, paragraph 1c, 1d & 1f, Quorum, Section 2.4 of the New Election Law, Electoral Dispute Resolution Article 83c of the 1986 Liberian Constitution, the conduct of By-Election, Article 37 among others. At the end of the meeting, participants’ knowledge about electoral reform, specifically the ECC electoral reform agenda, was increased and their recommendations were collected by the WONGOSOL staff for onward submission.
NAYMOTE – Partners for Democratic Development (NAYMOTE)
In an effort to advocate for reforms in the New Elections Law, the Code of Conduct and the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, - Partners for Democratic Development (NAYMOTE)—on Q2, NAYMOTE— held a one-day Legislative town hall engagement with house and senate committee on election and inauguration at the Corina Hotel in Monrovia on January 17, 2020. The meeting was attended by 65 persons, including 41 males and 24 females, including Hon. Alex Chersia Grant, Representative, Grand Gedeh County District #3 and Chairman on the House committee on Elections and Inauguration; and members of the Liberia National Students Union; Ministry of Education; Impact Girls Liberia; National Young Women Political Council; Young Political Leadership School; Media Institutions; Federation of Liberian Youth; District Development Council; LAVI interns; and other ECC representatives. Other participants included Sister for Charity and several community members from Districts #9, 6, 4, and 12. Hon. Alex Chersia Grant, stated that most of his colleagues were still on their legislative break and could not be a part of the meeting; however, he thanked NAYMOTE for the invite. He mentioned that the four recommendations, although were passed by the National Legislature, will go through a national referendum before they become laws. He added that the House was going to review the electoral reform bill with the National Elections Commission to have a holistic approach to the process.
Furthermore, NAYMOTE held two legislative advocacy engagement meetings on January 7 and 9, 2020, in Bong County at the Bong County Women Center in Gbarnga, and in Grand Bassa County. The meetings were attended by 211 key stakeholders, including 130 males and 81 females from across the counties. Participants included members of Civil Society Organizations and Community Based Organizations (CBO), Students groups, media institutions, community leaders, Bong County, District #6 Lawmaker - Hon. Moima Briggs-Mensah, Bong Students Union, women groups, youth organizations, and members of the National Teachers Association of Liberia. The legislative advocacy engagement meetings solicited for support to pass the remaining ECC proposed amendments, and as well provided citizens the opportunity to engage the lawmakers on the ECC proposed recommendations. NAYMOTE’s Electoral Reform Project Manager, Peace T. Mahteh-Boyee, facilitated both meetings and provided a brief overview of the project’s objectives and the legislative advocacy engagement meeting, highlighting the components of the ECC’s proposed electoral reform amendments that had been presented to the National Legislature for review and passage. Hon. Moima Briggs-Mensah facilitated a session on reforming Liberia’s electoral laws with a focus on ECC recommendations, during which she revealed that “she strongly supports some of the ECC’s recommendations including promoting women’s representation in political parties, political party act, code of conduct, voting day, the conduct of by-elections.” LAVI’s Electoral Reform Project Manager, S. Aaron Weah-Weah III thanked NAYMOTE for organizing the event, and also stated that the remaining proposed amendments could only be passed if the citizens constantly pressure their lawmakers to act with urgency.
29 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – JANUARY 01 TO MARCH 31, 2020 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV In Q2, NAYMOTE and the ECC Secretariat hosted a one- day social event that relaunched the ECC’s social media pages (Facebook and Website) on February 28, 2020. The event grabbed large attention and was held at the African Methodist Episcopal University.]. The event, which had over 900 attendants, aimed to draw the audience to the ECC social media content on electoral reform and provide the students with some information on the current electoral reform debate. There were highlights of musical, drama, and comedy performances as well as a call to action to get participants to follow and like the ECC Facebook page. NAYMOTE and ECC Participants during the ECC Social Media Relaunch event at AME University organized by NAYMOTE and ECC Secretariat staff provided brief updates on the ECC Secretariat (February 28, 2020) electoral reform agenda and asked participants, mostly high schools and university students, to petition members of the legislature to pass the remaining ECC amendments. The master of ceremony was Liberia’s celebrity icons, namely Master Queen, while performing at the event were Liberian artists, including Parbai, Musikal, a comedian D.J, amongst other local artists. Many participants pledged their support to the ECC electoral reform agenda and promised to encourage other students and friends to join the campaign for the passage of the remaining ECC amendments by the 54th National Legislature.
On January 8, 10, 14, and 17, 2020 NAYMOTE held four radio talk shows on Radio Gbarnga, Bong County; Radio Gbehzohn in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County; ECOWAS Radio 91.5 MzH, and KOOL FM 91.9 MHz in Monrovia, Montserrado County, respectively. The main objective of the talk shows was to solicit citizen’s support to engage their lawmakers to pass the remaining 13 ECC’s amendments, to discuss the project objectives and activities, and to discuss legislative advocacy engagement meetings and to give away scratch cards to listeners who answered questions about ECC prepositions during the discussion. The talk show hosts asked specific questions about the project and the legislative advocacy engagement meeting and opened the phone lines for listeners to call in and participate in the program. A total of 9 persons won airtime scratch cards for answering questions about the ECC electoral reform process, thus increasing the awareness on the project.
Institute for Research and Democratic Development (IREDD)
In Q2, on March 4, 2020, IREDD hosted a one-day stakeholders’ engagement meeting for political parties at the Boulevard Palace Hotel. The event convened political party leaders to gauge their support for electoral reform priorities and to generate buy-in for the advocacy campaign. During this meeting, IREDD planned out specific participation opportunities with the political parties, and a total of over 40 representatives from the political parties’ leadership and membership attended. Political parties represented came from the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), All Liberian People Party, National Patriotic Party NPP), Liberty Party (LP), Unity Party (UP), Alternative National Congress (ANC), and Liberian People Democratic Party (LPDP).
The biggest point of contention among the participants was the potential amendment to section 4.5 of the New Elections Law (NEL) changing the minimum requirements for the inclusion of women in the political party primary contests. The amendment would strengthen the Code of Conduct language to change the phrase “endeavor to ensure” to “shall ensure” and the phrase “may not have” to be replaced by “shall not have.” Another issue raised by the participants was in reference to Section 3.1 of the NEL, which states requirements for voters to be registered. The ECC is proposing that Liberians turning 18 years old on or before the election day shall be allowed to register and vote, if they can prove their age through
USAID.GOV USAID LAVI FY2020 QUARTER 2 REPORT | 30 any official identification document (passport, national identification card, birth certificate, original copy of certificate of naturalization, or sworn statement by two other registered voters who shall appear NEC official). Some participants said that the proposed amendment would create a loophole in the registration process, and that some politicians may exploit and register young people fraudulently to win an election. Others countered that the amendment is a step in the right direction because it is in fulfillment of the Constitutional right which states that every Liberians that is 18 years and above should be allowed to register and vote.
Closeout of ECC partners' and HCEI grants
LAVI’s technical team worked with five of her six partners to modify their grants for a no-cost extension. Meanwhile, one of LAVI’s ECC partners, IREDD successfully completed its activities, and the LAVI’s technical lead and the Grants team are currently working on closing out the grant. Additionally, HCEI grant was also granted a no-cost extension.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ELECTIONS AND INAUGURATION (HCEI)
At the end of Quarter 1 – FY 2020, the HCEI had one pending major activity to complete their electoral reform project. During previous quarters, the HCEI had largely fulfilled the public consultation function of their project through joint regional hearings at the county level conducted in collaboration with the National Elections Commission (NEC). Only a Public Hearing remained as a project activity.
When the Liberian National Legislature returned from its holiday break in late January, the chairman of the HCEI, Honorable Grant, expressed a desire to quickly move forward with consideration of an electoral reform draft bill. In February, Hon. Grant approached LAVI with an idea for an added activity, another working session of the HCEI held in conjunction with the leadership of several House and Senate committees with some oversight function for electoral reform provisions. Hon. Grant also proposed the participation of select members from House and Senate leadership offices Hon. Grant contented that crafting the final draft legislation with the participation of these committees and influential members will expedite consideration of the bill. The Joint Working Session was planned for mid-March, with the Public Hearing subsequently planned for late March, or early April. To add this activity to the grant project, LAVI worked with Hon. Grant to modify the scope of work and budget to accommodate the new activity. It should be noted, because of cost savings realized over the other activities of the project in 2019, LAVI was able to include the modification at no additional cost.
Unfortunately, the planned schedule of remaining activities under the HCEI grant was severely altered, as all LAVI programs were affected by the global COVID-19 pandemic and President Weah’s imposed restrictions on all Government of Liberia officials, prohibiting travel and participation in events of more than 10 persons. Due to these restrictions, the Joint Working Session and the Public Hearing were postponed in order to comply with all public health regulations. Nonetheless, during the activity hiatus, Hon. Grant has continued to keep the project staff working to review provisions for possible inclusion into the draft legislation.
C4 – The Fourth Thematic Window Implementation (Community Forestry)
Support Conduct town hall meetings in CFMBs
The National Union of Community Forest Monitoring Body (NU-CFMB) began Q2 activities by conducting two town hall meetings in Northern Nimba County. The first meeting was held on January 29-30, 2020 in
31 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – JANUARY 01 TO MARCH 31, 2020 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV Lugbeyee town, Gbobayee Hub. This particular meeting brought together 40 participants, including six (6) females and 36 males from the Community Assemblies (CAs), Executive Committees (ECs), Community Forest Management Bodies (CFMBs), religious leaders, local authorities, youth leaders, Concern Women, and Community Health Assistant (CHA) from the 10 Gba forest communities.
The second town hall meeting was held on January 31, 202 to February 01, 2020 in the Zorgowee town of the Gbobayee Hub, Northern Nimba County. The event brought together 36 participants, including four (4) females and 32 males from the Community Assemblies, Executive Committees, Community Forest Management Bodies, religious leaders, local authorities, and youth leaders from the four (4) forest communities in Blei Community Forest in Northern Nimba hub. This specific town hall meeting intended to increase the participants’ understanding on the significance of various community forest governance tools including the roles and responsibilities of the governance structures, Community Forest Management Planning (CFMP), Commercial Use Contract (CUC), Community Forest Management Agreements (CFMA), Community Rights Law (CRL), and the Land Rights Acts of Liberia, among others.
The participants in these awareness town hall sessions sought and received clarification on many issues. For example, some participants were concerned about the Forest Department Authority’s failure to provide technical support to community dwellers around Community Forest Management Plan preparations. They emphasized that the need for Forest Department Authority (FDA) to play a leading role in ensuring that Third-Party Agreements (TPAs) fully adhere to concessionaires. A major observation during both town hall meetings was the fact that many forest community dwellers have not yet understand the forest laws and the related documents. This was revealed when the Town Chief of Zolowee indicated that forest community dwellers have never before received such an organized forum to inform them of forest laws and their responsibilities as citizens. He thanked LAVI and the NU-CFMB for the opportunity to learn about several issues in the forestry sector.
Monitoring of CFMA/CFMPs, & Third party agreements
As part of LAVI’s efforts to ensure that issues (e.g. forest laws violation) are elevated at the national level and are redressed, the NU-CFMB conducted its third quarterly monitoring exercise from February 3-26, 2020 across the three hubs of Barconnie/Homerville and Matro/Kparblee hub of Grand Bassa county; Gbobayee hub in Northern Nimba; and Yriah hub of southern Nimba. f These monitoring exercises aimed at assessing the compliance of forest laws and related documents. Based on the monitoring tool, the current findings indicated that issues which were uncovered during the second monitoring exercise conducted in November of 2019 have not yet been resolved. Some problems confronting community forest activities as observed from the monitoring exercises still persist. They include the following: Availability of Community Forest Management Plans (CFMPs) FDA’s role in the development of CFMPs, and forest monitoring Implementation of Community Rights Law by Community Forest Management Bodies Gender participation at level of the CFMB Accountability and Transparency Third-party agreement compliance Land degradation in Blei Forest by SOLWAY mining company Termination of Third Party Contracts in Kparblee hub due to noncompliance since 2017
At the close of the monitoring exercise, monitors observed continuous compliance breaches with forest laws and related documents. For example, the monitoring exercise revealed that, as of the date of the monitoring exercise, the SOLWAY mining company in the Blei community forest was still involved with forest degradation activities even after the situation was raised by the FDA. Additionally, the Barconnie community forest has not developed its Community Forest Management Plan even though it received its
USAID.GOV USAID LAVI FY2020 QUARTER 2 REPORT | 32 Community Forest Management Agreement in March of 2017. This is a notable violation of chapter 5 of the Community Rights Law. Other findings included:
Continuous land degradation carried out by SOLWAY mining company in the Blei community Forest Kparblee Forest Management Body terminated third Parties with KTC logging company for noncompliance since 2017 Star-Wood Company, a Third-Party Agreement in the Matro Kparblee CF had defaulted on the payment of land cubic and land rental fee since July of 2017. There is a current leadership crisis in Matro/Kparblee CF that the FDA has yet to resolve. Because of this unfortunate situation, forest activities have virtually been stalled. The third-party agreement entered into by the Gba community forest management body is being violated by the concessionaire (LTTC/Thanry). The LTTC/Thanry and Ivoirian Company defaulted in paying the cubic meter fees to the Gba CF from 2015 up to 2018. This noncompliance caused serious misunderstandings between the company and the community residents, which resulted to the company closing up to leave. Meanwhile, most of the logs harvested are yet to be removed from the forest. The Gba Community Forest Management Plan expired and needs to be changed. FDA has not been providing technical support to CFMBs especially around the issues of CFMP developments, which is a violation of the charter 5 of the Community Rights Law (CRL).
Findings from the monitoring exercise will be used to develop a monitoring bulletin, which will eventually be shared with stakeholders (Legislators, CSOs, FDA authorities, International NGOs etc.) for advocacy purposes. Meanwhile, a consultant is being hired to assist the NU-CFMB in preparing a high-quality bulletin that would be reflective of the LAVI standards.
Coordinate the establishment of disputes mechanism
The Dispute Mechanism has not been established yet. However, during the quarter, LAVI, on February 25, 2020, hired an Independent Dispute Resolution Mechanism Consultant to provide technical assistance to IREDD in the establishment of Dispute Resolution Mechanism across FIFES-supported forest hubs where LAVI operates. The consultant held consultative meetings from March 2-4, 2020 with stakeholders in the forest sector, including Liberia Land Authority (LLA), Community Forestry Working Group (CFWG) at FDA, and National Union of Community Forestry Management Body (NU-CFMB) to gather information from these stakeholders on their views on establishing sustainable Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms in FIFES supported hub communities in Bassa, Southern Nimba and Northern Nimba.
Quarterly combined coordination meeting with NU-CFMB members and national stakeholders including members of the legislature
The activity was scheduled for March 27, 2020; however, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was cancelled, and postponed until situation normalizes.
Attend regular meetings of CFWG
During Q2, there was no Community Forestry Working Group (CFWG) meeting held; instead, a coordination meeting was held with FDA. On February 14, 2020, LAVI held a lunch meeting with the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) Deputy Managing Director for Operations – Hon. Joseph J. Tally and the Head of the Community Forestry Department, Mrs. Getrude Nyaley. The meeting was intended
33 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – JANUARY 01 TO MARCH 31, 2020 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV to bring FDA up to speed with LAVI interventions in the forest sector and to strengthen coordination amongst the two institutions. The meeting began with an overview of LAVI’ Forest Governance Project with an emphasis on the project objectives, goals and anticipated outcomes. Also highlighted was the NU- CFMB as the implementing partner and the role IREDD is playing as co-funding partner. LAVI concluded her presentation by updating FDA with key activities implemented to-date as well as the current status of the project.
In response to LAVI team, the FDA representatives expressed gratitude to LAVI for its interventions in the forest sector. FDA representatives specifically stated that with the quality of support to NU-CFMB, they believed their work would be much easier especially in the area of engagements with community forest management bodies. Amidst these commendations, Mrs. Getrude Nyaley of the community forest department recommended that regular meetings should be held for the smooth implementation of the project. For his part, Hon. Joseph J. Tally asserted that he would be glad to understand LAVI’s basic expectations about the project and the specific role(s) expected of FDA. It was subsequently concluded that LAVI prepares and submits a background information to include anticipated role(s) for FDA. The requested information was later submitted to FDA a week after the meeting.
OBJECTIVE 2: INCREASE ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY OF TARGETED CSOS TO PARTICIPATE IN ISSUE-BASED REFORMS
D1 – Core Funded Partner Technical Assistance
Provide technical assistance and monitor forestry core funding capacity support:
In Quarter 3, LAVI Year 4 (FY 2019), LAVI signed a grant agreement with IREDD to provide core-funding capacity development support to the National Union of Community Forestry Management Body for the implementation of their forest governance activities. The following core funding activities were implemented in Q2:
CFMB Governance Training
On January 27, 2020 - February 4, 2020, LAVI Capacity Development (CD) team provided technical support to IREDD, LAVI’s Forestry core-partner on developing and implementing training on governance aspects of community forestry in FIFES=supported CFMB hubs located in Southern Nimba, Northern Nimba, and Grand Bassa. To ensure quality delivery of the training, LAVI CD team provided support to IREDD in developing facilitation materials, training agenda, and in co-facilitating with IREDD during the governance training The training was held in each of FIFES’ supported hub for two (2) days, and participants were trained on key governance aspects, including strengthening coordination mechanisms amongst CFMBs, building CFMBs’ skills in community level advocacy, and providing an understanding of benefit sharing mechanisms amongst CFMB leaders.
On day one, and through utilization of group exercises and interactive discussions, the facilitator introduced the concept of strengthening coordination mechanisms amongst CFMBs. The facilitator supported CFMB hubs’ representatives to build consensus on one area for which they could strengthen coordination in the next three months (February –April, 2020). Each CFMB hub representatives identified specific priority areas on which they intended to strengthen coordination in the next three months. For instance, Southern Nimba CFMB agreed and developed an action plan to strengthen coordination on
USAID.GOV USAID LAVI FY2020 QUARTER 2 REPORT | 34 managing crises around boundary delineation for the next three months. Other priority areas that Southern Nimba CFMB representatives agreed to strengthen coordination included (1) Participation in training for new enterprise group by FIFES; (2) Engagement of county administration on the depletion of community forests in Southern Nimba; (3) Reclaiming of boundary lines between forest communities; and (4) Drafting of CFMB forest rules.
Similarly, to other hubs, Northern Nimba CFMB representatives also developed an action plan to strengthen coordination mechanisms, more specifically on reclaiming of the boundary lines around Blei, Sehyi, Gba, Zorh community forests. Likewise, CFMB representatives from Grand Bassa also agreed to strengthen coordination on financial management and revision of the Community Forest Management Plan (CFMP) for the next three months.
The facilitator highlighted some of the ways communities generate benefits from community forests, including stumpage fees, land rental fees, cubic meter fees, and fines. As it relates toto management of forest benefits, CFMB leaders stated that, there still exists an improper financial regulatory system within forest communities in management of community forest benefits. For instance, most CFMBs do not have financial guidelines or policies to manage forest resources. Finally, IREDD Executive Director facilitated a session on planning and conducting advocacy campaign, and identifying key terms associated with advocacy from the participants’ perspective. The participants identified key areas for which they would need to advocate, namely fair access to community resources. This is a provision of the “2006 Forest Reform Act” which states in section 10 that, “FDA should create a framework that allows communities fair access to forest resources.”
Forest Governance Coordination Meeting
On February 10, 2020, LAVI Core funding partner – IREDD, organized and facilitated its regular one-day quarterly coordination meeting with Sustainable Development Institute (SDI) at SDI`s Office in Duazon, Margibi County. The purpose of the meeting was to share updates and information on upcoming capacity development support both organizations intend to provide to the NU-CFMB, including dates and timelines for the implementation of activities, and as well identify areas or activities they could coordinate on, so as to avoid duplication. Each organization presented its capacity development support to the NU-CFMB and agreed on areas for which they should coordinate. IREDD planned upcoming activities include production of documentary, quarterly workshop on the development of the quarterly bulletin, Dispute Resolution Mechanism (DRM)/conflict resolution training, monitoring visit to the NU-CFMB and lessons learned conference. IREDD promised to share with LAVI and NU-CFMB the dates for these activities with SDI as soon as they are finalized. IREDD also informed SDI that IREDD had just concluded a governance training for CFMBs in FIFES-supported hubs located in Southern Nimba, Northern Nimba, and Bassa.
The SDI team mentioned that they were implementing a World Bank-supported project to NU-CFMB, and that upcoming activities would include exchange visitation to the community forest, meeting with the NU-CFMB in mapping the Forest Management Agreement within communities as well as conducting awareness training on gender inclusion for the community forest stakeholders. SDI added that a forest working group is being organized and funded with support from the FDA, which is a platform that brings together all forest actors to strengthen advocacy in the forest management of Liberia. SDI informed IREDD that during a recent assessment, they observed that forest concession companies were moving from one concession area to the next without paying communities their arrears, and this was a topic to be included in NU-CFMB quarterly bulletin.
In order to strengthen coordination, both IREDD and SDI agreed to share dates for upcoming activities so as to avoid engaging NU-CFMB at the same time but also to extend invitation to each partner to
35 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – JANUARY 01 TO MARCH 31, 2020 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV observe and participate in each other`s activities. For instance, SDI agreed to attend the upcoming CFMBs and NU-CFMB Lessons Learned conference to be hosted by IREDD in Ganta. SDI was also planning a lesson learned conversation by the end of February 2020 and would extend invitation to IREDD to participate.
Monitoring and Mentorship Visits across FIFES 3 Hubs
On January 29, 2020 to February 5, 2020, IREDD facilitated mentorship sessions with community forest guards representing Barconnie in Grand Bassa; Blei in Southern Nimba; and Gbear-Gbor in Northern Nimba. The objective of the mentorship session was to provide additional support to forest guards in utilizing the monitoring tool, and as well to improve the skills of community forest guards to identify particular community forest governance needs that would be included in NU-CFMB Quarterly Bulletin. The mentorship support was the result of the monitoring training that had been previously provided to the forest guards on the usage of the forest governing monitoring tool, developed by IREDD for use by the NU-CFMB. IREDD helped the forest guards to gain more skills on colleting quality monitoring information and also on the forest governance documents, including the Community Forest Management Plan, Community Rights Law, and Community Forest Management Agreement.
First Lessons Learned Conference with CFMBs
On February 28-29, 2020, LAVI Senior Capacity Development Manager and IREDD, LAVI’s forestry core partner, co-facilitated a 2-day Lessons Learned conference with FIFES supported community forest management bodies (CFMBs) from Bassa, Southern Nimba, Northern Nimba hubs and the National Union of Community Forestry Management Bodies. The purpose of the 2-day lessons learned conference was for CFMBs and NU-CFMB to share lessons on activities implemented after acquiring Community Forest Management Agreements (CFMA). Representing CFMBs during the learning conference were nine (9) CFMB
Participants during the 2-day lessons learned conference Chief Officers. The NU-CFMB was represented by its with the FIFES supported community forest management President, the Project Coordinator, a facilitator, and the bodies in Ganta - Nimba (February 28 -29, 2020) Finance Officer. The Sustainable Development Institute (SDI) was also represented at the learning conference. The learning conference was hosted by IREDD in Ganta, Nimba County, and this 2-day conference achieved various objectives, including identification of lessons learned on main activities accomplished by CFMBs after acquiring Community Forest Management Agreement (CFMA); development of new actions towards increased implementation of forest governance activities; and recommendations to improve future forest governance activities based on lessons learned. The learning conference was facilitated through a participatory process including group work and presentations. It was also attended by other LAVI’s staff, including LAVI MEL Director – Stanley Golooba; and the NRM Program Manager - Augustus Zayzay, who played an important role in co-facilitating the event
On day-1 of the learning conference, each CFMB Chief Officers shared lessons learned on main updates and achievements after acquiring the Community Forest Management Agreement (CFMA) Status. They also shared lessons learned on well implementation challenges and shared recommendations to improve future programming. CFMB Chief Officers shared lessons learned relating to the signing and implementation of Third Party Agreements (TPA); Boundary Line Clearing; Business Registration;
USAID.GOV USAID LAVI FY2020 QUARTER 2 REPORT | 36 Preparation of Management Plan; and Awareness of CFMBs Chief Officers, Executive Committee and Community Assembly roles and responsibilities. Considering the Third-Party Agreement as a case in point for sharing lessons learned, CFMBs Chief Officers underscored the need to have technical representation of NU-CFMB during signing of Third Party Agreements. Most CFMBs Chief Officers complained that there is no one to advocate for them when Third Party Agreements are violated by the FDA and concession companies. Meanwhile, in terms of improving future programming, CFMBs Chief Officers and the NU- CFMB agreed to have the NU-CFMB representation during signing of Third Party Agreements. Day-2 of the conference focused only on the NU-CFMB sharing lessons on the activities they had implemented under the USAID LAVI supported forest governance project.
Establish Dispute Resolution Mechanisms in FIFES three Hubs in Bassa, Southern Nimba and Northern Nimba
In support of LAVI`s Forestry core-partner technical assistance, LAVI on February 25, 2020 hired an Independent Dispute Resolution Mechanism Consultant to provide technical assistance to IREDD in the establishment of Dispute Resolution Mechanism across FIFES-supported forest hubs where LAVI Activity operates. As a starting point for establishing Dispute Resolution Mechanism across FIFES supported CFMB hubs, the consultant held consultative meetings from March 2-4, 2020 with stakeholders in the forest sector, including Liberia Land Authority (LLA), Community Forestry Working Group (CFWG) at FDA, and National Union of Community Forestry Management Body (NU-CFMB) to solicit information from these stakeholders on their views of establishing sustainable Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms in FIFES supported hub communities in Bassa, Southern Nimba and Northern Nimba. For instance, views expressed by some stakeholders indicate that there are still serious challenges coming from interferences of political leaders in the management of forest resources, and some local government officials that are still not accepting the creation of the community forest management mechanisms as inscribed in the Community Rights Law (CRL) and Land Rights Act (LRA). Following the consultative meetings, the consultant drafted a questionnaire for the field assessment towards the establishment of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Mechanisms in FIFES supported CFMB hubs. It was anticipated that the questionnaire would be administered in forest communities by early quarter 3; however, this was suspended because of the COVID-19.
D2 - Capacity Development Activities for Fourth Thematic Window (Electoral Reforms)
Gender Policy Development Support to LAVI ECC partners.
In Q2, LAVI Gender and Mainstreaming Service Provider – PACE Consultancy provided gender policy development support to LAVI ECC partners including CEMESP and CDG who identified it as key advocacy tool and included it in their capacity development plans during Q4 of LAVI Year 4 (FY 2019). On January 21-22, 2020, PACE Consultancy held a one day consultative meeting with each partner i.e. CDG and CEMESP. The purpose of the consultative meetings with the partners was to examine CSO`s institutional structures, documents and materials, and to develop an action plan for implementing the gender policy capacity building initiatives. The action plan was subsequently developed with dates, timelines, staff names and other specifics consistent with the contract milestone deliverables. Following the consultative meeting, PACE Consultancy conducted a three-day gender and social inclusion training workshop for CDG and CEMESP. The training was conducted at iCampus on January 29-31, 2020. The main objectives of the training were as follows:
37 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – JANUARY 01 TO MARCH 31, 2020 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV To gain an in-depth understanding of the concepts of gender and social inclusion; Reflect upon and understand the consequences of gender inequality and social exclusion at different levels. (Individual, family, organizational and national levels); Develop the organization capacity to mainstream gender equity and social inclusion in its policies, practices, strategic plan, and activities; and To agree on a mentoring plan for the development of a gender equity and social inclusion policy.
Additionally, in Q2, PACE Consultancy provided individual mentorship support with each of the LAVI ECC partners to review the draft gender policy developed during the gender training. The mentorship was conducted from February 24 to March 6, 2020. During the mentorship support the service provider provided individual mentorship support to each partner to finalize their draft gender policy. As part of the mentorship support, the service provider supported the partners on how to adequately achieve internal gender mainstreaming with their program cycle.
Monitoring and Evaluation Capacity Development Support to ECC Partners
LAVI Service Provider, PERT Consultancy provided monitoring and evaluation support to LAVI ECC partners, including CEMESP, WANEP, CDG, and WONGOSOL. During Q2 PERT Consultancy conducted a three-day M&E training for the four LAVI ECC partners - CEMESP, CDG, WANEP, WONGOSOL in Monrovia from February 12-14, 2020. The objective of the training was to provide knowledge and skills set that would enable selected CSOs to effectively plan and implement the M&E activities of their projects. Eleven (11) staff from the four CSOs participated in the training. The training contained four modules, namely (1) M&E Concepts, Principles and Processes; (2) Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan Development; (3) M&E Data Collection; and (4) M&E Data Analysis and Reporting. This training was monitored and supported by the Monitoring and Evaluation Subject Matter Expert – Mr. Swaliho Kamara who provided facilitative support also ensured quality delivery of the training.
Similarly, in Q2, PERT Consultancy provided individual mentorship support to each of the LAVI ECC partner to review the M&E plans that were drafted during the M&E training. The mentorship was conducted from February 24 to March 6, 2020. During the mentorship support, the service provider reviewed and finalized each ECC partner’s M&E plan and trained participants on the various components of the M&E plan. Participants were guided on populating the components of their M&E plans, including the monitoring component; evaluation component; and learning component. Through a brainstorming process, participants were able to review, rearrange, and reaffirm results statements and indicators, making the M&E management tools SMART for monitoring and evaluation exercises. It is worth mentioning that during the LAVI capacity development team monitoring visits, all the ECC partners informed LAVI’s CD team of their satisfaction with the support of the service providers and the Subject Matter Expert.
Monthly monitoring of election partner’s capacity development activities
In Q2, LAVI CD team commenced the monthly capacity development monitoring visits to LAVI ECC partners, which took place on January 21-29,2020 and on February 24-28,2020 at the partner`s offices, while from March 24-27, 2020. The exercise was conducted remotely through mobile phone interviews. The purpose of these visits was to follow-up and ensure that LAVI ECC partners including WONGOSOL, WANEP, CDG, and CEMESP capacity development needs were being addressed by LAVI service providers. The monitoring included assessing the quality of training and mentorship support from Service Providers (SPs) leading to the development of CSO`s gender policy and monitoring and evaluation plans. From the monitoring visits, the CD team identified some improvements in LAVI ECC partner’s internal systems, processes, and procedures as a result of the capacity development support received from service
USAID.GOV USAID LAVI FY2020 QUARTER 2 REPORT | 38 providers. Below are the highlights of some new systems and procedures in place as a result of LAVI service providers’ support:
CEMESP and CDG presently have a gender policy that creates the condition necessary for equal relationship between men and women in the organization. The policy also serves as a framework for the organizations in mainstreaming gender efforts. CEMESP, CDG, WANEP and WONGOSOL currently have individual Monitoring and Evaluation Plans, and Policies that are currently undergoing utilization by all the four partners. The M&E Plans and policies are helping the organizations to enhance accountability and learning within their individual organizations, and as well help inform stakeholders on whether the projects are on track, and help facilitate evidence-based decision-making to improve project efficiency and effectiveness.
In Quarter 3, LAVI CD team monitoring visits will focus on the utilization of the CSOs’ gender policies and the M&E plans.
D.4 Provide Mentoring and Conduct Capacity Assessments of Education Partners Identify and provide technical capacity development support to education partners
In Q2, LAVI education partner plus the ECC partners received targeted capacity development support from selected Local Service Providers (LSP). ECC partners’ capacity development support was derived from the ECC partners’ capacity development plans (CDPs), while the education capacity development support was identified by the education partners themselves during Q1. The intent of the capacity development support is to promote organizational change within the organizations to advocate for policy reforms with a specific focus on policy development, staff skills development, and ensure organizational best practices. The following capacity development activities took place in Q2:
Strategic Planning Support to LAVI More-for-Education Partner:
First, LAVI Strategic Planning Service Provider, PERT Consultancy signed a contract with LAVI in Quarter 2 to provide strategic planning support to LAVI More-for-Education partners including YOCEL, IDI, and NTAL. The contract runs from February to April 30, 2020. In Q1, YOCEL, IDI and NTAL had identified the development of individual strategic plan as additional capacity-building support needed while implementing phase two of the More-for-Education campaign. As key outputs of PERT Consultancy support to YOCEL, IDI, and NTAL, on February 26-28, 2020, PERT Consultancy held a one day consultative meeting with each partner. The purpose of these particular meetings was to examine the CSOs’ institutional policies and relevant documents; and to develop an action plan for implementing the strategic planning support. The action plan was subsequently developed with dates, timelines, staff names, and other specifics consistent with the contract’s milestone deliverables. In a more elaborative manner, specifically, the objectives of the consultative meetings included:
To gather CSOs expectations and determine timelines for the strategic plan training and mentorships; To review CSOs institutional policies and other relevant documents related to the organizations’ vision, mission, values and programs to determine gaps and challenges;
39 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – JANUARY 01 TO MARCH 31, 2020 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV To solicit suggestions from CSOs that could inform the design and delivery of the three-day strategic plan training and mentorship initiatives; and To develop a profile of CSO staff that are expected to participate in the strategic planning training and mentorships.
Following the consultative meetings, PERT Consultancy conducted a three-day strategic plan training for YOCEL, IDI, and NTAL. The training was conducted in Monrovia on March 18-20, 2020. The key objective of the training was to develop a draft strategic plan for each CSO, and it was featured with the following five modules:
Introduction to Strategic Planning Defining Your Organization [Vision, Mission, and Values] Analyzing the Internal and External Analyses of Your Organization [PESTLE and SWOT analyses] Setting the Strategic Direction of Your Organization [Strategic Goals, Strategic Objectives, and Strategies] Planning the Implementation of Your Strategic Plan
During the training, the facilitators employed various group participatory facilitation techniques, including group demonstrations, group exercises, presentations and interactive discussions. All of the group exercises during the training were designed to have each CSO work on her draft strategic plan. At the end of the training, each CSO had developed a draft strategic plan. These draft strategic plans from the training will be reviewed and finalized during the mentoring visits in Quarter 3. At the end of the training, the participants completed an evaluation of the training, and were awarded certificates of participation.
OBJECTIVE 3: PROMOTE THE DEVELOPMENT OF ONGOING CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES ON THE LOCAL MARKET
Under Objective 3, LAVI focused on building and strengthening relationships with service providers through supporting them to provide quality capacity development services to LAVI CSO partners as well as strengthening sustainable market solutions within LAVI Service Provider (SP) pool within the Consortium of Business Development Service Providers of Liberia (CBDSPL). Given this, LAVI conducts series of quality control measures including Client Satisfaction Survey and development of Quality Improvement Plans with service providers to ensure that LAVI CSO partners are satisfied with the capacity development services received from LAVI service providers. LAVI is also implementing a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Strategy that primarily focuses on forging a pragmatic partnership/relationship between CSOs, Service Providers, and private/corporate entities and multinational corporations (MNCs).
During Q2, LAVI four (4) ECC partners received targeted capacity development support from two Service Providers (SPs) in the areas of M&E and Gender Mainstreaming, while three (3) education partners under the More-for-Education campaign, including YOCEL, IDI and NTAL, received capacity development training from a service provider in the area of strategic planning. The training received by LAVI ECC partners led to the development of individual Gender Policies and M&E Plans, while the training received by LAVI More-for-Education partners led to the development of individual draft strategic plans that will be finalized in Quarter 3. LAVI also commenced work on its Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy and Consortium of Business Development Service Providers of Liberia implemented its 3rd Match Making Event during the quarter.
Below are the specific activities implemented under LAVI Objective 3 in Quarter 2.
USAID.GOV USAID LAVI FY2020 QUARTER 2 REPORT | 40 E.1 - Implement Service Provider Quality Control Measures
Conduct Quality Improvement Measures with Education and ECC SPs
Introducing quarterly quality improvement measures remains a fundamental part of the LAVI’s capacity development strategy. Each quarter, the project conducts quarterly feedback sessions to examine the level of partners’ satisfaction with technical support provided by service providers is of quality and in line with partners’ needs and expectations. Therefore, during Q2, LAVI CD team continued to promote a series of quality improvement measures following the provision of technical support provided to ECC partners and education partners in the areas of Monitoring and Evaluation, Gender Policy Development, and Strategic Planning.
On March 12-13, 2020 LAVI Capacity Development (CD) team conducted Gender and Social Inclusion Client Satisfaction Survey (CSS) with LAVI ECC partners including CEMESP and CDG that received Gender and Social Inclusion support from LAVI Gender and Social Inclusion service provider. The purpose of the CSS was to solicit feedback from the two partners on their level of satisfaction with the gender and social inclusion support received from the service provider (PACE Consultancy). During the CSS survey, the CSOs were assessed across six service quality capacity areas i.e. Overall Service Quality, Training Quality, Reliability, Responsiveness, Assurance and Empathy, using the Client Satisfaction Survey tool. The CD team visited each partner’s office and conducted the survey with the staff that participated in the gender and social inclusion training and mentorship. Findings from the CSS survey with partners indicated that the partners are satisfied with the overall quality of gender and social inclusion support received from the service provider. For instance, partners stated that the overall service quality received from the service provider was great, and added, “PACE was on time in supporting us through the training and mentorship to develop our gender policy.” Partners continued, “The mentorship and follow up was on time and very effective that it increased the skills and knowledge of staff. The facilitators had control over the subjective matter and training materials were presented to the participants.”
Conduct Quality Improvement Measure for SPs (ECC & Education)
In Q1, the LAVI CD team conducted a Client Satisfaction Survey (CSS) with LAVI education partners, namely UMOVEMENT, COTAE, IDI, NTAL, and HOPE that had received the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) training from PERT Consultancy. The survey assessed the education partners’ level of satisfaction with the M&E support received from the service provider. Following the completion of the survey, the CD team developed a score card which is a simple, organized set of performance measures, grouped according to various aspects of performance to measure the overall service quality (i.e. training quality, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy). The scorecard accounts for two kinds of success for SPs— operational success on current performance and strategic success in preparing for the future. From the scorecard, few areas for future improvement were identified where PERT needed to improve a little bit including Assurance – the service provider capacity to courteously respond to clients concerns; and Empathy – service provider’s capacity to understand clients` specific needs and interest. Given these results, in Q2, specifically on January 10, 2020, LAVI CD team met with PERT Consultancy, LAVI’s M&E service provider, and discussed the Client Satisfaction Survey (CSS) scorecard as earlier completed by LAVI’s education CSO partners. LAVI CD team with PERT Consultancy developed a Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) that outlined areas of improvement, including Overall Service Quality – service provider capacity to conduct activities and ability to meet client needs; Assurance – the service provider capacity to courteously respond to clients concerns; and Empathy – service provider’s capacity to understand clients` specific needs and interest.
Develop RFA and Recruit new SPs for Electoral Reform and Education Thematic window
41 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – JANUARY 01 TO MARCH 31, 2020 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV In Q2, LAVI CD team reviewed proposals submitted by service providers who expressed interest to provide capacity development support to LAVI ECC partners in the areas of monitoring and evaluation, and gender. LAVI CD team also reviewed proposals by service providers who expressed interest to provide capacity development support to LAVI More-for-Education partners in the area of strategic planning. Following the review of the proposals, the CD team was able to select the preferred service providers to provide monitoring and evaluation and gender support to LAVI ECC partners and Strategic Planning Support to LAVI More-for-Education partners. Given this, PERT Consultancy was selected to provide M&E support to four (4) LAVI ECC partners including CEMESP, CDG, WANEP, and WONGOSOL; and as well strategic planning support to LAVI More-for-Education partners including IDI, NTAL and YOCEL. PACE Consultancy was also selected to provide Gender Policy development support to two LAVI ECC partners including CEMESP and CDG. In Quarter 2, the CD team also developed a Request for Proposal (RFP) and the Scope of Work (SOW) for LAVI ECC partners for the recruitment of additional SPs for QuickBooks, Strategic Plan, and Financial Management.
Renew SMEs’ contract to provide technical backstops to SPs LAVI works with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to provide technical backstopping to Service Providers. During Q2, one SME, Mr. Swaliho Kamara was contracted by LAVI project to backstop PERT Consultancy in the area of Monitoring and Evaluation. Mr. Kamara supported the M&E service provider in the development of M&E training tools tailored to the needs of the partners; monitored the M&E training sessions with the partners; and as well reviewed the draft M&E plans and policies developed from the working sessions with the partners.
E.2 - Provide Consortium Sustainability and Marketing Support
Support Consortium’s Brand Awareness & Outreach activities
In 2018, LAVI established and began strengthening the Consortium of Business Development Service of Liberia (CBDSPL) to take up the challenging task of helping other Liberian civil society organizations grow and get stronger. LAVI’s concept of establishing and strengthening CBDSPL was meant to change the dynamics and transform capacity development from donor-led to local Liberian CSO-led, thus changing the culture of organizational development from short term costly support that are donor-led to local CSO-led that are cost effective and sustainable. Currently, the CBDSPL is comprised of twenty-seven (27) service providers and each brings a specific niche to the consortium including gender mainstreaming, financial management, monitoring and evaluation, financial sustainability, advocacy communication, QuickBooks, among others.
Following its establishment, CBDSPL service providers continue to offer training and mentorship support to LAVI supported Natural Resource Management, Education, and Electoral Reform partners in capacity areas of advocacy communication, financial management, website development, monitoring and evaluation, financial sustainability, strategic planning, among others. These trainings have been impactful and have increased partners` abilities to engage in evidence-based advocacy, awareness raising, and coalition building.
In continuation of support to CBDSPL in its sustainable market driven initiatives, LAVI CD team, in Q2, provided technical assistance to the CBDSPL in hosting of a two-day Matchmaking Event with USAID Implementing Partners (IPs) and UN organizations on February 6-7, 2020 at the Monrovia City Hall. The aim and objective of the Matchmaking Event is to build potential partnerships through networking for
USAID.GOV USAID LAVI FY2020 QUARTER 2 REPORT | 42 collaborative engagements with USAID IPs and International Organizations operating in the development and private sector spaces in Liberia, and to identify potential business opportunities that would ultimately help increase SPs’ businesses and profit margins.
Day-1 of the Matchmaking Event was for USAID implementing partners (IPs). 44 participants in total including 21 persons representing CBDSPL service providers and 23 participants representing USAID Implementing Partners attended the event. As welcome remarks, Aris Leviticus Howe II, CBDSPL’s Chairperson thanked USAID for supporting and enabling Liberian businesses to provide a range of technical and capacity building services that will transform the country. He said, “Since December 2019, the matchmaking events had resulted in over 15 new connections for consortium members”. As a result of USAID LAVI’s support, CBDSPL members had won over 10 contracts, increased its online presence via Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram and members had gained knowledge and understanding of Liberia’s Public Procurement Concession Commission process to benefit from the 25 percent quota for Liberian businesses. USAID Civil Society Advisor, Mary Zell, and the Governance Director, April O’Neil, represented USAID Liberia. April O’Neil expressed USAID’s strong support in opening opportunities for local service providers instead of hiring international consultants to work on development projects in Liberia. She indicated that USAID is proud to support the CBDSPL through LAVI, not only to improve service delivery but also to increase local ownership of the Liberian economy – “Supporting local businesses strengthens local decision-making and gives an opportunity to ensure Liberians have a greater voice in how decision will impact them.’’ For her part, USAID LAVI Chief of Party Milica Panic stated, “The matchmaking event is designed to strengthen the private sector’s capacity to play a major role in the Liberian economy. It is an event aimed to support the Consortium to increase their network reach, market their services to a target client base of private sector, international and development partners, public and social sector actors, and to create more awareness and support CBDSPL in expanding marketing opportunity’’. Other participants provided several recommendations, which the consortium could take advantage of, for instance, a representative from USAID RG3 project recommended to the consortium to take advantage of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) that usually posted on the E-mansion website and other online platforms to apply for opportunities, and display their services and potential. A representative from UNESCO said, “I have observed that there is consultancy firm that is currently focusing on Health, and we need to people with expertise in health. These should be part of the consortium”.
Day-2 of the Matchmaking Event was organized for UN agencies and other international organizations. Day two attracted the attendance of 67 persons that came from 14 international organizations and UN agencies including members of the Consortium. Similar to day-1 in terms or recommendations, OXFAM representative assured the CBDSPL members that their organization is open to working with consortium members especially in the area of youth and women capacity development and the development of the country strategy. UNESCO representative also volunteered to provide additional Participants during the matchmaking event organized by capacity development support to the consortium in the CBDSPL at Monrovia City Hall (February 6-7, 2020) understanding the UN procurement processes. Meanwhile the Guest Speaker of the Event Madam Decontee King-Sackie, Deputy Commissioner General for Technical Affairs at the Liberia Revenue Authority, urged the consortium members to grow their business by looking for new opportunities through research, listening to their customers and learning from their competitors.
43 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – JANUARY 01 TO MARCH 31, 2020 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV E3 - Implement Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy
Engage private sector actors (i.e. China Union, Mittal, Sime Darby, etc.) to establish a potential collaborative agreement; Engage private and public sector actors (i.e. GoL, USAID IPs, NGOs/CSOs, MTN & Orange) to establish a potential private sector partnership agreement; Implement private sector partnership agreement & collaborative alliance agreement between LAVI CSO partners, CBDSPL and the private and public sectors
In an effort to forge collaborative relationship between Liberia’s private sector firms, Civil Society Organizations (CSO) and the business sector in Liberia, LAVI project developed a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy that primarily focuses on forging a pragmatic partnership/relationship between CSOs, Service Providers, and private/corporate entities and multinational corporations (MNCs), particularly those operating in concession communities. Overall, the strategy proposes to align CSOs advocacy agendas with those of the interests of MNCs and other private corporations, based on their shared visions, social responsibilities and engagement with concession communities and locals with whom they interact. In addition, the strategy also considers promoting sustainable market solutions that would enable MNCs and other private corporations to hire procurement and Capacity Development support services from local Liberian service providers. The overall vision of this strategy is to ensure that partnership between MNCs and other private corporations, CSOs, and Service Providers contribute to empowered lives, reduce tension and confrontations between communities and private corporations, particularly MNCs, and focus on ways in which the private sector, through the Service Providers market can contribute to service delivery. Given this, LAVI in Quarter 2, on March 9, 2020 hired a Corporate Social Responsibility Consultant that will lead the implementation of LAVI CSR strategy; however, his work is suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Liberia. If the health situation allows, LAVI CSR Consultant will, in Quarter 3, engage private sector actors to establish a potential collaborative agreement and private and public sector actors to establish a potential private sector partnership agreements
OBJECTIVE 4: ENSURE THAT LEARNING AND METHODOLOGIES ARE SHARED AND APPLIED BY OTHER DEVELOPMENT ACTORS
F.1 - Continue collaboration with Strategic Learning Partners (ALab)
Support the implementation of the learning grant, and provide technical support and review of the learning partner's deliverables:
LAVI’s Objective 4 focuses on Learning, sharing of experiences, methodologies, and capacities across the development community, while at the same time, through Objective 4, LAVI supports innovative and creative programming to support the advocacy campaigns of its implementing partners. Currently, A-Lab is implementing a grant that is focused on “Sharing Learning and Methodologies through Strategic Collaboration with Civil Society Actors for Adaptation and Self-Reliance” in supporting of LAVI’s Objective 4. The activities under this particular learning grant take place at the iCampus/LAVI Learning Lab and are intended to include national and community-based organizations, professional organizations, trade unions, faith-based groups, business associations, and media makers, among others.
Support the Community of Practice of Learners around NRM, Education, Electoral Reform, and Community forestry issues through organizing Friend-raisers, Knowledge Share Faire, Fail Fairs, Strategic Public Debates, and trainings to foster collaboration and information sharing among advocacy actors
Learning:
USAID.GOV USAID LAVI FY2020 QUARTER 2 REPORT | 44 During the quarter, on February 25, 2020, Accountability Lab (ALab), LAVI’s Strategic Learning Partner hosted a strategic public debate program entitled “Elections is Everybody’s Business” at iCampus. Through this debate, ALab amplified the advocacy campaign conducted by LAVI’s ECC CSO partners under the Electoral Reform Project. The focus of this first debate was electoral reform. Youth registration was the first topic tackled by the debate teams, specifically whether youth who have attained the age of 18 by the election date should be eligible to register to vote in the election year. Currently, Liberia has fixed registration periods, with no provisions for rolling registration. The second debate topic touched on women’s participation in LAVI Electoral Reform Manager - Aaron Weah- Liberia’s political environment. There is a proposed Weah III providing remarks during the Strategic amendment to the political parties’ Code of Conduct which Public Debate on Electoral Reforms at iCampus would essentially require that each political party or coalition (February 25, 2020) participating in an election maintain no less than 30% of each gender in their party structures and on their list of candidates for election. This is one of a few proposed options to increase the number of women serving in Liberia’s elected positions. At the conclusion of the formal debate, audience members offered questions and as well provided commentary on the topics. The discussion was lively, and many participants showed their eagerness to offer opinions on electoral reform topics. This debate drew 46 participants (16 females and 30 males), across 27 civil society, media, technology, and academic organizations, including: Wireless Technology; AD Tech; Youth for Change; KM TV Liberia; CDG; WANEP; ACRT; USAID LAVI; Center for the Exchange of Intellectual Opinions; Young Liberians for Liberty; New Republic; Prime FM; Frontpage Africa; WPHSO; UN Women; NAYMOTE, Press Union of Liberia; Golden Phoenix, INC; Liberia National Leg; Youth Alliance for Progress; YOCEL; Elections Coordinating Committee; and iCampus Liberia.
Implement Innovative Learning Approaches that compliment specific thematic activity efforts (Rap2Rep, Film Festivals, & Learning Award Competition)
On March 10, 2020, ALab organized the 2020 Liberia Learning Awards Ceremony that was also incorporated with the launching of the Inclusion Café event. The theme of the learning awards ceremony was to “shift perceptions of the value of learning and highlight the iCampus’ Inclusion Café,” – a social enterprise space to empower persons living with disabilities and similar individuals with special needs across the broader Liberian Society. The iCampus’ Inclusion Café also aimed at raising incomes to ensure the sustainability of the iCampus. The Learning Awards Competition Liberia Learning Awards Competition recognizes and celebrates civil society organizations that demonstrate the integration of learning methodologies throughout their programs. The program displays the importance of learning across different sectors and how learning leads to better outcomes for programs seeking change. ALAB has modeled their program from USAID Collaborating, Learning and Adapting (CLA) case competitions. Before the ceremony took place, ALAB first organized a “Learning Awards Competition Launch & Awareness Workshop " on January 22, 2019 at the iCampus as a way of creating a public awareness and sensitization about the Liberia Learning Awards among LAVI's CSOs, the broader civil society community, and private sector actors. The workshop provided details of the application process for the competition, including the Liberia Learning Awards 2020 Online Submission Form and the Liberia Learning Awards 2020 Criteria , and also presented some highlights from past competitions to help potential applicants see the kind of submissions that usually grab the attention of judges, including Dr. Tanya Garnett - Deputy Chief of Party & Collaborating, Learning and Adapting (CLA) Advisor, USAID LSA Project; Sonya Edelman - Video Producer, National Geographic; Stanley L. Golooba - Director, Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning,
45 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – JANUARY 01 TO MARCH 31, 2020 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV USAID LAVI; W. Lawrence Yealue, Yealue, II - Country Director, Accountability Lab Liberia; Luther D. Jeke - Manager, iCampus; and Jolie M. Carey – Program Officer, USAID Liberia.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Moses Kollie Garzeawu – the Liberia Correspondent at Voice of America (VOA) moderated the Learning Award ceremony that consisted of various speeches from various dignitaries including the Award judges, USAID representatives, and others. The event was attended by 126 guests, including 62 males and 64 females from civil society organizations (CSOs) and private and the public sectors. including Smart Liberia, Advert Monrovia, Hot Pepper Newspaper, Girls Tech Club, Young Life, Pan-Afrikan Volunteers Network (PAVON), CAPDOG, National Teachers Association of Liberia (NTAL), Prime FM, Spoon FM/TV Wireless Technology Lab, Inclusive Development Initiative (IDI), ACRT, Bridge Technology, National Parent Teacher Association, MCC, Accountability Lab Liberia, MIT, USAID LAVI, MU-Liberia, Williette Safehouse, USAID Liberia Strategic Analysis (LSA), Innova Liberia, Making Enterprises, Ezee Market, National Kids Educational Engagement, Musician Union of Liberia, HEAL, Youth4Change, KM-TV, Seventh Day Adventist School, FABRIC Radio, SAPA-INC, AD Tech, CCFA, YAP, KMB, Tubman National Institute of Medical Arts (TNIMA), iLab Liberia, among others.
The event involved conversations about learning at the organizational-level, mainly around the principles of USAID’s CLA frameworks as enablers to offshoot program outcomes and enhance the nascent learning community in Liberia. In addition to increasing knowledge about learning among local organizations, the Learning Awards competition saw tremendous outcomes indicating positive changes in regard to behaviors toward adaptive learning. Prior to the inception of the Liberia Learning Awards in 2019, a big number of the local CSOs that networked with ALab did not have an Mary Zell – USAID’s Elections, Civil Society & understanding of the concept of institutional learning, and Media Team Lead (extreme right) handing over some of them that had professed the integration of adaptive the 2020 Learning Award to the winner – Smart Liberia’s Executive Director - Dieudonne K Perry management, didn’t know that they were practicing some (March 10, 2020) elements CLA. The learning awards competition therefore helped to address these gaps, as evidenced by attendees’ statements that the platform did not only provide education about learning among CSOs, but it also taught them how to consistently apply, track, and improve learning across their interventions The winner was Smart Liberia , a local Innovation Hub offering technological and entrepreneurial skills to promising Liberian youths; while Inclusive Development Initiative (IDI) in the second position; and Pan-Afrikan Volunteers Network (PAVON) won third prize..
Conduct monthly planning meetings with the A-Lab on milestone activities:
During Q2, LAVI MEL team together with ALab held three monthly planning meetings on January 13, 2019; February 07, 2020; and on March 02, 2020, which planned for activities under milestone #5, #6, and #7, respectively. The meeting planned and brainstormed through individual activities of a particular milestone, before implementation could begin. Milestone #7 activities, including the first-round auditions and training on the Rap2Rep Hipco Music competition on Community Forestry; short films production on Community Forestry, and the Marketing Strategy Implementation continuation were discussed and planned. These activities, however, did not kick off as anticipated due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 Corona virus.
Support the implementation of the Learning Hub (iCampus) Marketing Strategy Plan.
USAID.GOV USAID LAVI FY2020 QUARTER 2 REPORT | 46 In Q2, ALab continued to implement various activities the iCampus marketing strategy plan. The iCampus upgraded and launched its Inclusion Café on March 10, 2020 – a first-of-its-kind and a social enterprise cafe to generate skills, build livelihoods, and change perceptions of the differently abled community in Liberia. In addition, the Hub completed other key deliverable in regard to the marketing implementation plan as follows: New Media Lab Refurbishment - The iCampus team carried out a refurbishment of the new media lab audio/video studios. The works done includes, refurbishment of the recording booth in the audio studio, repainting of the video studio and lobby areas, purchase and installation of new floor rugs, purchase of new locks, light bulbs, switches and pictures frame to increase visibility of the studio. Billboard Marketing - The iCampus team hired the services of the local printing company, Pro- design, to produce and install a promotional iCampus billboard at strategic locations in Monrovia, including SKD Boulevard and downtown Monrovia. The first billboards were installed on January 30, 2020 to increase visibility of iCampus services, while the second was installed after the Gabriel Tucker’s bridge in Vai Town on Bushord Island on February 26, 2020 and will give iCampus services more visibility to those people around in the Gardnersville’s area. Newspaper Marketing - In order to amplify iCampus programs and services, the ALab team published an article through a popular Liberian local daily, the Liberian Observer: o https://www.liberianobserver.com/news/icampus-launches-liberia-learning-awards-2020/ o http://bit.ly/2VEmUBF Broadcast Promotional Video - The iCampus management team produced two short promotional videos in December 2019. The videos have been uploaded to its YouTube and social media accounts and are now airing on KMTV across Liberia. Link to the promotional videos here: o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jusv1b8abL0 o https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPi8p_JuBBw Broadcast Promotional Jingle - In January 2020, iCampus produced two promotional jingles that highlights its services, including the conducive and affordable event spaces, state-of-the-art audiovisual studio for recording and productions, comfortable office spaces for a team of 4-5 persons that comes fully air-conditioned, plus access to 24/7 electricity, high-speed internet, free training/events and tech support, Inclusion cafe/restaurant, and a lot more details. The Jingles are currently airing on two local radio stations in Monrovia, including Hot FM 107.9FM and Okay FM 99.5 FM – aired from Monday through Saturday through June 2020, i.e.: o https://soundcloud.com/icampus-liberia/promotional-jingle-1 o https://soundcloud.com/icampus-liberia/sets/icampus-jingle1 Mobile Billboard (Pull-up banner) – In January 2020, the iCampus produced two (2) Mobile billboard (pull-up banners) which are usually placed in the Wologisi Mountain Hall and the Cavalla River Co-working space at iCampus respectively. The pullup banners have the iCampus logo, tagline, address, email address, website address, contact numbers, and social media handle to support visibility of the space.
47 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – JANUARY 01 TO MARCH 31, 2020 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV Promotional Flyers – During the quarter, the iCampus produced one hundred (100) pieces of promotional flyers that are being distributed and placed at strategic public locations in Monrovia, including, university campuses, local and international businesses offices, churches, high schools, shops and public walls. iCampus branded pens - iCampus produced one hundred (100) pcs of branded pens that are being distributed to iCampus staff, key partners and members, including, USAID LAVI, LSA, Orange Liberia, Williette Safehouse, Innova Liberia, Making Enterprises.F.2 - Provide Continuous Technical Support with Establishing and Improving Partner Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Systems for NRM, Education, and Forestry Thematic Window Partners
Provide refresher trainings and mentoring support to partners
During Q2, LAVI MEL team, on February 18, 2020, conducted a participatory monitoring and evaluation refresher training, which was attended by the M&E Officers from LAVI partners’ staff of the elections thematic window, More-for-Education partners, community forestry project, Consortium of Business Development Service Providers Liberia (CBDSPL), and PERT Consultancy. The training reinforced participants’ knowledge and skills in regard to LAVI’s data collection requirements, narrative reporting requirements, and reporting timelines. This training also oriented newly hired M&E staff from LAVI’s partners who had not previously received specific training directly from LAVI. The training was facilitated by LAVI MEL Director – Stanley Golooba Lukenge, with assistance from the MEL Officer – Thomas Gayeplu and the MEL Intern – Gaydulo Mulbah. The training was also attended by the LAVI Technical Deputy Chief of Party – Franklin Bonner who urged participants to implement the knowledge and skills acquired from the training to ensure quality report writing and good quality data. The training was attended by 23 persons, including 13 males and 10 females.
Follow up with EDU, Elections, and NU-CFMB partners on data management and quality:
During the months of January and February 2020, while the MEL team was working on FY 2020- Q1 data and when the CSO partners were submitting their milestone deliverables and the corresponding data, LAVI staff followed up with the services providers specifically PACE; Electoral Reform partners specifically WONGOSOL, and Education partner – YOCEL to resolve some of discrepancies that were part of their data that had been submitted and the collections tools to ensure completeness.
F3 - Facilitate LAVI Learning, Knowledge Management, and Research
Contribute to Quarterly Performance Review meetings; Support Success story development and review meetings:
During the quarter, LAVI held its Quarterly Performance Review (QPR) for Quarter 1 (October - December 2019) on January 21, 2020 which was attended by all staff. Mary Zell, USAID LAVI COR, and Moses B. Jaygbah Jr., USAID NRM Project Management Specialist, also participated. Each quarter, LAVI conducts a QPR to review technical programming achievements, to review operational updates, and to discuss LAVI’s implementation progress against the indicator targets set in the work plan. During the meeting, LAVI team also discussed planned activities for Quarter 2- FY 2020 (January to March 2020); highlighted lessons learned during Q1, and shared best practices for adaptive management. Mary Zell appreciated LAVI’s efforts in implementing the activities, while Milica Panic, LAVI COP, appreciated the team’s effort and its energetic participation. The presence of USAID during LAVI’s QPR ensured meaningful feedback on the completed programming before submission of the quarterly report and also provided timely suggestions for program improvements.
USAID.GOV USAID LAVI FY2020 QUARTER 2 REPORT | 48 Meanwhile, during January 2020, the LAVI MEL team worked with project staff on brainstorming ideas for success stories, specifically on the NRM advocacy achievements, as reflected by the ICAT results, and on education activities as a result of the recent national education budget increment from 15 to 15.8%. Success stories were developed and submitted with Q1 report.
Document lessons learned and best practices around coalition activities (NRM, Education, Elections, and Forestry).
During Q2, LAVI MEL team documented the lessons learned regarding the community forestry governance activity. The process of gathering information for the documentation particularly involved interviewing LAVI’s NRM specialist and as well the leadership of the NU-CFMB who implements the activities. Moreover, the MEL team attended the lessons learned event organized in Ganta City – Nimba County on February 28-29, 2020, which was conducted by LAVI’s core-funding partner – IREDD for the CFMB hubs from Northern and Southern Nimba, and Grand Bassa. The workshop provided information for the documentation of lessons learned on USAID-LAVI-funded community forestry activities around FIFES supported hubs.
Update the LAVI One Page Briefer
During Quarter 2, the LAVI MEL team updated the project’s One Page Briefer with LAVI’s achievements. In addition, the team worked closely with individual subsector technical leads to update One Page Briefers for the specific thematic windows, including NRM (CSDF & Forestry); Education; Elections; Capacity Development; Service Providers; and Learning. The LAVI MEL team will continue to work closely with the technical leads to update the activity briefing documents on a quarterly basis and will share them with stakeholders.
G - Project Monitoring and Evaluation
County Sitting Monitoring by FBMCs; Post County Sitting Implementation Monitoring by FBMCs; Routine Monitoring of Partners’ Activities by FBMC and interns:
During the quarter, LAVI Field Based Monitoring Consultants (FBMC) monitored the environment around their specific counties, and there was no county sitting that was held, besides one which had already taken place the Margibi County Sitting during the previous quarter (i.e. Q1). And with the Margibi County Sitting, there was nothing that took place as a result of the resolutions from the sitting. Meanwhile, LAVI’s FBMCs continued to conduct their routine monitoring of partners’ activities (as eyes and ears) in specific counties. They provided timely event reports including pictures of the events and the partners’ data collection forms/attendance registers, and beneficiary opinions. They also provided technical support, ensuring that LAVI partners adhered to the project’s data collection processes, procedures and the standards regarding data collection forms.
Collecting, Combine, Collating, Analyzing, and Verifying Data on LAVI Indicators:
In Q2, the LAVI MEL team and grantee partners collected, consolidated, collated, verified, and analyzed data on an ongoing basis to contribute to LAVI’s performance indicators for Q1/FY2020 (October - December 2019) quarterly report. The data for Q1 report was presented to the LAVI team in Q2/FY2020 at the QPR meeting for a collective concurrence. After the team certified the data, the indicator performance-tracking table (IPTT), which includes all LAVI’s performance indicators, was submitted with the quarterly report as an annex.
49 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – JANUARY 01 TO MARCH 31, 2020 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV Daily Media News Brief Collection
During Q2, the MEL team gathered daily news briefs and shared them with stakeholders, including USAID. LAVI daily news briefings are a collection of the day's most relevant stories. Usually delivered every day, the collection is made up of online articles and social media posts related to LAVI’s thematic areas, including emerging issues such the current abrupt pandemic COVID-19 Coronavirus, regulatory actions, and other developments.
Update Performance Indicators Database System (PIDS)
As part of its reporting requirement to USAID, LAVI continued to update the Performance Indicator Database System (PIDS). The MEL team finalized its Q1/FY2020 data verification process and data entry to the PIDS on January 30, 2020. All data (Q1/FY2020 actuals) for LAVI’s performance indicators were successfully uploaded to the PIDS for USAID’s review and certification. The MEL Director verified all the data.
Update TAMIS
As part of its internal reporting requirement, LAVI specific team continued in FY2020-Q1 to update the Technical and Administrative Management Information System (TAMIS), which is a comprehensive project management system that DAI uses to help to manage and process a wide range of project information. TAMIS is a storehouse for all of LAVI’s data: financial, grants, procurements, and technical information.
H - Reporting
H.1 - Submit weekly progress reports
In Q2/FY2020, the MEL team submitted 13 weekly report/updates to the COP and USAID covering the months of January – March 2020. The weekly updates highlighted major achievements and upcoming activities that were carried out by LAVI staff and the partners during the reporting week that runs from Wednesday to Tuesday of the following week.
H.2 - Submit the quarterly progress report
During Q2, the MEL team initiated the process of drafting the project’s first quarterly progress report for FY2020. Individual teams, including partnership and advocacy, capacity development, grants, and finance teams drafted their sections of the report and submitted them to the MEL team. Adding to its own section, the MEL team consolidated and reviewed the report content for completeness and correctness. On January 31, 2020, the first quarterly progress report of FY 2020 was submitted to USAID. The MEL team will follow the same process consistently in generating the project’s progress reports.
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