Liberia Accountability and Voice Initiative (Lavi) Summary Activity Report Quarter One

NRM CSDF AWARENESS WORKSHO - BUCHANAN

LIBERIA ACCOUNTABILITY AND VOICE INITIATIVE (LAVI) SUMMARY ACTIVITY REPORT QUARTER ONE:

January 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 1 Report: October 01– December 31, 2019

FY 2020

Contract Number: AID-669-C-00-16-0003

January 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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACRONYMS ...... 1

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 3

DETAILED ACTIVITIES AND RESULTS ...... 6

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT ...... 6 1.0 ADMINISTRATIVE AND OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT ...... 6 1.2. FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE QUALITY CONTROL ...... 6 1.2 GRANTS QUALITY CONTROL ...... 7 2.0 TECHNICAL PROGRAM SUPPORT ...... 8

TECHNICAL PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION ...... 10

OBJECTIVE 1: STRENGTHEN HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL LINKAGES AMONG ACTORS ENGAGED IN SIMILAR ISSUES ...... 10 C1 - TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (NRM) COALITION ...... 11 C2 - SUPPORT EDUCATION PARTNERS FOR THE MORE-FOR-EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ...... 17 C3 - SUPPORT THE THIRD THEMATIC WINDOW IMPLEMENTATION (ELECTORAL REFORMS) ...... 24 C4 – THE FORTH THEMATIC WINDOW IMPLEMENTATION (COMMUNITY FORESTRY) ...... 26 OBJECTIVE 2: INCREASE ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY OF TARGETED CSOS TO PARTICIPATE IN ISSUE-BASED REFORMS ...... 29 D1 – CORE FUNDED PARTNER TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ...... 29 D2 - CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES FOR FOURTH THEMATIC WINDOW (ELECTORAL REFORMS) ...... 29 D4 – PROVIDE MENTORING AND CONDUCT CAPACITY ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATION PARTNERS ...... 30 OBJECTIVE 3: PROMOTE THE DEVELOPMENT OF ONGOING CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES ON THE LOCAL MARKET ...... 31 E.1 - IMPLEMENT SERVICE PROVIDER QUALITY CONTROL MEASURES ...... 32 E.2 - PROVIDE CONSORTIUM SUSTAINABILITY AND MARKETING SUPPORT ...... 33 OBJECTIVE 4: ENSURE THAT LEARNING AND METHODOLOGIES ARE SHARED AND APPLIED BY OTHER DEVELOPMENT ACTORS ...... 34 F.1 - CONTINUE COLLABORATION WITH STRATEGIC LEARNING PARTNERS (ALAB) ...... 34 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 ...... 36 F3 - FACILITATE LAVI LEARNING, KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT, AND RESEARCH ...... 37 G - PROJECT MONITORING AND EVALUATION ...... 38 H - REPORTING ...... 40

ACRONYMS ALab Accountability Lab AQE Accelerated Quality Education 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 COP Chief of Party COR Contract Officer Representative COTAE Coalition for Transparency and Accountability in Education 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 DEN-L Development Education Network Liberia 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 FY Fiscal Year GEC Grants Evaluation Committee HOPE Helping Our People Excel, Inc. HCEI House Committee on Elections and Inauguration IACAT Institutional Capacity Assessment Tool IDI Inclusive Development Initiative IREDD Institute for Research and Democratic Development LAVI USAID/Liberia Accountability and Voice Initiative

1 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – OCTOBER 01 TO DECEMBER 31, 2019 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV LEGIT Local Empowerment for Government Inclusion and Transparency (Liberia) LMC Liberian Media 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 NBC National Bureau of Concession NEAB National Education Advisory Board NEL New Elections Law NIC National Investment Commission NRM Natural Resource Management NSI Nerissa Solutions, Inc., 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 SME Subject Matter Expert

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

USAID.GOV USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT | 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY DAI Global, LLC (DAI) was awarded the five-year, Liberia Accountability and Voice Initiative (LAVI) by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on November 25, 2015. LAVI strengthens multi-stakeholder partnerships to advocate for and monitor policy and accountability reforms in Liberia. It contributes to the overall goal of USAID/Liberia’s civil society and media interventions 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. LAVI project has four (4) objectives/intermediate results that actively and collectively work towards achieving the above. Q1 progress on these objectives is detailed below:

Objective 1 (LAVI IR 1): Strengthen Horizontal and Vertical Linkages among Actors Engaged in Similar Issues

NRM Thematic Window

In the last quarter of FY 2019 through the beginning of quarter 1 of FY 2020, LAVI supported an advocacy intervention that resulted in the modified amended 2019/2020 budget law, which included the entirety of the draft Stand-alone CSDF bill currently with the House of Representatives. Accordingly, QI began with a two-day County Sitting Training and Awareness Workshop in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County from October 18 -19, 2019. The event brought together more than 80 participants and was held in partnership with USAID/LEGIT and USAID/LAVI NRM partners. Participants included Superintendents, Project Management Committee (PMC) Chairpersons, Legislators (including the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives - Hon. Prince Moye, the Acting Minister of Internal Affairs - Hon. Momolu Johnson, Civil Society Organizations, the National Traditional Council), as well as the USAID Mission Director – Sara Walter. The workshop brought the NRM Coalition together with superintendents for the first time in a long period. Participants gained knowledge about the 2019/2020 amended budget law, the checklist, and the Standard Operating Procedures. They were also given the opportunity to analyze and make inputs to the draft Stand-alone CSDF bill, which made them feel part of the reform process. The workshop was successful in mobilizing legislative support for the CSDF bill, as the Deputy Speaker himself promised to champion the passage of the bill once they returned from their annual leave. In addition, LAVI was able to organize an Exit Strategy workshop for NRM partners during this reporting period, the aim of which was to develop and clearly define and document the steps necessary for sustaining the gains made in CSDF reforms. The steps agreed to in this workshop will ensure that the NRM Coalition will be able to continue its advocacy and reform efforts long after the LAVI project closes out.

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 while pursuing the revised policy goal. By conducting research, and hosting coordination meetings, watch forums, policy dialogues, engagement meetings, press conferences, and radio talk shows, the More-for-Education partners were able to attract the attention of lawmakers, senior Government of Liberia (GOL) officials, international education stakeholders, and most importantly, local-level stakeholders, namely education officials, teachers, school staff, and students, working and learning within the Liberian education system. In QI, the Government of

3 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – OCTOBER 01 TO DECEMBER 31, 2019 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV Liberia responded with another 1% increase in the national budget for the education sector, from 14.7% in the 2018/2019 national budget to 15.8% in the 2019/2020 budget.

In Q1, LAVI and the Ministry of Education (MOE) conducted two joint field-monitoring visits in Grand Bassa, Margibi, and Bong Counties (on October 1-4, 2019 and December 10-13, 2019) in support of the Government’s accountability efforts. These visits are carried out monthly to review activities implemented by the MOE as part of the in-kind grant support from LAVI to improve the Ministry’s monitoring and accountability. So far, with the support given to the MOE, District Education Officers (DEOs - local education ministry staff) have been employed to conduct regular monitoring and supervision of schools (public, private, and faith-based), verification of MOE’s personnel listings, verification of school permits for private and faith-based schools, and workshops/training of teachers. The DEOs continued to collect data during this reporting period through school census and quality assessments. However, they were unable to transfer that data to the MOE’s management information system (MIS), which is currently under repair.

Electoral Reform Window

Under the LAVI Electoral Reform thematic window, LAVI’s technical team, in consultation with the six (6) Elections Coordinating Committee (ECC) partners, conducted a technical review and modification of all ECC partners' grant activities in Q1. The review was conducted because of changes in the ECC’s electoral reform advocacy strategy. Following the ECC’s submission of 17 proposed electoral reform amendments to the National Legislature, through the House Committee on Elections and Inauguration (HECI), the 54th National Legislature had passed four (4) out of six (6) constitutional amendments proposed by the ECC. ECC partners, in consultation with LAVI’s technical lead, then designed a new advocacy strategy for intervention. The partners divided the strategy into two phases, namely the PREP and PUSH. During the PREP phase, slated for October 1, 2019 – January 31, 2020, the ECC relaunched its advocacy campaign in preparation for robust engagements with lawmakers to promote passage of the remaining 13 ECC-proposed amendments. The PUSH phase is slated for February 1, 2020 – April 30, 2020, and will include direct engagements with lawmakers, key electoral reform stakeholders, and citizens.

On November 20, 2019, the Center for Democratic Governance (CDG) conducted policy engagement meetings with members of the legislature as an integral part of the ECC’s approach to building strategic alliances with champion lawmakers who can influence electoral reforms. These policy advocacy dialogues individually targeted influential lawmakers who have strong working relationships with the ECC and are supportive of the electoral reform issues and recommendations being advanced by the Committee. Then, on December 23 & 27, 2019, as part of the PREP Phase advocacy strategy, WONGOSOL conducted two national radio talk shows in Monrovia, on OK FM and JOY FM. The shows’ theme, “Strengthening Liberian Democracy through Electoral Reform” publicized the ECC’s agenda, highlighting several amendments to the New Elections Law, the Code of Conduct of Public Officials, and the amendment of the Constitution to Change the Election Date.

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, Third-Party Contracts, and Community Forestry Management Plans in affected communities. During the quarter, LAVI supported the eleven Community Forest Management Bodies (CFMB) to conduct the second combined advocacy and coordination meeting with National Union (NU) CFMB members and other relevant national forestry stakeholders in Ganta City, Nimba County on November 27 and 28, 2019. The meeting brought together 45 participants to strengthen regular coordination amongst CFMBs and share the findings that came out of the first quarter monitoring exercise. The meeting was also useful for documenting emerging forestry issues in the respective localities. For instance, some of the issues raised by participants included the

USAID.GOV USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT | 4 deliberate failure of Concessionaires to remit cubic meter and land rental fees to affected communities. The NU-CFMB elevated the issues raised by the CFMBs at the Community Forest Working Group (CFWG) for appropriate redress. The working forum also highlighted ways to improve coordination amongst CFMB members and united them in calling for improved communication across community forests.

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 give CSOs the skills and expertise needed to better manage projects and improve their organizational sustainability. In Q1, LAVI’s Capacity Development (CD) team provided technical assistance to IREDD – LAVI’s Core Funding Partner - on the revision and development of the NU-CFMB quarterly bulletin. The bulletin highlighted issues affecting the implementation of forestry governance policies in Forest Incomes for Environmental Sustainability (FIFES)-supported communities/hubs, for further discussion and information- sharing at national-level forestry forums and coordination meetings. The CD team also provided technical support to the Electoral Reform Project (ERP)/ECC partners, namely CDG, the Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP), West African Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), and Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL). They were assisted in developing individual scopes of work (SOW) for in-kind grants and proposals to address the gaps identified in their capacity development plans. Grant funds will support the installation of QuickBooks and the development of advocacy communication strategies, financial management manuals, monitoring and evaluation systems and plans, and gender policies.

In addition, the CD team commenced a national-level quarterly monitoring exercise, which identified how LAVI’s education partners are improving and benefiting from LAVI Service Providers and the Core Funding Partner. For example, training provided to Helping Our People Excel, Inc., (HOPE) and COTAE, has helped these organizations adopt improved financial management practices, such as the development of an approved financial plan to guide transactions; and the use of QuickBooks as a tool for financial management and analysis.

Objective 3: Promote the Development of Ongoing Capacity Development Services on the Local Market

Under Objective 3, the LAVI project continues to provide capacity development and other technical support to its partners through local Service Providers (SPs), particularly those from the Consortium of Business Development Service Providers of Liberia (CBDSPL). In Q1, the LAVI team conducted a Client Satisfaction Survey (CSS) with LAVI education partners (UMOVEMENT, COTAE, IDI, NTAL, and HOPE) to assess their level of satisfaction with the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) training they received from PERT Consultancy. The study indicated that PERT overall did well in Training Quality – Trainers’ ability to explain concepts and transfer knowledge; Reliability – the service provider shows a sincere interest in solving a problem; Overall Service Quality – service provider’s capacity to conduct activities and ability to meet client needs. However, PERT needed improvement in Assurance – i.e., their capacity to courteously respond to clients’ concerns.

In addition, the CBDSPL hosted a two-day matchmaking event on December 12 -13, 2019 for local civil society organizations and private sector companies at the Monrovia City Hall. Networking at the event promoted collaborative engagements between CSOs and Non-Government Organizations (NGO) actors operating in the development and private sector space in Liberia, helped SPs display and promote their services to potential CSOs customers through face-to-face interactions, and allowed potential customers to establish contact with SPs and ask questions about their services. The event was part of a larger strategy

5 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – OCTOBER 01 TO DECEMBER 31, 2019 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV to increase the client base and profit margins for SPs in order to make access to local capacity development services in Liberia more sustainable.

Objective 4: Ensure that Learning and Methodologies are Shared and Applied by Other Development Actors In Q1, LAVI’s strategic learning partner – ALab and their partner iLab organized the Education NGO Forum Friend-raiser at iCampus on November 20, 2019. The purpose of the event was to strengthen the collective vision of the Liberia Education NGO Forum in “building a stronger coalition for quality education.” The event brought together 25 participants (13 men and 12 women), including several actors from different education landscapes that engaged one another through interactive discussions, in addition to a panel discussion. The panel discussants from the Education NGO Forum discussed various questions, including - what the purpose of the Forum is; what development models it endorses; who the members are; and what the organization’s plans are for expansion and sustainability, among others. Participants unanimously agreed there is a need for all education stakeholders in the country to collaborate in advocating for improvements in the education system in Liberia.

In addition, LAVI modified ALab's learning grant, specifically the SOW and incorporated activities, which the Strategic Learning Partner would be implementing under the iCampus “Marketing Strategy Plan.” The Plan itself came out of an Inclusive Sustainability and Marketing Assessment study that provided strategic and technical support in comparing the iCampus’ current services with established best practices in Liberia and beyond. During Q1, ALab implemented activities under the Plan, including upgrading the iCampus canteen services; upgrading Internet connectivity; purchase of a printer to support printing, scanning, and photocopying services; and the production of two (2) iCampus promotional films. The goal of the strategy is for the Learning Lab and iCampus to become a sustainable and professional resource center for advocacy actors and other members of the civil society community, while strengthening learning and knowledge management practices among program counterparts, stakeholders, and development actors in Liberia. DETAILED ACTIVITIES AND RESULTS

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

The Project has two (2) main components under the umbrella of project management, as follows:

1. Administrative and Operations Management 2. Technical Program Support

1.0 ADMINISTRATIVE AND OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT

1.2. Financial and Administrative Quality Control

During Quarter 1, the LAVI Finance and Administrative Management (FAM) team continued using DAI’s Field Accounting System and Oracle to manage project finances.

Additionally, on November 1, 2019, the team was able renew contracts with LAVI’s 14 Field-Based Monitoring Consultants (FMBCs) for another six months (November 1, 2019 – April 30, 2020), and recruit a new consultant for Lofa County to replace the former one who had left the project. Moreover, on November 11, 2019, the FAM team hired a new Capacity Development Officer, Sumo Harris, to work with the capacity development team.

USAID.GOV USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT | 6 1.2 Grants Quality Control Generate Grant Agreements, Review, and Submit Payments Requests, and Ensure Grants Activities are Properly Documented

During Q1, LAVI Grants team coordinated with the technical teams to award four (4) grants. The team also, in collaboration with partners, modified 16 grants, and as well closed two (2) grants in the NRM thematic area. The following tables offer more detailed information on grant status during Q1:

TABLE 1: GRANTS AWARDED DURING Q1

GRANT # NAME OF GRANTEE GRANT TITLE/ PURPOSE DATE ISSUED

G-Mon-077 Center for Democratic Governance Institutional and Advocacy Capacity Dec. 17, 2019 (CDG Development Support

G-Mon-078 Center for Media Studies and Institutional and Advocacy Capacity Dec. 18, 2019 Peacebuilding (CEMESP) Development Support

West African Network for Institutional and Advocacy Capacity G-Mon-079 Peacebuilding (WANEP) Development Support Dec. 18, 2019

G-Mon-080 Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia Institutional and Advocacy Capacity (WONGOSOL) Development Support Dec. 18, 2019

TABLE 2: MODIFIED GRANTS DURING Q1

GRANT # GRANTEE MODIFICATION TYPE DATE

Liberia Media G-Mon-042 Center (LMC) Revised SOW, Budget & Milestone October 10, 2019 Sustainable Development G-Mon-046 Institute (SDI) Revised SOW, Budget & Milestone October 10, 2019 G-Mon-062 WONGOSOL Cost Mod., Revised SOW & Milestone December 4, 2019 G-Mon-063 IREDD Cost Mod., Revised SOW & Milestone December 4, 2019 National Youth Movement for G-Mon-064 Transparent Elections (NAYMOTE) Cost Mod., Revised SOW & Milestone December 3, 2019 G-Mon-065 CEMESP Cost Mod., Revised SOW & Milestone December 4, 2019 G-Mon-066 WANEP Cost Mod., Revised SOW & Milestone December 4, 2019 G-Mon-067 CDG Cost Mod., Revised SOW & Milestone December 4, 2019

G-Mon-068 NU-CFMB Milestone November 18, 2019

G-Mon-070 A-Lab Revised SOW, Budget & Milestone October 30, 2019

7 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – OCTOBER 01 TO DECEMBER 31, 2019 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV G-Mon-071 IREDD Revised SOW & Milestone November 18, 2019

G-Mon-076 NTAL Milestone October 15, 2019 Cost Modification G-Mon-054 IDI December 17, 2019 Cost Modification G-Mon-052 COTAE December 17, 2019 Cost Modification G-Mon-056 NTAL December 16, 2019

TABLE 3: GRANTS THAT CLOSED OUT DURING Q1

GRANT # NAME OF GRANTEE GRANT TITLE/ PURPOSE DATE ISSUED

G-Mon-046 Sustainable Development Advocacy for County Social Dec. 12, 2019 Institute (SDI) Development Fund Reforms

Advocacy for County Social G-Mon-042 Liberia Media Center (LMC) Development Fund Reforms Nov. 15, 2019

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, USAID LAVI organized a two-day County Sitting Training and Awareness Workshop in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County on October 18-19, 2019, which introduced participants to Section-10 of the 2019/2020 amended Budget Law that contains the requirements for CSDF county sittings. During preparation for the workshop, LAVI closely coordinated with the USAID Local Empowerment for Government Inclusion and Transparency (LEGIT) team. LEGIT’s decentralization activities are a natural complement to LAVI, facilitating the transfer of authority from the national government to counties and cities, enhancing citizen participation in governance, and building capacity for government officials. The shift of management of the CSDF County Sitting process to a more inclusive, county-level process is a big part of government decentralization efforts, and LEGIT is implementing programs to provide awareness and technical proficiency to the county sitting process. Therefore, Mr. James Darwolo, LEGIT Civil Society & Grants Technical Advisor, presented the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that defines and explains the step by step process of conducting county sittings.

Meetings with USAID READ Liberia and AQE Projects

On December 20, 2019, LAVI hosted a coordination meeting with two other USAID-funded projects that support the Ministry of Education: the USAID Accelerated Quality Education (AQE) Project, and the USAID READ Liberia Project. The attendees shared information, lessons learned, and best practices about

USAID.GOV USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT | 8 individual project interventions being carried out in Grand Bassa, Margibi, and Bong Counties. Eugene Gray, LAVI’s Education Program Manager, chaired the meeting and other persons in attendance included Haladu Mohammed, Chief of Party - AQE Project; Apollo Nkwake, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, AQE Project; Trokon Wyne, Senior Education Specialist, READ Liberia Project; and Patricia Cooper, Advocacy Intern - LAVI Project. On behalf of LAVI, Eugene informed participants that in September 2019, eighteen (18) Motorbikes and 18 tablets were provided to the MOE in Grand Bassa, Bong, and Margibi. He also informed them that LAVI is providing monthly logistical support to the MOE’s District Education Officers and M&E Officers to help them carry out their work.

USAID AQE indicated they had completed training for Education Officers and Principals in the six (6) counties where their project is working. Their DEOs were trained on the School Quality Assessment (SQA) tool - Module Nine (9). AQE also shared that they are working with the MOE’s M&E team to develop an online platform for SQA and harmonized observation tools, which will be uploaded to the tablets. USAID READ indicated they are supporting 640 schools with educational materials (grades 1 & 2) in six counties. The materials supplied include textbooks, teacher’s guides, student activity books, and school supplementary items. Their book distribution activities produce real-time data that shows when delivery occurred, and how many books were received.

Joint Education Sector Review (JESR)

During the quarter in review, the MOE, in collaboration with education stakeholders, including donors, implementing partners of education activities, universities, colleges, civic society organizations (CSOs), the media, and local citizens, hosted the 2019 Joint Education Sector Review (JESR) in Ganta City, Nimba County. The JESR is an annual event organized and hosted by the MOE and its development partners with the purpose of examining the overall progress, gaps, and challenges of the Liberian education sector, and formulating solutions. Eugene Grey – LAVI Education Program Manager, attended the JESR, which took place on November 18-22, 2019 with the theme “Restoring the Education Sector for Quality Outcomes through Collective Efforts and Innovation.” The MOE’s achievements were presented at the JESR, as well as the challenges the country is facing in finding solutions to improve Liberia’s education sector. In addition, the JESR focused on several thematic areas/groups for improving the implementation and operations of the MOE and other agencies and commissions that make up the sector. Key among issues discussed and presented included education financing, curriculum revision, Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics education (STEM), teacher education, governance and management, monitoring, supervision and evaluation, early childhood education, basic and secondary education, Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), inclusive education, domestic and international financing for education, and presentations and analysis of the county education systems.

The President of the University of Liberia, Rev. Dr. Julius Sarwolo Nelson; Professor D. Ansu Sonii, Minister of Education, including the Deputies and Assistants Ministers, former Ministers of Education, and Lawmakers were among the participants at the event. At the end of the JESR session, the MOE and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to continue their investments and support for education in Liberia. Over 300 people attended the JESR, representing national and international donors, civic society organizations, the media, universities, colleges, faith-based and private education institutions, parents, teachers, education stakeholders, and policy makers.

Electoral Reform

LAVI actively coordinates with other stakeholders in the electoral reform sector to share information on activities, get the latest insights on electoral management from the NEC, and monitor political developments that will have an impact on electoral reform. LAVI regularly performs this coordination through participation in the Elections Technical Working Group (TWG). This forum, which usually meets

9 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – OCTOBER 01 TO DECEMBER 31, 2019 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV once a month, includes NEC, USAID, UNDP, EU, NDI, Irish Aid, SIDA, and the Carter Center. During the Q1 reporting period, TWG meetings were held on November 1, 2019, and December 5, 2019. Apart from the working group meetings, LAVI staff have also formed a working bond with Carter Center and their respective grantee, LEON. LEON and LAVI's programming partner, ECC, are the two strongest CSOs working toward electoral reform in Liberia. While ECC and LEON ultimately submitted separate reform packages to be considered by the National Legislature, both organizations remain open to the need for a collaborative effort in the near future to motivate the GOL to adopt reform measures.

On December 19, 2019, LAVI’s Electoral Reform Program Manager, S. Aaron Weah-Weah, III and Deputy Chief of Party Franklin Bonner held a meeting with the Catholic Reliefs Services (CRS), represented by Program Manager Brezhnev D. Paasawe and Head of Program Mary Beth Molin. The meeting was called to link LAVI’s Electoral Reform Project activities, specifically (ECC partner) CDG’s work with that of the motorcyclists working with CRS, so that duplication of efforts can be avoided. This will encourage future partnerships and coordination between ECC partners and CRS while both are working with the motorcyclists. Subsequently, Ms. Molin connected LAVI's team to Mr. A John Kenyor the National President of the Federation of Motorcycles and Tricycles of Liberia (FOMTUL). Mr. Weah-Weah later arranged a meeting between the CDG program team and Mr. Kenyor, which will take place in Q2.

Quarterly coordination meeting with FIFES

In Q1, LAVI NRM Specialist Augustus M. Zayzay Jr and FIFES Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) Borwen L. Sayon held a coordination meeting at FIFES’ office on December 19, 2019. The participants shared updates on the two organizations’ activities and concluded with a way forward for improved coordination and complementarity. During the meeting, Mr. Zayzay highlighted NU-CFMB milestone #4 activities with an emphasis on the Advocacy and Coordination meeting that was held in Ganta City, Nimba County on November 27-28, 2019. Mr. Zayzay also informed the FIFES DCOP of the recently held monitoring exercise carried out by the NU-CFMB for advocacy purposes at the national level. He avowed that findings from the monitoring exercise would be reported through a quarterly bulletin and shared with FIFES. For his part, FIFES’ DCOP said that his organization was carrying out many capacity-building activities with the CFMBs in the Hubs. He specifically highlighted the forest boundary clearing activities, which were ongoing, and stated that in the coming months they would be assisting CFMBs to develop business plans as well as 5-Year Community Forest Management plans (CFMPs), as indicated in the Community Rights Law (CRL) of 2009. The meeting ended with a commitment to further strengthen coordination and ensure there is organizational representation at each institution’s project events for complementarity purposes. TECHNICAL PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION

During Q1, with the support of LAVI, 56 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, 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 and partners during Q1. 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

USAID.GOV USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT | 10 C1 - Technical support to Natural Resource Management (NRM) Coalition

Hold training with key players responsible for County Sittings (in cooperation with LEGIT & Internews); Host an Exit Strategy meeting and develop Exit strategy with NRM Partners; Closure of current NRM grants; Monitoring county sitting and implementation of County Sittings Resolutions; Provide targeted awareness on the passage of CSDF bill, including commending those who sponsored and supported it.

Hold training with key players responsible for County Sittings (in cooperation with LEGIT & Internews)

The workshop brought the NRM Coalition together with superintendents for the first time in a long period. Participants gained knowledge about the 2019/2020 amended budget law, the checklist, and the Standard Operating Procedures. They were given the opportunity to analyze and make inputs to the draft stand-alone CSDF bill, which made them feel part of the reform process. The workshop was also successful in mobilizing legislative support for the CSDF bill, as the Deputy Speaker himself promised to champion the passage of the bill once they returned from their annual leave. In addition, LAVI was able to organize an Exit Strategy workshop for NRM partners during this reporting period, the aim of which was to develop and clearly define and document the steps necessary for sustaining the gains made in CSDF reforms. The steps agreed to in this workshop will ensure that the NRM Coalition will be able to continue its advocacy and reform efforts long after the LAVI project closes out.

Day one of the workshop began with an official opening ceremony, which included welcome remarks from various officials, and an overview of the workshop/event. The opening event started with welcome remarks from Hon. Janjay Baikpeh, superintendent of Grand Bassa County. Hon. Baikpeh welcomed the guests, his fellow superintendents, and other participants and thanked USAID LAVI as well as the NRM Coalition for organizing the event and urged participants to use the forum as an opportunity to discuss and find remedies to the many challenges faced in the management of the County Social Development Fund. Sara Walter, USAID Mission Director, also made special remarks. The Mission Director thanked LAVI for organizing the event and averred that the passage of the 2019/2020 amended budget law was a great milestone achievement in the advocacy for CSDF reforms in Liberia. She indicated that the amended budget law would increase citizens’ participation in CSDF decision making, as well promote transparency and accountability, which is key to the overall goal of USAID/LIBERIA civil society and media interventions. Walter specifically highlighted the inclusion of the establishment of an Escrow Account for managing the CSDF, and a 25% quota for women at county sittings, as notable accomplishments in the advocacy for genuine reforms. She concluded by calling on the national legislature to pass the Stand-alone CSDF upon their return from the annual legislative break.

11 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – OCTOBER 01 TO DECEMBER 31, 2019 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV

Other persons that made welcome remarks included LAVI Chief of Party (COP) - Milica Panic; Deputy Internal Affairs Minister, Hon. Joseph Momolu; and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Prince Moye, who made a statement on behalf of the House of Representatives. The LAVI COP thanked participants for attending the event and expressed her positive impressions of the new changes in section- 10 of the 2019/2020 budget law. She highlighted the work that LAVI partners were involved in, and explained some of the specific achievements made thus far in CSDF reforms. She thanked the legislature for the passage of the standalone CSDF bill sections, and urged them to go beyond the budget amendment by passing into law the draft Stand-alone CSDF bill upon their return from the annual legislative break. She indicated that passing the CSDF bill into law would lay the foundation for long-term sustainable CSDF reform, which will promote increased citizens’ participation and enhance transparency and accountability.

For his part, the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon. Momolu Johnson thanked LAVI and the NRM Coalition for organizing the event. He referenced the enormous challenges around A cross section of participants during the CSDF/County CSDF management over the years and specifically Sitting Awareness Training in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County highlighted the issues of transparency and (October 18 – 19, 2019) accountability as well as citizens’ participation as some of the perennial problems. He then expressed how excited he was that USAID’s support through LAVI had contributed to progressive

USAID.GOV USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT | 12 reforms in this area. Hon. Johnson concluded by pledging his Ministry’s support to LAVI reform endeavors and then called upon the legislature to pass the Stand-alone CSDF bill.

Hon. Prince Moye, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, also delivered special welcome remarks. Hon. Moye expressed gratitude to LAVI, the NRM Coalition, and the entire organizing team for inviting him. He expressed how important advocacy around CSDF reform was for the wellbeing of citizens across the country. He further outlined specific concerns that have always been an issue during and after the conduct of county sittings. Amongst concerns highlighted were the issues of selecting projects at county sittings, contracting, accounting for project funds, and accessing those funds from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP). The Deputy Speaker averred that in order to achieve genuine CSDF reforms, some of the issues indicated supra must be addressed. He then called on his colleagues (fellow legislators) to join him in championing the process of getting the draft CSDF bill passed into law. In his concluding statement, he recommended that additional work be done on the draft CSDF bill to reflect a holistic reform intervention that would see genuine and sustainable improvements in the management of the CSDF.

Immediately after the opening remarks, the second phase of the workshop began. This process kicked off with a presentation by Mr. Peter Dolo, Deputy Director for Programs – Development Education Network (DEN-L). Mr. Dolo presented on the CSDF journey; challenges, achievements, and way forward. His facilitation was followed by a second presentation by LAVI NRM Specialist Augustus M. Zayzay Jr. Mr. Zayzay presented on the 2019/2020 amended budget law, highlighted the detailed changes to the law, and placed specific emphasis on the implications of those changes. Thereafter, Mr. James Darwolo, LEGIT Civil Society & Grants Technical Advisor presented on the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that defines and explains the step by step processes around the conduct of county sittings. The 2019/2020 amended budget law and Standard Operating Procedure presentations generated immense concerns and controversies around specific sections of the law. Due to these concerns, a working session was organized on Day Two to engender input from participants in remodeling the draft Stand-alone CSDF bill.

Day Two of the workshop began with a presentation from Swaliho Kamara, LAVI Monitoring Evaluation and Learning Manager on the County Sitting Checklist. His presentation was focused on the relevance of the checklist at county sittings and the various factors to consider during post county sittings monitoring. Mr. Emmanuel Wheinyou - Ministry of Internal Affairs Technical Advisor presented after him, and he centered on “Financing Local Government”. His presentation focused on Chapter 4 of the Local Government Act, which highlights the fundamentals of fiscal decentralization and its link to resource availability for local government administration. The final activity for day two was a working session organized to generate inputs and recommendations from participants for inclusion to the draft Stand- alone CSDF bill. Specific groups of four (4) persons were setup and given questions on some of the concerns raised by participants relating to specific sections of the amended budget law. Each group was allocated a 30-minute timeframe to report to the plenary so that their various submissions would be forwarded to the House of Representatives for considerations. At the end of the exercise, an eight-bullet point communique was crafted and signed by participants for onward presentation to the House of Representatives through the Office of the Deputy Speaker. Amongst other things, the communique emphasized issues around civil society representation, escrow account operational framework, monitoring feedbacks, county sitting presiding officer authority, and the formulation of county sitting guidelines by Internal Affairs and Finance Development Planning.

The two-day county sitting awareness and training workshop was very successful as all the expected outcomes envisaged by the LAVI were achieved. Participants became more knowledgeable about the 2019/2020 amended budget law, the checklist, and the Standard Operating Procedure. They were given the opportunity to analyze and provide inputs to the draft Stand-alone CSDF bill, which made them, feel part of the reform process. The workshop was also successful in mobilizing legislative support for the

13 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – OCTOBER 01 TO DECEMBER 31, 2019 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV CSDF bill as the Deputy Speaker committed himself by promising to champion the passage of the bill once they return from their annual leave.

Furthermore, upon his return from Buchanan, the LAVI NRM Specialist developed a post-county sitting workshop action plan in order to sustain the gains attained at the county sitting awareness workshop. The action plan outlined engagements of select legislators for the modification of the draft CSDF bill, a timeline for an exit strategy workshop, and the presentation of a county sitting workshop communique to the Deputy Speaker for onward submission to the plenary of the House of Representatives. The LAVI NRM Specialist and IREDD’s Executive Director Harold Aidoo presented the communique to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Prince Moye on October 29, 2019. During the presentation ceremony, they appealed to Hon. Moye to work with his colleagues in addressing the issues raised in the communique. Two days after presenting the communique, LAVI organized a two-hour working session at the Boulevard Palace Hotel on November 1, 2019 that brought together nine (9) legislators and NRM coalition partners, including the LAVI NRM Specialist. The session addressed specific areas of the draft CSDF bill to include escrow account details, transfers of Social Development Fund from concessionaires to affected communities, civil society representation at county sittings, signatories to the escrow account, and guidelines for CSDF implementation. At the end of the interactive session, the following were recommended as edits to the draft bill:

A) Clearly differentiate social development funds (SDF) & county development funds (CDF) because the SDF will be placed in the Escrow Account; B) Specifically name signatories to the Escrow Account: A Senator & a Representative from the County, the Minister of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) or his designee, and the Minister of Internal Affairs (MIA) or his designee; C) SDF should be remitted directly from the concession companies and deposit receipts shared with the MFDP for accounting purposes thereafter; D) Include in the law a provision that calls for an emergency session to address any issues that may arise after the County Sitting. Caucus members in the emergency session would include PMC leadership, Fiscal Affairs superintendent, Development superintendent and Superintendent; E) Not later than 90 days after the passage of the bill, MIA & MFDP shall prepare a guideline for the implementation of the CSDF; F) CSOs representatives to county sittings shall be appointed by the County CSO structure; G) Compensation of PMC members shall be determined at County Sittings. H) Signatories to the Escrow Account mentioned in section-1 (C) shall be as follows:

A1 signature: The Chairman of the County Legislative Caucus as principal authorizer; or in his/her absence A2 signatory, which shall be a Senator if the Caucus Chairman is a Representative or vice versa.

B1 signature: The Minister of Finance and Development Planning or his designee; or in his/her absence A2 signatory which shall be the Minister of Internal Affairs or his/her designee.

Host an Exit Strategy meeting and develop Exit strategy with NRM Partners LAVI finalized the execution of the post-county sitting action plan by organizing an exit strategy workshop in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County on November 8-9, 2019. The workshop developed and clearly defined and documented the steps aimed at sustaining the gains made in CSDF reforms, which will ensure the NRM coalition continues its advocacy and reform efforts even after the LAVI project has ended. The exit strategy workshop also sought to guide the NRM coalition transition process from the LAVI Advocacy for CSDF Reform Project to a self-sustaining program intervention, which relies on resource mobilization and new funding opportunities. In addition to the various sustainability approaches determined by NRM

USAID.GOV USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT | 14 partners, participants identified the major niche the NRM coalition could leverage (including specific action steps) during the post CSDF bill passage as well as its organizational structure outside of a LAVI conceptual NRM Coalition framework. At the end of the workshop, a draft exit strategy was developed with key action steps identified to achieve the following:

A) Establish an NRM Coalition Secretariat for better coordination B) Formulate a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to guide the secretariat and coalition members C) Design a full post CSDF implementation Plan There were also areas identified for future CSDF reforms after the LAVI project closes. These areas included:  Create awareness on CSDF bill (if passed)

 Compliance monitoring of the Participants’ group photo during the Exit Strategy Workshop of CSDF bill (if passed) the NRM Coalition Partners in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County (November 8-9, 2019)  Engagement in other NRM sectors (e.g., artisan mining)  Monitoring and reporting of county sitting (directly participating in county sitting)  Use community based organizations to monitor CSDF project implementation

In order to support implementation of the exit strategy, and given that all NRM grants would be closed at the end of the last quarter of 2019, LAVI saw it prudent to issue a grant to an NRM partner who would then work with other NRM coalition members to continue advocacy work for CSDF reforms. A Request for Proposal (RFA) was developed and subsequently approved by USAID to be issued to NAYMOTE and IREDD through a limited competition. A Grant Evaluation Committee (GEC) meeting was held at LAVI’s office on December 27, 2019 with IREDD emerging as the winner. The grant is expected to be issued at the end of January 2020, after USAID’s approval.

Closure of current NRM grants;

During the reporting period, LAVI closed the last two NRM grants for the Liberia Media Center (LMC) and the Sustainable Development Institute (SDI). On November 15, 2019, a grant close-out meeting was held between LAVI and the LMC, in which it was agreed that LMC had completed the implementation of all program activities as required by the grant agreement (Grant # G-Mon-042), and that no additional payment was due them. Following the formal closeout ceremony, the grant letter was signed by the LMC Executive Director, Mr. Samuel Kpanbayeazee Duworko II, thus releasing and discharging DAI, its officers, agent and employees from all liabilities, obligations and claims related to the referenced grant agreement. The same was also done for the SDI on December 12, 2019 when LAVI Grants Assistant Ms. Delphine L. Kiamu and NRM Specialist, Augustus M. Zayzay Jr. held a grant closeout meeting at the offices of SDI. After all the formalities were concluded, the grant close-out letter was signed by Mr. Sampson M. Williams, Project Manager for the LAVI Project as a validation that there were no further financial obligations to LAVI in relation to the grant (# G-Mon-046) issued to SDI a year ago.

15 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – OCTOBER 01 TO DECEMBER 31, 2019 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV Monitoring county sitting and implementation of County Sittings Resolutions

In Q1, LAVI NRM Specialist - Augustus M. Zayzay Jr. attended the Margibi County Sitting, which was held on December 2, 2019 at the Karkata City Hall in Margibi County. The meeting began around 12 noon, and over 128 participants attended from all five (5) electoral districts of the county. Officials from the county in attendance included - the County Superintendent as well as the following members of the legislative caucus: Hon. Tibelrosa S. Tarponweh district #1; Hon. Ivar Kokulo Jones district #2; Hon. Ellen A. Attoh Wreh district #3, Hon. Ben A. Fofana district #4; Hon. Oscar Cooper, Senator; and Hon. Jim Tornonlah Senator. The Sitting began with official welcome remarks by the superintendent and then the passing of the gavel to the Chairman of the Margibi legislative caucus – Hon. Ben Fofana. The caucus chair then proceeded with the agenda and called on the following individuals to provide their annual reports and briefing, including the Secretary of the Legislative Caucus; The County Superintendent; The Project Management Committee Chair; and Heads of Sectoral Agencies.

Amongst the briefings made, updates from the county legislative caucus and the Project Management Committee Chair were informative. The secretary of the caucus - Hon. Ivar Jones informed delegates that the amount of $232,666 was allocated in 2018/2019 budget to the county, but they only received $100,000 from the national government. He also indicated that the amount of $750,000 received from China Union was by then available. For the 2019/2020 fiscal year, the amount of $256,000 was allocated under CSDF, $56,000 of which represents land rental fees from Firestone. In his conclusion, he indicated that a total amount of $1,006, 000 was the current available amount to be allocated amongst projects decided upon by delegates. For his part, the PMC Chair informed the delegates that his leadership inherited an overdraft debt of $ 60,000 from six (6) incomplete projects. The projects included Lango Lippaye School Extension, E.J Yancy Annex Expansion, Garwor Carter Town de-de-ta Project, Cotton Tree Town Hall, Unification Town Hall, and the Harbel Women Resource Center. According to the Chairperson, payments of most projects did not follow the normal procurement practice. For example, the entire contract value of the Garwo Carter Town project was paid upfront prior to the commencement of the work. Under such circumstances, there was option to hold the contractor accountable when there is default. The chairperson also alluded to instances where they could not verify actual contract value due to the lack of source documents. All these anomalies pointed to the lack of accountability based on ways procurement contracts were awarded during the period that was under review.

After the reports were read, a motion was passed to accept the reports with some delegates insisting that an audit should be carried out to assess the level of inconsistencies existing concerning the award of the contracts. Others recommended that the contractors be held accountable, and be demanded to complete all the projects for which they were paid for. At the end of the session, delegates were requested to present their development plans, which would subsequently be included in the resolution for execution. All of the districts presented their plans with the exception of electoral district #5 whose delegates were caught unprepared by the absence of their legislative representative. The delegates of district #5 urged for more time to deliberate on their needed projects. In that regards, the delegates agreed to one project request to fund urgent operational needs at CH Rennie Hospital. The remaining amount was allocated equally to each electoral district, which will then decide on specific projects to implement.

Key Observations:

The county sitting was procedurally not without fault in terms of compliance with the current budget law. Initially, there was limited awareness for the county sitting as required by law. Many delegates informed LAVI representative that they were only aware of the meeting a day prior to the event. For example, Madam Margaret Cooper, Chair for the Rural Women of Margibi County informed LAVI that “she was called by the Superintendent on the eve of the sitting to attend the event”. It was also observed that delegates did not meet the 25% requirement for women. A

USAID.GOV USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT | 16 listing of participants showed that women accounted for approximately 10% of the sitting delegates. It was also observed that there was not equitable representation to reflect the “broadest and inclusive participation” as indicated in the amended budget law. This was evident in the under-representation of the youth and disabled segments of the county. It later became apparent that many delegates were unaware of the amended budget law and therefore could not advocate for its application. Accordingly, the need to continue to provide awareness on the 2019/2020 amended budget law cannot be less emphasized.

C2 - Support Education Partners for the More-for-Education Campaign

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

In the last quarter of FY 2019, four education partners i.e. COTAE, NTAL, YOCEL and IDI, currently referred to as grant holders were awarded grants for the second year of education project implementation, while three partners (HOPE, UMOVEMENT, and NAPTANOL) are playing a supportive role to the grant holders in implementing education advocacy efforts. In Q1 - FY 2020, LAVI’s education partners continued their advocacy and engagement aimed at increasing the national budget for the education sector to a minimum of 20%.

During Q1, the More-for-Education campaign team implemented a series of advocacy activities, which included advocacy engagement meetings, radio talk shows on issues in education, education watch forums, policy dialogues, and assessment, with a focus on 60% signature fees and education financing, coordination meetings among More-for-Education coalition partners, development and publication of the More-for- Education newsletter, and education partnership conferences, among others. These activities were implemented to continue engaging education stakeholders and policy makers in advocating for increased government spending on education. As a result, during the period under review, the government of Liberia responded with another 1% increase in the national budget for the education sector from 14.7% in the 2018/2019 national budget to 15.8% in the 2019/2020 national budget. Education partners’ activities for the period under review included the following:

Coalition for Transparency and Accountability in Education (COTAE)

COTAE is a coalition partner of the More-for-Education campaign team. COTAE brings to the coalition, advocacy experience and expertise on budget transparency and accountability in education in Liberia. Moreover, COTAE is one of the four grant holders and lead organization of the More-for-Education campaign in the second year of the education project implementation. 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 numerous activities, including education watch forum, local radio talk shows or programs on issues in education, advocacy engagement meetings, Coordination meetings amongst More4education partners for information sharing & learning, produced advocacy jingles, and conducted research on Alternative Resource Mobilization strategies. These activities are as follows:

17 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – OCTOBER 01 TO DECEMBER 31, 2019 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV On October 25, 2019, COTAE hosted a coordination meeting for More-for-Education Coalition partners at their office in Monrovia, which was facilitated by COTAE’s Program Manager, and attended by 15 persons (7 females and 8 males) from partner organization, including the National PTA Network of Liberia (NAPTANOL) YOCEL, IDI, HOPE, UMOVEMENT, COTAE, NTAL, and a representative from LAVI. The meeting discussed issues related to the second year of the More-for-Education campaign; updated partners on various activities that were being implemented; and encouraged participants to identify and share successes, challenges, and lessons learned. For example, YOCEL shared a message of support from their engagement with Mr. Darlington Talery, Deputy Commissioner for Domestic Tax, Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA). Mr. Talery pledged LRA’s assistance during the Education Partnership Conference to help the Coalition access documentation on tax revenues and promote domestic resource mobilization.

COTAE hosted an Education Watch Forum on October 31, 2019 in Bentol City, Montserrado County, which brought policy makers and education stakeholders together to discuss issues concerning the More- for-Education campaign and the Liberian education sector. A hundred (100) persons including 45 females and 55 males participated in the forum, including parents, teachers, students, school administrators, education officers, and civil society advocates. Preliminary findings and recommendations of COTAE’s research findings on “Education Financing” conducted during the first year of education project implementation were discussed. Participants stressed the need for the government of Liberia and its donor partners to increase funding for education to improve the sector.

COTAE hosted education talk shows on the education campaign on the Liberia Broadcasting System, Radio Station (ELBC 99.9 FM) in Paynesville, Montserrado County, which commenced on November 11, 2019 and continuously happened throughout the quarter, and focused on “Issues in Education”. Sarah Kokoyu, COTAE Coordinator and Hon. Alton Keseley, Deputy Minister for Planning, Research and Development at the Ministry of Education (MOE) appeared on one talk shows and emphasized the need to increase financing to the education sector to address challenges. Mr. Benjamin Jacobs, Superintendent of the Monrovia Consolidated School System was the guest speaker on another talk show. He discussed the inadequate national budgetary allocation to the education sector, and requested the government through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) and the National Legislature to prioritize an increase to the education sector. Alonso Doran, Executive Director of the Inclusive Development Initiative (IDI), and Tetoe Lan Zogar, IDI Project Officer, on another talk show on December 11, 2019 also participated on a talk show. These talk shows provided an opportunity to the public to call in and provide their views on the More-for-Education campaign and current issues of the education sector.

Furthermore, (COTAE) held an advocacy engagement meeting with the MOE, where the Deputy Minister of Education for Planning, Research, & Development, Hon. Alton V. Kesseley and four (4) other Ministry officials were in attendance. The meeting provided opportunity for interaction and discussion about the Ministry’s approach toward sector governance, and how the Ministry can present its dire case for more support to the Legislature and other partners. Executive Director Anderson D. Miamen represented COTAE and informed the Minister the organization had embarked on the second phase of the More-for- Education campaign aiming to call on stakeholders directly to increase the share of the national pie that goes to education sector. Miamen added that, in recognizing the national budget is challenged, this phase would also focus on alternative resource mobilization strategies that could increase support to the sector. He also emphasized that the MOE has a very important role to play if the education sector is to improve. Given that the Ministry draws up strategies, policies and plans for educational reform and development, drafts relevant rules and regulations, and supervises their implementation, Miamen said the role of the Ministry is critical to attaining the 20% increment. For his part, Minister Alton Kesseley acknowledged the work of COTAE and urged the organization to keep up engaging education stakeholders, including the

USAID.GOV USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT | 18 MOE. The Deputy Minister confirmed that the MOE is committed to working with COTAE, and the More-for-Education Campaign team.

During the quarter, COTAE produced three (3) radio advocacy jingles. The jingles contain message about challenges such as lack of instructional materials, poor infrastructure, and inadequate educational facilities, as well as the ineffectiveness of county school boards. These jingles also carry a message calling for government to increase the education budget to the minimum 20% of the national budget. The jingles are currently played on various local radio stations in the country.

Meanwhile, during the quarter, COTAE started conducting research on alternative domestic resource mobilization strategies. Data collection started during the quarter under review, and data analysis and production of the report itself will be finalized during Q2.

National Teachers Association of Liberia (NTAL)

NTAL is a coalition partner in the More-for-Education campaign. NTAL brings to the coalition advocacy experience and expertise on the involvement of teachers in Liberia. NTAL is one of the four current grant holders of the More-for-Education campaign in the second year of the education project implementation. NTAL is exclusively working with the community of teachers in Sinoe, Montserrado, and Nimba Counties. They are supposed to host advocacy engagement meetings at national level with the lawmakers, and as well host radio talk shows to amplify the anticipated outcomes. In Q1-FY 2020, NTAL continued with their advocacy engagements with policy makers and education stakeholders in Montserrado and Nimba counties as below.

Montserrado County

At national level, NTAL on October 17, 2019 hosted an advocacy engagement meeting with members of the National Education Advisory Board (NEAB) in Monrovia, Montserrado County, that aimed to advocate for the minimum 20% of the national budget be allocated for the education sector. Twenty-two persons (22) including 17 males and five (5) females participated in the meeting. Findings and recommendations from the research conducted by NTAL during the first year of the education project implementation were presented and discussed. Participants promised to engage with their local leaders to ensure that the Government of Liberia prioritizes an increase in the education sector budget. Copies of policy briefs containing research findings and recommendations were distributed to the participants during the meetings.

Similarly, NTAL held an advocacy engagement meeting with the Leadership of Liberia National Student Union of Liberia (LINSU) on November 11, 2019 at the Seventh Day Adventist High School Campus in Monrovia, Montserrado County. The meeting intended to get the buy-in and support of the student leadership to the More-for-Education campaign across the country. Twenty-four (24) persons including 18 males and six (6) females participated. Shiffa Baysah, NTAL Monitoring and Education Officer; Rose Saulwas, NTAL Regional Coordinator; and Joseph Kwiwalazu, Project Coordinator of NTAL facilitated the meeting. The participants gave their support and buy-in to the More-for-Education campaign, and promised to participate in campaign activities and as well engage their lawmakers and policy makers to increase the national budget for the education sector by June 2020. Findings and recommendations from NTAL’s research study previously conducted on “Paid and Unpaid Teachers in the Education Sector” also were discussed, in addition to aims of the second year of the education project implementation, and specific activities.

Nimba County

19 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – OCTOBER 01 TO DECEMBER 31, 2019 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV NTAL hosted an advocacy engagement meeting with CSOs on October 15, 2019 in Ganta City, Nimba County with a purpose of getting continuous support and buy-in for the More-for-Education campaign. In the meeting, CSO participants gave their buy-in and support for the campaign and committed themselves to participate and lead the campaign efforts in the county. Thirty-(30) persons including 23 males and seven (7) representing five local CSOs i.e. Justice of the Peace; Liberia Movie Youth; Nimba Concern Youth Association; Federation of Liberia Youth; and National Teachers Association attended. Similarly, also on October 15, 2019, NTAL hosted another advocacy meeting with the student leadership of various high schools in Ganta, Nimba County, and advocated for a minimum 20% of the national budget be allocated for the education sector by June 2020. Twenty (20) students, including 12 males and eight (8) females participated in the meeting with the student leadership. Similarly, findings and recommendations from the research conducted by NTAL during the first year of project implementation were presented and discussed; participants gave their buy-in and support to the More-for-Education campaign and promised to participate in campaign activities in the county.

Further, NTAL hosted another advocacy engagement meeting with CSOs in Ganta City, Nimba County on December 9, 2019 at the J. W. Pearson Public School. They achieved the buy-in and support of the county CSOs to the More-4-Education campaign, and 27 people representing five CSOs attended (including Shape Liberia, Justice of the Peace, along with other organizations). During the meeting, participants pledged to continue supporting the More-for-Education campaign in the county and the country at large. There was a general call for county authorities, Government of Liberia ministries, and the National Legislature to focus more on increasing the education sector budget.

Youth Coalition for Education in Liberia (YOCEL)

YOCEL is another grant holder in the second year of the education project implementation. YOCEL is working with youth and youth groups to implement the More-for-Education campaign at a national level in Montserrado and at a county level in Grand Gedeh and Maryland counties. Specifically, YOCEL is implementing milestone #3 activities including education partnership conferences, press conferences with media houses, and radio talk shows as follows:

Montserrado County

On October 23, 2019, YOCEL alongside the MOE and other More-for-Education campaign team members hosted a partnership conference on “Education Financing” in Montserrado County. The event gathered stakeholders, including the international donor community, international implementing partners, Liberian CSOs, and Government of Liberia officials to discuss strategies and effective solutions to meeting Liberia's education financial resource challenges. The conference provided awareness and built support for the More-for-Education campaign and goal, specifically a minimum 20% allocation of the National Budget for the Education Sector. LAVI Chief of Party, Milica Panic; Acting Deputy Minister of Education for Planning, Research and Development, Dominic Kweme; Rasheena Harris-Reid, Director, Education Office at USAID Liberia; and Senator Dallas Gueh, Chairperson, Senate Committee on Education were among the participants that delivered speeches at the event. The speakers highlighted the need to continue to hold similar discussions and dialogues to bring more awareness of Liberia's struggle and need for adequate funding for the education system. They collectively highlighted the need to identify resource streams in Liberia outside of direct budget allocation, i.e. Alternative Domestic Resource Mobilization. At the end of the conference, the YOCEL team and the participants adopted a conference declaration in support of increased funding for the education sector.

Grand Gedeh

USAID.GOV USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT | 20 On November 28, 2019, YOCEL hosted another Education Partnership Conference in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County. This conference as well intended to identify and discuss the possible ways for domestic resource mobilization to enhance financing for the education sector. The conference brought together over 60 education stakeholders and policy makers from the four districts of Grand Gedeh County. Some participants requested that county authorities allocate some amount of the County Social Development Fund (CSDF) so that it could be utilized in the education sector. Participants also highlighted some challenges troubling the sector in the county, such as the limited number of trained and qualified teachers in the classroom, lack of availability of teaching and learning materials, and infrastructure problems that affect attendance and learning. At the end, participants agreed that the CSDF should be used more extensively to fund the education sector, and as well agreed that other resource streams be fully explored.

YOCEL hosted a radio talk show on November 29, 2019 on 98.6 FM Smile FM Radio Station in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County. The talk show was intended to bring together county level education stakeholders to identify possible ways in which the county could raise resources to support the education sector, and to allow local stakeholders to provide their buy-in and support for the More-4-Education campaign by taking ownership of the campaign. Mr. Kia Gee of Smile Radio facilitated the show while Matthew Karley, YOCEL Senior Program Manager was the guest speaker. The guest highlighted the scope of work of YOCEL key thematic focus including core values and their involvement in the More-4-Education campaign. He also talked about the Political Economic Analysis (PEA) survey that was conducted in 2017 by LAVI as the background of the campaign, and the policy goal that set i.e. the “Government of Liberia will allocate minimum 20% of the national budget for the education sector” in the second year of education project implementation. He also made emphasis on the sub-regional, regional and international instruments for which Liberia is a signatory that mandate states to allocated at least 20% of their budget (GDP) to education. Referencing the 2015 Incheon Declaration on Article 14 and the Dakar Framework of 2014, which mandates countries like Liberia in Sub-Sahara Countries to allocate minimum 20% of their budget to Education. He stressed the More-for-Education campaign team achievements during the first year of project implementation and campaign, including the increase of the education budget from 14% to 15% in national budget.

Maryland County

On December 2, 2019, YOCEL hosted a radio talk show on Tubman University Radio Station, 102.9 FM in Harper, Maryland County that focused on the More-for-Education campaign advocating for increase minimum 20% of the National Budget for the Education Sector by June 2020. The talk show intended to bring together county level education stakeholders to identify means through which the county could raise or allocate resources to support the education sector and to allow local stakeholders to have buy-in and support for the More-for-Education campaign by taking ownership. Willington Dennis, Tubman University Radio Talk Show Host, facilitated the show while Matthew Karley, Senior Program Manager and Emmanuel Kula, Maryland County Coordinator for YOCEL served as guest on the show. The guest highlighted the scope of work of YOCEL key thematic focus including core values and their participation in the More-4- Education campaign. He also stressed on lessons learned during year one implementation and achievements of the campaign to-date.

On December 11, 2019, YOCEL organized a press conference in Harper City, Maryland County at the Emmie Guest House with a purpose of raising awareness on the hosting of the education forum that would be organized in the nearby future, and provide information on YOCEL’s project activities and the More-for-Education campaign. More than 10 journalists from media houses or stations attended the conference. YOCEL’s County Coordinator, Emmanuel Kalue read the Press Statements, while Senior Program Manager, Matthew Kaley assisted in responding to questions and comments from the media and stakeholders that attended the conference, including Liberia Broadcasting System, Radio Station; Tubman University; Cape Rock News; New Public Trust; LINA FM; and Pleebo Radio.

21 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – OCTOBER 01 TO DECEMBER 31, 2019 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV On December 3, 2019, YOCEL an Education Forum at the Youth Center in Harper, Maryland County, whose purpose was to bring education stakeholders and policy makers together to discuss and identify possible ways for alternative domestic resource mobilization and get the buy-in and support of the local stakeholders to support the More-for-Education campaign. The forum was part of milestone three project activities implemented. 75 persons, including George Prowd, County Superintendent; James Wilson, Acting County Education Officer, District Education Officers (DEOs); Principals; Parent-Teacher Association (PTAs) representatives; School Administrators; Students; the Vice President for Academic Affairs of Tubman University; President of the Student Union Government of Tubman University; President of the Maryland Youth Association; CSOs; and others participated. The County Superintendent provided a short presentation on his perspective on the Education Sector, which was followed by remarks from the Coordinator of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the CSOs. These were also followed by a panel discussion on the topic, “How can we mobilize domestic resources from the county to support the Education Sector”. The panelists included Dr. Mle Too Wesley - Vice President Academic Affairs Tubman University; Mr. James Wilson, County Education Officer. Mr. George Prowd, County Superintendent, Maryland County, in his short presentation encouraged the More-for-Education partners to enlarge their scope to bring together all partners that are supporting the education sector, although many may not have offices in the county.

Support Research and Implementation of Findings:

Inclusive Development Initiative (IDI)

IDI is another grant holder in the second year of the education project implementation. IDI is working with persons with disabilities in Montserrado, Bong, and Nimba Counties. During the quarter under review, IDI’s focus of activities was to conduct a research on the 60% signature fees compliance, and to host the 1st round of 10 engagement dialogues at national level in Monrovia with the agencies, including National Investment Commission (NIC), National Bureau of Concession (NBC), Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, and the Liberia revenue Authority (LRA). This includes data collection in Montserrado, Bong and Nimba counties to determine whether signature fees were paid by concession companies and agreements signed with the government of Liberia, and if paid, where is it directed or used for or allocated to Education in the National Budget. In Q1, IDI conducted a training session for data collectors/enumerators on October 15, 2019 at IDI offices in Monrovia, a session that was attended by 20 participants. During the session, enumerators/data collectors were introduced and trained on data collection tools and processes, which were intended for utilization during an assessment on the Government of Liberia’s compliance with section 9.1 of the 2011 Education Reform Act, related to 60% signatory fees payment and allocation to the education sector. Consequently, IDI conducted and completed data collection, including the production of the final assessment report. Findings revealed that that an overwhelming number of citizens had never heard the 2011 Education Reform Act (ERA), and existence of the ERA among citizens is very low. 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 had no further information or idea whether 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 but instead for the Ministry of Education to take that role. Findings and recommendations of the report will be used in the advocacy campaign, and will shared with education stakeholders and policy makers for evidences to increase the national budget for the education sector.

Furthermore, during the quarter under review, IDI held five engagement dialogues with government agencies at their main offices in Monrovia, Montserrado County on various dates. These included the Ministry of Education on December 17, 2019; National Investment Commission, and the Ministry of

USAID.GOV USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT | 22 Finance and Development Planning on December 18, 2019; and the National Bureau of Investigation and the Liberia Revenue Authority on December 19, 2019. The purpose of the dialogue meetings was to discuss and present the preliminary findings of the assessment regarding the 60% signature fees compliance by concession companies and allocation of amount to Education sector as stipulated in Chapter 9 of the Education Reform Act of 2011. IDI staff that attended all these meetings included Vickie Zoebah, Finance Officer and Alonso Dixion, Executive Director. The study is part of the More for Education phase two- project implementation that intended to continue advocating and engaging education stakeholders and policy makers to increase the national budget for the education sector to minimum 20%. Through these meetings IDI tried to engage GOL agencies to start implementing Chapter 9 of ERA and allocate funds to Education Sector.

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 Q1, LAVI and the Ministry of Education conducted joint field monitoring visits in Grand Bassa, Margibi, and Bong Counties on October 1-4, 2019 and December 10-13, 2019. Eugene Gray, Education Program Manager and Askia Biago, Operations Manager represented LAVI, while Alex Mbolonda, Director of Planning and Monitoring and Edwin Godon, Data Analyst, represented the MOE. These monitoring visits are conducted to review project activities implemented by MOE as part of the in-kind grant support from LAVI that is aimed at improving the monitoring and accountability. During the visits, LAVI team, alongside the MOE personnel provided on-site coaching, mentorship to District Education Officers (DEOs) and Monitoring, and Evaluation Officers (M&EO) on how to best complete tablet-based data collection, narrative reporting, and motorbike logs. The monitoring visit of October 1- 4, 2019 provided LAVI an opportunity to deliver the required supplies to the District Education Officers and Monitoring Evaluation Officers, including engine and stroke oil, communication cards, taillight and headlight bulbs, log sheets and report templates for use during the month of October 2019. During the second Askia Biago, Operations Manager (extreme monthly monitoring visit on December 10-13, 2019, LAVI re- right) during the LAVI and MoE joint field supplied materials and motorbike maintenance accessories i.e. monitoring visits in Grand Bassa County on communication cards, gasoline, log sheets, spark plugs, reporting October 1, 2019 templates, engine and stroke oils.

The overall purpose of the MOE grant is to support the MOE in their overall monitoring mission at the county level, thus improved governance accountability. While the resource challenges in the education sector are widely and anecdotally known, the MoE is making their case for budget enhancement through evidence-based data that includes school quality assessments, school census data, teacher and student attendance, and overall school grading. To complete their data collection mission, the MoE required ground-level logistical support for county-level officials. Therefore, LAVI uses the visitations to track progress from the local officials, and to discuss any challenges regarding the provision of support. Currently as reported by the local MOE officials, the grant is used in activities including regular monitoring and supervision of schools (public, private and faith based); verification of MOE’s personnel listing; verification of school permits for private and faith-based schools; and monitoring

23 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – OCTOBER 01 TO DECEMBER 31, 2019 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV of workshops/training of teachers conducted by Accelerated Quality Education (AQE) and READ Liberia activities. Generally, each DEO had visited a minimum number of seven school per month. The DEOs continued to collect the data, i.e. school census, and school quality assessment, but wasn’t able to transfer it to MOE data system due to fixing that MOE is currently performing.

C3 - Support the Third Thematic Window Implementation (Electoral Reforms)

Technical review and modification of ECC partners' and HCEI grant activities and possible extension; Support ECC partners to conduct advocacy for the implementation of the amended laws (Remaining amendments)

Technical review and modification of ECC partners' and HCEI grant activities and possible extension

In Q1, LAVI’s technical team in consultation with the six (6) ECC partners conducted a technical review and modification of all ECC partners' grant activities. The revision was conducted as a result of changes in the ECC’s electoral reform advocacy strategy following the ECC’s submission of 17 proposed electoral reform amendments to the National Legislature through the House Committee on Elections and Inauguration (HECI) during August 26, 2019. On October 1, 2019 the 54th National Legislature had subsequently passed four (4) constitutional amendments out of six (6) constitutional amendments proposed by the ECC.

Following a meeting on September 30, 2019, LAVI’s Electoral Reform Project (ERP) ECC’s partners held another one day working session on October 1, 2019 at LAVI office in the main conference room. The working session was attended by Executive Directors and ECC Project Leads, the ECC Project Coordinator, LAVI’s Chief of Party, Milica Panic, Deputy Chief of Party, Franklin Bonner, Electoral Reform Manager, S. Aaron Weah-Weah. The meeting provided LAVI’s ECC partners with an opportunity to reflect on their electoral reform advocacy efforts over the last five months, taking into consideration the local political context, and re-designed activities that are cost effective, timely, and strategic. Partners had the opportunity to brainstorm and as well, developed activities that focus on advocating for the remaining ECC’s propositions/amendments as they considered and assumed that only four constitutional amendments of the ECC’s agenda would be passed during the 2019 legislative sitting. At the end of the session, the partners agreed that LAVI would share the meeting report highlighting activities developed and the ECC partners would meet on October 2, 2019 to submit a final version of activities to LAVI for finalization and approval.

Later, on October 2, 2019, ECC partners held a one-day working session at IREDD main office. The working session, which was a follow up to the session held at LAVI offices, was intended for the ECC’s steering committee members to assign each institution the re-designed activities. This process preceded the costing of all activities before a modification was done upon USAID’s approval. This final stage was completed before the ECC partners started to re-engage key electoral reform stakeholders and the citizenry. Additionally, the ECC partners in consultation with LAVI technical lead designed a new advocacy strategy for intervention. The partners divided their advocacy strategy into two phases, namely the “PREP and PUSH”. The PREP phase was slated for October 2019 – January 2020. ECC relaunched its advocacy campaign in preparation for robust engagements with lawmakers for the passage of the remaining amendments. This happened during the legislative recess. 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). PREP activities are still ongoing up to quarter 2 as prescribed by the strategy.

USAID.GOV USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT | 24 The PUSH phase, which is the second phase, is slated for February 1, 2020 – April 30, 2020, which will include direct engagements with lawmakers, key electoral reform stakeholders and citizens for the passage of the ECC remaining proposed amendments. This phase will include Engagements with Lawmakers; Media engagements/Campaign; and Citizens engagement towards referendum.

On October 18, 2019 the LAVI technical team met with CDG’s Executive Director and its program team to cost their activities before a modification was submitted to USAID for approval. In November, LAVI held budget development meetings intended to ensure that LAVI ECC partners had a direct involvement in the development of their budgets with the support of LAVI’s technical team. Subsequently, on December 3, 2019, NAYMOTE cost modification was approved, while CDG, IREDD, WANEP, CEMESP, and WONGOSOL modifications were approved on December 4, 2019 by USAID.

Support ECC partners to conduct advocacy for the implementation of the amended laws (Remaining amendments)

On November 20, 2019, the Center for Democratic Governance (CDG) conducted policy engagement meetings with members of the legislature as an integral part of the Elections Coordinating Committee’s approach in building strategic alliance with champion lawmakers who have interest and big influence in electoral reforms. The CDG Director who is also the ECC Chairperson facilitated the two meetings. The strategic objective of the meeting was to gauge the views of lawmakers on how the ECC could engage other lawmakers to advocate for the passage of the recommendations proffered by the ECC for electoral reforms. The policy advocacy dialogues individually targeted two influential lawmakers that are having a strong working relationship with the ECC and are abreast with the issues and recommendations that are being advanced by the ECC for electoral reforms. The first meeting was held with Hon. Alex Grant, Chairperson of the House’s Committee on Elections and Inauguration; while the second meeting was held with Hon. Larry Yanquoi, the Chairperson of the Independent Legislative Caucus. In the meeting with Hon. Grant, he stated that the NEC is requesting for additional support for ongoing consultation and a national validation before submitting its recommendations to the legislature. In the event where the NEC does not present its recommendations by early January 2020, the Committee would proceed to compile its recommendations for submission to plenary. For Hon. Yanquoi stated that the ruling party would not easily support sweeping recommendations such as the public vetting of members of the Board of Commissioners. Therefore, the opposition block can lead such a bill and mobilize public support during public hearings. The two meetings were aligned to the ECC’s project objective of broadening citizens’ participation in electoral reform.

In Q1, specifically on December 23 & 27, 2019, as part of the PREP Phase advocacy strategy, one of LAVI’s ECC partners, WONGOSOL conducted two national radio talk shows. The two talk shows were hosted in Monrovia under the theme: “Strengthening Liberia Democracy through Electoral Reform” on OK FM and JOY FM, respectively. The aim of the talk show was to publicize the ECC’s electoral reform agenda, highlighting several amendments to the New Elections Law, the Code of Conduct of Public Officials, and amendment of the Constitution to Change the Election Date. The talk show on OK FM was hosted on “OK Afternoon Conversation” program with Mr. Tronkon Freeman serving as the talk show host while Mr. Emmanuel Dessie served as the talk show host on JOY FM during the “Let’s Talk Liberia” program. Discussants during the talk shows included Ms. Daintowon Payebayee from the Coalition of Political Party Women of Liberia (COPWIL) and Ms. Mmonbeydo N. Harrell, a female lawyer and activist from the Organization for Women and Children (ORWACH). Both discussants were candidates during the General and Presidential Elections in District #13 and Rivercess County, respectively. The two discussants had also participated in previous consultations organized by WONGOSOL and IREDD on electoral reform, especially the events with women and political parties. Ms. Eliza Dahn represented WONGOSOL during the two talk shows where she presented the objectives of the ECC’s campaign. Key

25 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – OCTOBER 01 TO DECEMBER 31, 2019 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV issues highlighted during the talk shows included Women Representation, Section 4.5 paragraph 1b of the New Election of 1986, paragraph 1c, 1d & 1f; Quorum, Section 2.4 of the New Election Law of 1986; Electoral Dispute Resolution Article 83c of the Liberian Constitution; and Conduct of By-Election Article 37.

Moreover, a period (phone-in-session) was allotted for the discussants to interact with the public. Ten (10) persons called-in during the talk shows and contributed to the discussions. Callers expressed serious concerns about ‘Women Representation,’ Section 4.5 paragraph 1b of the New Elections Law 1986. Many callers believed that women are requesting for 30% seat in all political parties, which was not justifiable according to them. The second concern raised was about the abolishment of the Conduct of By-election, referencing Article 37 of the New Elections Law. Some callers believed that the by-lections would encourage sitting lawmakers to run for seats vacated due to death or resignation. However, the discussants and WONGOSOL representatives were productively able to address the concerns raised by the callers.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ELECTIONS AND INAUGURATION (HCEI)

The Liberian National Legislature adjourned near the end of the Q4-FY 2019, and the House Committee for Elections and Inauguration (HCEI) subsequently adjourned. As such, no activities or events under the LAVI grant were planned during Q1-FY 2020. Alex Chersia Grant, Chairman of the HCEI, met with LAVI during the reporting period to share his plans to move the electoral reform process forward when the legislature reconvenes in late January. Those plans include the completion of a public hearing around the electoral reform legislation. HCEI will conduct a public hearing to include other legislative members from committees of responsibility on electoral reform, electoral reform stakeholders from both government and civil society, and expert witnesses to contribute testimony on proposed changes to electoral law and electoral regulations. One of the aims of LAVI's support to the HCEI is to ensure that the public is well informed of the Legislature's efforts to conduct a comprehensive policy reform process, and in that effort, Chairman Grant has asked that the hearing be broadcast live on public radio and that the hearing be opened for citizens to attend.

In addition to the public hearing, Chairman Grant plans to convene a joint strategy session outside Monrovia to include the HCEI, the Senate Committee on Autonomous Agencies and Commissions, several members from other legislative committees of jurisdiction, and leadership of the House and Senate. The session is expected to last two days and allow the legislators to privately discuss the electoral reform legislation and voice any concerns with the specific provisions. While Chairman Grant has emphasized transparency in the electoral reform policy process, he has also acknowledged the need for private deliberations amongst the members to help clear any political hurdles to the successful passage of the reform legislation. It is Chairman Grant's hope that by the end of the joint session, he will have an informal agreement for swift consideration of the legislative package through the committees of jurisdiction and ultimately through the plenary of the House and Senate. Currently, LAVI is working on the revision of the grant for the HCEI to continue their work of helping to achieve more incremental improvements through electoral reform measures.

C4 – The Fourth Thematic Window Implementation (Community Forestry)

Quarterly combined coordination meeting with NU-CFMB members and national stakeholders including members of the legislature; Monitoring of CFMA/CFMPs, & Third party agreements; Attend regular meetings of CFWG; and Quarterly coordination meeting with FIFES

USAID.GOV USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT | 26 Quarterly combined coordination meeting with NU-CFMB members and national stakeholders including members of the legislature

During Q1, LAVI conducted the second combined advocacy and coordination meeting with NU-CFMB members and other relevant national stakeholders in Ganta City, Nimba County. The forum, which was held on the 27-28 November 2019, brought together 45 participants to strengthen regular coordination amongst Community Forest Management Bodies (CFMB), while appraising them on the findings from the first quarter monitoring exercise, as well as documenting emerging issues from the forest sector in their respective localities. The two days forum began with a presentation of updates by the NU-CFMB project coordinator on the LAVI’s forest governance project. The presentation focused on key activities implemented so far, and upcoming events. He outlined the respective roles of each CFMB and challenged them to take ownership of the project. His presentation was followed by a working session to collect data from CFMB representatives on major activities implemented during the quarter as well as challenges and constraints impeding their operations. The working session also highlighted means of improving coordination amongst CFMB members in addition to a unanimous call for improved communication across community forests.

Day 2 of the coordination meeting started with a presentation of the CFMAs, CFMPs, and Third Party Agreements implementation challenges to set the basis for a wider policy level discussion. The monitoring findings were also presented and copies distributed to participants. After this exercise, discussions on the findings were then opened to gauge the views of invited guests and other participants. Hon. Michael P. Yaryah, Protocol Officer of the Office of the County Superintendent began the discussions and first expressed the Superintendent’s regret for not attending the forum due to his urgent trip to Monrovia. He then proceeded by indicating that the concerns raised by CFMB members in relation to challenges they faced in implementing forest laws were genuine. He further shared that the Superintendent’s office regularly received numerous complaints from CFMBs representatives about the default of Third Party Agreements and violations of CFMPs by various forest community stakeholders. Mr. Yaryah promised to elevate the concerns to supervisor upon his return to the county and concluded by promising to engage with the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) at the county level to ensure compliance with the law and other forest regulations. The FDA Coordinator for Nimba also acknowledged the many concerns raised by participants and said that the FDA has been trying to address some of the concerns but they are greatly constrained with the lack of logistical support to effectively exercise their fiduciary oversight in forest communities. He promised that he was going to elevate the matter to his supervisors in Monrovia, and was certain that the concerns would be addressed appropriately.

The forum concluded with a panel discussion on the topic “Coordination of Artisanal Mining Concessions in Community Forest Areas; the Role of Community Forest Management Bodies, Ministry of Mines and Energy and the Forestry Development Authority”. The topic of Coordination of Artisanal Mining Concessions in Community Forest Areas was selected because there has been continuous misunderstanding and clashes in community forest areas that encompassed both artisan mining operations as well as forest related activities. These misunderstandings are largely attributed to oversight quandaries between the Ministry of Mines and Energy and the Forestry Development activities. Each of the entities claim jurisdiction over the land areas as well as the nature of the forest or mining activities. Accordingly, the NU-CFMB saw it prudent to initiate a policy discussion on the matter. Panelists during the discussions included Mr. Johnathan W. Yiah, Program Officer - SDI; and Mr. Richard Hoff, Facilitator – NGO Coalition of Liberia. The two discussants leveraged their experiences and expertise in the forest sector to present their perspectives on the topic. Mr. Yiah’s presentation was focused on the role regulation plays in ensuring that forest resources are adequately managed. He emphasized that the application of regulations goes “hand in hand” with enforcement. Mr. Yiah avowed that the enforcement of laws has been a fundamental challenge in forest governance and urged policy makers to place more emphasis in that

27 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – OCTOBER 01 TO DECEMBER 31, 2019 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV direction. For his part, Mr. Hoff stated that the problem with effective forest and land governance has been the lack of proper coordination. He said that the overlapping of functions (i.e. Mines and Energy interfering in forest matters, while FDA interfering in Land matters) are as a result of limited or no coordination amongst the government entities. Mr. Hoff said that with the coming into effect of the Land Rights Act, the need for inter-agency coordination cannot be less emphasized. He concluded by calling on the legislature to exercise their oversight authority by insisting that agencies follow the respective acts to ensure that roles and responsibilities are fully respected. The forum ended with the NU-CFMB President calling on the Forestry Development Authority to address the many concerns raised by CFMBs during this coordination forum. He assured participants that they were going to elevate their concerns to FDA formally and at the level of the Community Forestry Working Group.

Monitoring of CFMA/CFMPs, & Third party agreements; and attend regular meetings of CFWG

Q1 reporting period documented the second monitoring exercise carried out by the NU-CFMB forest monitors and CFMB Chief Officers across the three (3) hubs in Nimba and Bassa. The first monitoring exercise was held on December 7 – 15, 2019 in the Barconnie/Homerville and Matro/Kparblee hubs, while the next monitoring focused on Gbobayee and Yriah hubs on November 30, 2019 and December 10, 2019 respectively. These monitoring exercises intended to assess implementation compliance of forest laws and related documents. In fulfillment of this obligation, the NU-CFMB along with the LAVI Core-funding partner (IREDD) identified various areas to clearly understand the extent to which forest related laws were being adhere to. These areas included (a) Availability of Community Forest Management Plans (CFMPs); (b) FDA role in the development of CFMPs & forest monitoring; (c) Implementation of Community Rights Law by Community Forest Management Bodies (CFMB); (d) Gender participation at level of the CFMB; (e) Accountability and Transparency; and (f) Third-party agreement compliance.

The NU-CFMB monitors took a total of seven (7) days to gather data from the field and three additional days to analyze the data. Findings from the monitoring exercise revealed mixed outcomes. There were instances of compliance with the laws and forest related documents, as well areas of consistent violation of forest laws and related documents as it was reflected in the first monitoring exercise report. For example, it was observed that the Barconnie Community Forest (CF) was yet to prepare a Community Forest Management Plan (CFMP) as it was reported in the findings of the first monitoring exercise. Findings also revealed that the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) was yet to provide any technical support to the Barconnie CF in order to get their CFMP prepared. This is a violation of the charter 5 of the Community Rights Law (CRL). Other findings from the monitoring exercise included:

 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 was a leadership crisis in Matro/Kparblee CF that the FDA was yet to resolve. Because of this unfortunate situation, forest activities have been stalled.

 The third-party agreement entered into by the Gba community forest management body was 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 postured caused serious misunderstanding between the company and the community resident, which resulted into the company closing to leave. Meanwhile, most of the logs harvested were yet to be removed from the forest.

 The Gba community forest management plan (CFMP) had expired and needed to be changed.

USAID.GOV USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT | 28  The Blei (CF) community forest management plan (CFMP) development process was still on going and required technical support from the Forestry Development Authority (FDA)

 The FDA had not provided technical support to CFMBs especially around the issues of CFMP development, which is a violation of the charter 5 of the Community Rights Law (CRL).

The findings above had been analyzed and reported through a quarterly bulletin which will be used for advocacy purposes at various levels. The bulletin will be shared with major stakeholders in the forest sector, and it will be presented at the third coordination and advocacy forum to be held in the future in Zwedru City, Grand Gedeh County.

Furthermore, Q1 also recorded the second set of two (2) radio talk shows aimed at providing awareness on forest laws and related documents as well as feedbacks from the monitoring findings. The first radio talk show was held on Radio Gompa on November 27, 2019 while the second and last talk show was held on Okay FM 99.50 on December 15, 2019. In addition to providing information on forest laws and related documents, the talk show guests provided updates on project implementation, including expected activities and timelines. Essentially, the talk shows elevated scorching advocacy issues effecting forest communities across the three hubs. At every close of each talk show, the public was allowed to participate through phone calls. The public asked questions, sought for clarification, and expressed their views about the project. At the end, the NU-CFMB Project Coordinator urged all Community Forest Management Bodies’ Chief Officers to always channel their complaints through the National Union of community Forest Management Body before taking it to the multi-stakeholders and the Community Forestry Working Group (CFWG).

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 Q1, Yr. 5, LAVI Capacity Development (CD) team provided technical assistance to IREDD on the revision and development of the National Union of Community Forest Management Body quarterly bulletin. The bulletin focused on highlighting and elevating issues associated with the implementation of community forest governance documents in FIFES supported communities/hubs, for discussions and information sharing at national level forestry forums and coordination meetings. Further, IREDD supported the NU-CFMB during the second combined advocacy and coordination in the c development of agendas, facilitation materials, which was held in Ganta City.

During the quarter, IREDD also produced Jingles and Dramas in English, Mano, Gio, and Bassa local vernacular for use by the NU-CFMB on local community radio stations in Bassa and Nimba counties. The jingle and dramas were produced to provide more insight around challenges regarding the community forest governance, and potential remedies.

D2 - Capacity Development Activities for Fourth Thematic Window (Electoral Reforms)

Develop Scope of Work (SOW) for ECC capacity Development Priorities

29 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – OCTOBER 01 TO DECEMBER 31, 2019 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV During Q1, LAVI CD team provided technical support to the ERP/ECC partners, including CEMESP, CDG, WANEP, and WONGOSOL to develop individual scopes of work (SOW) for the in-kind grants and proposals to address their capacity development gaps as indicated in the partner’s capacity development plans. In Quarter 3 of FY 2019/LAVI Year 4, CEMESP, CDG, WANEP, and WONGOSOL requested LAVI for capacity support to address the following capacity gaps as indicated below:

TABLE 4: DEMAND FOR EXTERNAL CAPACITY SUPPORT DURING Q1

ECC PARTNERS’ NAME CAPACITY GAP AREAS

WANEP Development of advocacy communication strategy, update financial management manual, installation of QuickBooks and development of monitoring and evaluation system and plan.

Development of advocacy communication strategy, development of CEMSP monitoring and evaluation system and plan, installation of QuickBooks and development of gender policy

Development of advocacy communication strategy, development of CDG monitoring and evaluation system and plan, development of gender policy and installation of QuickBooks

Development of advocacy communication strategy, development of WONGOSOL monitoring and evaluation strategy and plan and development of strategic plan.

Issue ECC in-kind Grant Capacity Development Grant

Following LAVI support to the ECC partners in developing scopes of work and proposals for in-kind grants, a Request for Application (RFA) was issued on October 30, 2019. Subsequently, LAVI CD team and the Grant teams commissioned a Grant Evaluation organized the Grants Evaluation Committee meeting on November 15, 2019 to evaluate the capacity development proposals of the four (4) ECC partners (CEMESP, CDG, WANEP and WONGOSOL). During the evaluation exercise, LAVI’s Senior Capacity Development Manager made a presentation on the specific capacity development support being sought by each of the partners. Mary Zell, USAID Contracting Office Representative, represented USAID. She participated as a non-voting member on the GEC; however, she was very productive in providing feedback on the proposals. Following the review process, all four proposals were approved on December 17, 2019, and on December 18, 2019, the four partners signed agreements to receive in-kind capacity development support from LAVI.

D4 – Provide Mentoring and Conduct Capacity Assessment of Education Partners

Quarterly monitoring of education partners & Transfer IACAT Knowledge and Skills to NRM and Education partners; Identify and provide technical capacity development support to education partners

In Q1, Year 5, LAVI capacity development team commenced LAVI national level education partners’ quarterly monitoring exercise, which occurred during the month of December 2019. The purpose of the visits was to identify and document how the capacity development support earlier received by education partners is helping to improve their organization and staff capacities. From the capacity monitoring visits,

USAID.GOV USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT | 30 LAVI capacity development team identified how LAVI education partners are improving and building on the capacity development support received from LAVI Service Providers and Core Funding Partner. It was observed that LAVI education partners continue to build upon the capacity development support received from LAVI. For example, as the result of the financial management training provided to HOPE and COTAE, the organizations have adopted the following financial management practices:

 Development of a financial plan for all financial transactions

 All financial transactions are being guided by an approved financial plan

 All financial transactions and analysis are being done in QuickBooks

 Monthly, quarterly and annually financial reporting and reconciliation

With support from LAVI, COTAE developed an M&E plan to guide their program and project monitoring framework. COTAE also took a step on their own without external support and developed a strategic plan (2019-2023) for their organization. The strategic plan was developed with the help of a consultant hired by COTAE who worked closely with their staff.

Additionally, it was observed that NTAL, IDI, YOCEL and HOPE are utilizing the M&E framework and tools that were developed with the help of a LAVI service provider in all of their projects and activities.

Identify and provide technical capacity development support to education partners:

During Q1, specifically from November 20-22, 2019, LAVI’s capacity development team conducted one- on-one meetings with LAVI’s four current education grant holder partners (IDI, COTAE, NTAL, and YOCEL). The purpose of the meeting was to identify additional capacity-building support needed by the partners while implementing phase two of the More-for-Education campaign. Each partners’ priorities were identified from their capacity development plans. From the one-on-one assessment conducted, staff of all four partners identified a need for support in the development of strategic plans. The LAVI CD team subsequently agreed to provide that support and worked with the Grants team to modify their grants. They were modified on December 16 and 17, 2019, and the strategy development support will be provided in Q2.

OBJECTIVE 3: PROMOTE THE DEVELOPMENT OF ONGOING CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES ON THE LOCAL MARKET

Promoting the development of ongoing capacity development services in the local market is a strategic project focus, designed to enable SPs to sustain themselves after the LAVI project ends and serve the larger donor and private sector markets in Liberia. Under Objective 3, the LAVI project remains engaged with providing capacity development and other technical support to partners through the use of local SPs, particularly those from the Consortium of Business Development Service Providers of Liberia (CBDSPL). Over the years, SP support has strengthened the institutional and programming capacities of LAVI partners across the Natural Resources Management and Education sectors. For instance, with SP technical support, LAVI has been successful in helping to ensure that advocacy initiatives undertaken by project partners are successfully implemented and are yielding results.

As a result, there has been a growing recognition of local business development service providers in Liberia. For example, multiple SPs, especially those within CBDSPL have developed considerable expertise, credibility, partnerships, tools and experiences that they can use to assist government, development

31 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – OCTOBER 01 TO DECEMBER 31, 2019 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV partners, and local institutions to improve systems and programming. Meanwhile, to ensure the continuance of SP support, the project focuses on implementing interconnected activities under Objective 3, namely quality control measures for Implementing SPs; Providing Sustainability and Marketing Support to SPs (through the Consortium); and Building a Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy (CSRS) to strengthen relationship between SPs, LAVI partners, and other private sector actors.

These core-programming activities under Objective 3 have unique but complementary sub-activities that are implemented every quarter. The sub-activities for Q1 FY 2020 are described below:

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 (SPs). Ensuring that technical support services provided to partners are of quality and in line with partners’ needs and expectation remains paramount. Therefore, in Year 5, Quarter 1, the LAVI CD team continued to promote a series of quality improvement measures following the provision of technical support provided to education partners in the areas of Monitoring and Evaluation and QuickBooks. In addition, the CD team developed a Request for Proposal (RFP) and SOW for LAVI ECC partners for the recruitment of additional SPs.

As mentioned in Q4 – FY 2019/Year 4, two SPs (PERT Consultancy and NERISA Solutions Inc.) provided technical support services to LAVI education partners. NERISA (NSI) provided QuickBooks support to HOPE and UMOVEMENT, while PERT Consultancy provided M&E training to six education partners namely, COTAE, NTAL, NAPTANOL, IDI, UMOVEMENT, and HOPE. Following the completion of the trainings, both PERT Consultancy and NERISA compiled and submitted final versions of their training manuals to LAVI.

The CD team under Objective 3, in Q1 – FY 2020/Year 5, compiled and finalized its quarterly quality improvement plan for NSI, identifying those areas where NSI would require support to enable them to become more efficient in QuickBooks service delivery. The main areas highlighted for improvement were Empathy - Service Providers` capacity to understand client’s specific needs and interests and Reliability - Service Provider`s capacity to complete activities as promised and the ability to solve client’s problems. Given this, LAVI worked with NSI in the development of a quality improvement plan to ensure efforts are harnessed to improve their attention in the above service areas.

In Q1, the LAVI CD team conducted a Client Satisfaction Survey (CSS) with LAVI education partners (UMOVEMENT, COTAE, IDI, NTAL and HOPE) who received Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) training from PERT Consultancy. The survey assessed 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 overall service quality. On the scorecard, each SP is measured based on the following capacity areas (i.e. training quality, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy) with scores attached to each area. 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 needs 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 Quarter 2, LAVI CD team will develop a Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) with PERT

USAID.GOV USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT | 32 Consultancy and review the scores with them, highlighting current performance, desired performance, and next steps to be taken to ensure overall quality improvement.

Develop RFA and recruit new SPs for Electoral Reform Thematic window:

Following the identification and development of a capacity development strategy for the Elections Coordination Committee (ECC) partners in Q1, the CD team developed Request for Proposal (RFP)s and Scopes of Work (SOW) to recruit Service Providers (SPs) who can address their gaps. The RFPs were issued on December 18, 2019. SPs will be selected who can provide support in the areas of Monitoring and Evaluation, Financial Management, Advocacy Communications, and Gender Mainstreaming and Social Inclusion. Their support will strengthen the institutional and advocacy capacity of ECC partners and enable them to proactively engage government on elections reform initiatives.

E.2 - Provide Consortium Sustainability and Marketing Support

Support CBDSPL matchmaking events:

In quarter 3, Year 4, LAVI issued an FAA grant to the Consortium of Business Development Service Providers of Liberia (CBDSPL) to support service quality improvement and marketing, based on findings from a diagnostic initiated by CBDSPL. Following the issuance of the grants to CBDSPL, in Quarter 4, Year 4, the consortium had initiated several activities. In continuation of its FAA grant, CBDSPL hosted a two-day matchmaking event on December 12 -13, 2019 for local CSOs and private sector companies at the Monrovia City Hall, located in Sinkor, Monrovia. The purpose of this Q1 matchmaking event was to promote collaborative engagements between CSOs and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) actors operating in the development and private sector space in Liberia, and help SPs identify opportunities to expand their businesses and increase profit margins. The matchmaking event served as a marketplace for SPs to introduce their capacity development services to CSOs, private sector organizations, NGOs, USAID implementing partner (IPs), and donor organizations. The platform is owned and managed by local Liberian service providers.

On Day1 of the matchmaking event, representatives of 16 local CSOs were in attendance. The event began with welcome remarks by Mr. Aris L. Howe, CBDSPL chairperson. He welcomed all CSOs and NGOs to the event, thanked USAID LAVI for their support, and invited all participants to interact freely. He presented CBDSPL as a One-Stop-Shop for all Business Development and Support Services in Liberia. Mr. Howe concluded his remarks by showcasing the Consortium’s breadth and diversity and urging participants to take advantage of the capacity development services that CBDSPL has to offer. LAVI Technical Deputy Chief of Party Franklin Bonner followed up, acknowledging Mr. Howe’s remarks on the support that USAID LAVI has given the Consortium over the years to deliver and market quality capacity development services in Liberia. Other speakers followed, including William Dennis, a member of the Consortium and head of the Business Start-up Center (BSC) Monrovia, who provided an overview of the CBDSPL`s matchmaking event. Addriene Tugba, a representative of Business Link involved in empowering female entrepreneurs in Liberia, highlighted the achievements of the Consortium, including the success stories of some of its members. Mrs. Ophelia Hoff-Saytumah, Leader of the Liberian Women Movement, delivered the keynote address where she stressed the importance of sourcing capacity development services locally from Liberian providers. She also stressed the need for CSOs and NGOs to take advantage of CBDSPL members’ services and help them build their organizational capacities to carry out the respective objectives of their work.

33 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – OCTOBER 01 TO DECEMBER 31, 2019 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV Day1 ended with a tour of the CBDSPL member booths. During this process, the SPs displayed and promoted their services to potential CSO customers through face-to-face interactions. Potential customers initiated contact and asked questions about the services they were interested in.

Day 2 of the matchmaking event included representatives from 13 private sector organizations, including ECO Bank, GN Bank, united Logistics Company, JAP Construction, Prime Clean Services, Liberia National Bar Association, ZENITH Pro-Consult, Business Link, EQUIP Liberia, BSC Monrovia, and GBIYAH Energy Services. The Day 2 event was comprised of the same speakers as those on Day1 and addressed the same topics. As next steps, the CBDSPL leaders will continue to market the Consortium’s capacity development services through radio talk shows on OK FM and ELBC, billboards, and matchmaking events with various sectors (Private sector, CSOs, government institutions, UN agencies, USAID Implementing Partners, etc.).

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; 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; Conduct monthly planning meetings with the A-Lab on milestone activities; Support the implementation of the Learning Hub (iCampus) Marketing Strategy Plan.

Support the implementation of the learning grant, and provide technical support and review of the learning partner's deliverables:

During Q1, LAVI’s strategic learning partner – ALab/iCampus submitted their milestone #4 progress report, including a number of deliverables. Amongst other activities, the iCampus organized an Education NGO Forum Friend-raiser at iCampus to strengthen participants’ collective vision on how to “build a stronger coalition for quality education.” In addition, ALab submitted the final iCampus Market Feasibility Study Report on October 1, 2019 and the iCampus Market Strategy Implementation Plan on October 2, 2019. The Plan, along with a revised ALab SOW and milestone activities, were subsequently approved by USAID. Revisions were made to ensure that iCampus could implement a series of innovative marketing activities to expand their suite of products, improve visibility of their brand, maximize utilization of their campus, and raise their recognition profile, in order to enhance their prospects for sustainability.

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:

The Education NGO Forum Friend-raiser at iCampus described above brought together 25 participants (13 men and 12 women), including several actors from different education landscapes that engaged in interactive discussions, in addition to the panel discussion. The panel discussants addressed questions such as: what is the Education NGO Forum, and what are its development models?; What does the Forum’s membership look like?; what are its plans for expansion and sustainability?; and how are members

USAID.GOV USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT | 34 leveraging the forum's work across their respective institutions, in terms of the measurable results achieved by each organization? In addition, what were the forum’s successes in 2019 and next steps/plans for 2020?

Josephine Urey, Oxfam Education Liaison Officer and NGO Education Forum Chairperson facilitated the panel discussions, which highlighted the Forum’s key achievements, learnings, and development models. The conversation addressed broader issues of advocacy in the sector, such as lack of coordination amongst public education stakeholders and misallocation of funds. Mrs. Urey Josephine opined that, “More than 80% of the donations normally go towards salaries and other administrative costs and just a little sum of money is invested in reform projects and scholarships for under-privileged students”. She also praised the Forum’s previous advocacy efforts which resulted in the creation of a teacher Code of Conduct for Liberian schools, and the development of the Education Sector Plan. There were also a number of musical performances during the event and remarks from the More-for-Education Rap2Rep winners and young education advocacy professionals. The Forum currently consists of 20 active members, including all of USAID LAVI’s More-for-Education national-level partners. Participants came from 15 CSOs, including NAPTANOL, Tech for Liberia, Kids Development Initiatives, Girls Tech Club, YOLEEN Liberia, Oxfam Liberia, Crime Tech, Young Liberians for Liberty, Youth Let’s Talk, Stella Maris Polytechnic Institute, iLab, ALab, among others. Participants unanimously agreed that all education stakeholders in the country will need to increase their support and improve their advocacy strategies to improve the education system in Liberia.

Conduct monthly planning meetings with the A-Lab on milestone activities:

On November 5, 2019, LAVI’s MEL Director, Stanley Golooba, met with the Strategic Learning Partner – ALab, for the milestone #4 planning meeting, which took place at the iCampus. ALab was represented by Luther Jeke, iCampus Manager and Janet Kamara, iCampus Communications Manager. Together the team discussed upcoming activities for milestone #4, including the More-for-Education themed friend-raiser that would be held with the NGO Education Forum on November 20, 2019. During the same milestone, it was agreed they would begin implementing activities under the iCampus Market Strategy Plan, including upgrading the canteen services; upgrading internet connectivity; purchasing a printer to support printing, scanning, and photocopying services; and producing two (2) iCampus promotional films.

Awarding a Small Grant focused on reaching Financial Sustainability and Learning:

On September 30, 2019, ALab completed the “iCampus Market Feasibility Study” using the services of an independent consultant. This inclusive sustainability and marketing assessment sought to provide strategic and technical support in comparing iCampus’ current services with established best practices in Liberia and beyond. It took stock of iCampus’ strengths and weaknesses, and provided a roadmap for the short, medium, and long-term sustainability plan for the Learning Lab and iCampus. Some of the recommendations included the introduction of new services around the learning space and adoption of an aggressive marketing campaign to increase market share, such as social media, radio, television, listserv, and newspaper advertisements, among others. These activities are intended to expand iCampus service offerings, and improve iCampus/space visibility, utilization, and recognition in order to guarantee sustainability.

Following the feasibility study, the LAVI MEL and Grants teams modified ALab's learning grant, specifically the SOW to incorporate activities, which the Strategic Learning Partner would implement under the iCampus Marketing Strategy Plan. As mentioned above, the goal is for the Learning Lab, and iCampus as a whole to become a sustainable and professional resource center for advocacy actors and other members of the civil society community; while strengthening learning and knowledge management practices among program counterparts, stakeholders, and development actors in Liberia. The revised SOW and a small

35 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – OCTOBER 01 TO DECEMBER 31, 2019 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV grant to help ALab reach financial sustainability were submitted and approved by USAID on October 29, 2019.

Support the implementation of the Learning Hub (iCampus) Marketing Strategy Plan.

In Q1, ALab implemented milestone #4 activities after receiving a revised SOW incorporating activities from the iCampus marketing strategy. As a result, iCampus upgraded its Inclusion Café, a first-of-its-kind, a social enterprise cafe to generate skills, build livelihoods, and change perceptions of the differently abled community in Liberia. People living with disabilities (PLWDs) run it. The Inclusion Cafe is an iCampus model that seeks to create work opportunities for people who are often excluded from the workforce. In addition, the Lab seeks to use the cafe as a platform for a range of activities to support the broader community of people with disabilities in Liberia, e.g. cooking classes for iCampus guests and visitors that provide instructional, conversational sign language while learning traditional Liberian dishes and cultural history, among others. The cafe offers a range of services for iCampus members and the public, including breakfast, Liberian lunch, etc. It is open to the public, Mondays - Fridays, 8:00p.m. - 4:00p.m.

In Q1, the iCampus upgraded its internet connectivity from what it used to be. Users of the space interviewed during the Market Feasibility Study had expressed the need for reliable high-speed internet. They complained of frequent disruptions and slowness of the internet connection at iCampus. In the last couple of months, the campus faced challenges ranging from a power outage that damaged the campus’ central router and switch, to limited connectivity in some parts of the campus, and connectivity fluctuation from the service provider, Powernet. In order to address these challenges, the team purchased a TP-Link Wifi 6 AX6000 - Stream Smart Wifi Router (Enterprise Edition), and currently the internet is stable.

One challenge that iCampus users articulated during the course of the Market Feasibility Study was the lack of commercial printing, scanning, and photocopying services at iCampus. Users were walking a 10- minute distance to Broad Street at the former Ministry of Education location for printing and photocopying services, which wasted time and created interruptions. In order to solve this issue, iCampus purchased a high-quality versatile Canon (2202n) Industrial Printer that does good quality printing, scanning and photocopying. The printer will enable iCampus to provide these services on small and large scales to its members and the public at affordable prices, as the iCampus is uniquely positioned close to several government ministries, agencies, NGOs, churches, and universities. These services will generate additional revenue for iCampus growth and sustainability.

To expand its network and community, iCampus staff produced two short promotional films in Q1 that highlight iCampus services, its core values, and thematic objectives, as well as key successes over the span of its existence as an innovative learning and gathering place for creativity and creators. Each video content is delivered through unique storylines that collectively present iCampus as the first multidisciplinary, innovation and community space for organizations and change-makers, focusing on the intersection of technology, learning, accountability, and social change. These promotional films will increase awareness of iCampus’ work using social television networks like KMTV and Monitor TV in Liberia, among others.

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

Follow up with EDU, Elections, and NU-CFMB partners on data management and quality:

USAID.GOV USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT | 36 During the month of October, while the MEL team was working on FY 2019- Q4 data, LAVI staff followed up with Education and Electoral Reform partners (YOCEL and WANEP) to resolve some minor discrepancies in their data collections tools and ensure data being reported was complete.

F3 - Facilitate LAVI Learning, Knowledge Management, and Research

Contribute to Quarterly Performance Review meetings; Support Success story development and review meetings; Update the LAVI One Page Briefer; Contribute to Quarterly Performance Review meetings

On October 25, 2019, LAVI held its Quarterly Performance Review (QPR) for Quarter 4 (July-September 2019). All LAVI staff attended the QPR session. Mary Zell - USAID LAVI COR, and Mardea Nyumah, USAID Education Specialist, also participated. Each quarter, LAVI conducts a QPR to review technical programming achievements, run through operational updates, and discuss LAVI’s implementation progress versus the indicator targets set in the work plan. During the meeting, the LAVI team discussed planned activities for Quarter 1- FY 2020 (October to December 2019), highlighted lessons learned during Q4, and shared best practices for adaptive management. Mary Zell expressed appreciation for LAVI’s efforts in implementing the activities. The presence of USAID during LAVI’s QPRs has provides the team with actionable feedback on completed programming while also providing timely suggestions for improvement.

Meanwhile, during December 2019, 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, because of the recent national education budget increment increasing from 15 to 15.8%. Success stories were developed and submitted with Q1 report.

Counter-Trafficking in Persons (C-TIP) Capacity Building

On October 1, 2019, LAVI organized a Counter-Trafficking in Persons (C-TIP) Program training for its civil society partners and LAVI staff. All CSOs with whom LAVI had recently worked were invited. The training sensitized LAVI personnel and partners to the C-TIP policy and programs being implemented and emphasized by the U.S. Government and by extension, USAID and its implementing partners. Jemel Liverpool, USAID/Liberia’s Democracy, Rights and Governance Advisor facilitated the training and other short remarks were provided by Prince William, LAVI Snr. Grants Manager;

Franklin Bonner, Technical DCOP; and Milica Panic, COP. It was an interactive Jemel Liverpool, USAID/Liberia’s Democracy, Rights and Governance training session which educated participants Advisor facilitating during LAVI’s Counter-Trafficking in Persons (C- on the Key Concepts of Human Trafficking; TIP) Program training at iCampus (October 1, 2019) Legal Framework on C-TIP; Major Forms of Human Trafficking; Indicators of Human Trafficking; and highlighted recommendations to the Government of Liberia from the June 2019 J/TIP report. The liveliest segment of the program was a discussion of activities and cultural practices, many widely witnessed in Liberia, that technically meet the definition of

37 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – OCTOBER 01 TO DECEMBER 31, 2019 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV Human Trafficking as defined by the Trafficking in Victims Protection Act. Mr. Liverpool provided clarity on different situations from the Liberian perspective, and immediately raised the level of understanding of Human Trafficking issues among the audience. Subsequently after the session, the LAVI DCOP forwarded Mr. Liverpool’s presentation materials and the J/TIP report to all participants. COP Milica Panic also encouraged all partners to look into their current program portfolios, think about ways C-TIP programming could be applied in their work, and develop grant proposals for submission to LAVI. Forty- one (41) persons, including 28 males and 13 females, attended the training session.

On November 21, 2019, USAID Liberia organized an Implementing Partner Communication Training, which was attended by LAVI staff from the MEL Department, including Swahilo Kamara - Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, and Maureen Sieh - Senior Communication Consultant. They learned about USAID branding rules and received tips on constructing success stories that show impact and outcomes of USAID intervention. The participants also learned how to develop talking points and work with USAID’s Communications team to plan high-profile programs and activities that require the presence of the USAID Mission Director or the United States Ambassador. Kwame Clement, USAID Communications Director and Bendu Nimely, Communication Specialist, facilitated the training.

Update the LAVI One Page Briefer

During Quarter 1, 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 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 always share them with stakeholders as necessary.

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; Continue collecting, consolidating, analyzing and verifying data on LAVI indicators; Daily Media Brief collection; Conduct quarterly or Bi-annual sessions with and for FBMCs; Update TAMIS; Update PIDS.

County Sitting Monitoring by FBMCs; Post County Sitting Implementation Monitoring by FBMCs; Routine Monitoring of Partners’ Activities by FBMC and interns:

As already mentioned in the report above, only the Margibi County Sitting took place in Q1. The sitting, held on December 2, 2019 at the Kakata City Hall, was monitored by LAVI’s Field Based Monitoring Consultant (FBMC) and LAVI’s NRM Specialist. LAVI 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 partners’ data collection forms/attendance registers, event photos, beneficiary opinions. They also provided technical support, ensuring that LAVI partners adhere to the project’s data collection processes, procedures, and standards regarding data collection forms.

Conduct quarterly or Bi-annual sessions with and for FBMCs

USAID.GOV USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT | 38 On October 15, 2019, the LAVI MEL team conducted a two-day Field-Based Monitoring Consultants’ training workshop at the iCampus in Monrovia. The workshop provided the FBMCs with status updates on each of LAVI’s thematic window and objectives. The training also offered LAVI a chance to engage the FBMCs in a refresher course on LAVI reporting requirements and how to produce quality reports from the activities monitored. During the training, individual technical leads made PowerPoint presentations updating the FBMCs on the progress of each of LAVI’s thematic windows and provided a preview of upcoming activities that would need to be monitored at county level. LAVI COP Milica Panic expressed her LAVI COP, Milica Panic facilitating during the Field-Based appreciation to the FBMCs for their work and Monitoring Consultants (FBMC) training workshop at the answered questions from the group regarding the iCampus in Monrovia. (October 15, 2019) direction of the LAVI project during the last year of implementation.

Collecting, Combine, Collating, Analyzing, and Verifying Data on LAVI Indicators:

In Q1, 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 Q4/FY2019 (July - September 2019) and the annual report. The data for the annual report was presented to the LAVI team in Q1/FY2020 at the QPR meeting for a collective concurrence. Once the team certified the data, the indicator performance-tracking table (IPTT), which includes all LAVI’s performance indicators, was submitted with the annual report as an annex.

Daily Media News Brief Collection

During Q1, 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, 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 Q4/FY2019 or annual data verification process and data entry to the PIDS on October 30, 2019. All data (Q4/FY2019 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. In addition, FY2020 performance indicator targets were finally uploaded to the PIDS, with the support of LAVI’s COR, Mary Zell and the Liberia Strategic Analysis (LSA) staff that manages the database.

Update TAMIS

As part of its internal reporting requirement, the MEL team continued in FY2019-Q4 to update the Technical and Administrative Management Information System (TAMIS), which is a comprehensive project

39 | USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT – OCTOBER 01 TO DECEMBER 31, 2019 (YEAR 5) USAID.GOV 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 Q1/FY2020, the MEL team submitted 13 weekly report/updates to the COP and USAID covering the months of October – December 2019. 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 Q1, the MEL team initiated the process of drafting the project’s annual progress report for FY2019. 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 for completeness and correctness. On October 31, 2019, the final quarterly/annual progress report for FY 2019 was submitted to USAID. The MEL team follows the same process consistently in generating the project’s progress reports.

USAID.GOV USAID LAVI QUARTER 1 REPORT | 40