Brazilo-Stoves Empower Indigenous Women a Kaiowá-Guarani Indigenous Family Proudly Using Their Eco-Stove for the First Time

United Nations Development Programme The Development Advocate 28 January 2013 • Volume 2 Empowered lives. Resilient nations.

LING EL CO T N Y T R E O S T st T S PLACE1

EcBrazilo-stoves empower indigenous women A Kaiowá-Guarani indigenous family proudly using their eco-stove for the first time. G( ilmar Ganache/UNDP Brazil)

by Daniel de Castro and get home so tired that I couldn’t low-cost and green energy access LETTER FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR Jacob Said find the energy to cook,” says in Brazil’s semi-arid northeast. It is Gonçalves. Every day she would currently being adapted to serve Panambizinho, Brazil—The sun was make the fire for lunch on the floor, the needs of the Kaiowá Guarani still rising and Delma Gonçalves, using a few cans to protect it from people in the Brazilian tropical 41, had already spent two hours the wind and a refrigerator cooling savannah. In contrast with tradi- trekking to the place where she coil as an improvised grill. tional wood stoves constructed and the rest of her settlement col- In addition to worsening her with materials like cement and lected firewood. The return trip back pain, the floor fire filled the iron, this new stove uses low-cost was even worse: under the hot house with smoke, hurting the materials that are found in the sun, she carried a bundle of wood health of Gonçalves’ children, who region like mud, sand and clay. Helen Clark with Executive Board representatives of countries weighing 20 kilogrammes on her suffered from respiratory prob- The UNDP initiative is part of a with winning entries in the 2012 contest. (Dylan Lowthian/UNDP) shoulder. Gonçalves is a member lems like asthma, pneumonia and joint programme developed with of the Kaiowá Guarani indigenous bronchitis. But all this has started other UN agencies, with the goal Dear Readers, people, the nation’s second larg- to change with the arrival of high- of promoting food and nutrition I am pleased to introduce the second issue of The Development est indigenous group, who live on efficiency wood stoves that have security within indigenous com- Advocate, an annual publication showcasing the twelve winning the Panambizinho land located 250 helped to transform the lives of munities, especially for women and entries of UNDP’s storytelling competition which showcases our kilometres from the capital city of dozens of indigenous families in children. In all, the project benefits global development results. Mato Grosso do Sul state in west- Panambizinho. about 53,000 indigenous people As in last year’s issue, these stories highlight UNDP’s critical work central Brazil. The technology to construct across the country, both directly on poverty reduction, democratic governance, crisis prevention Three times a week, for many these so-called “eco-stoves” was and indirectly. The stove has been and recovery, and the environment and sustainable development. years, this has been Gonçalves’s developed by a group of Brazilian considered a model for sustain- The common thread running through these stories is the change morning routine. non-governmental organizations able technology and will hopefully and benefits we bring to the lives of some of the poorest and most “I had a really sore back. I would through a UNDP project promoting be used in other similar projects vulnerable individuals around the world. Continued on page 2 The twelve-member jury this year included both new and famil- iar faces. It included representatives of the Permanent Missions of EMPOWERING VO CAtional TRAINING Australia and Canada to the UN and prominent print and broadcast WOMEN TO for NEW CAREERS international journalists—many of whom focus on development FIGHT POVERTY stories. All the stories in these pages exemplify our tagline, “Empowered lives. Resilient nations.” They remind us that people are and always PLANTING A SEED FOR will be the centre of UNDP’s work. THE FUTURE Sincerely, UNDP Equips Bangladeshi Women UNDP Introduces Organic Farming with Microloans ¶PAGE 3 UNDP Provides Jobs Skills Techniques in China ¶PAGE 4 in Georgia ¶PAGE 9 Helen Clark

The Development Advocate 1 Thanks to the new stove, the health stop using heavy firewood. Lighter Pyublished b BRAZIL: ECO-STOVES of everyone in Gonçalves’ family and smaller wood is readily avail- United Nations Development Programme continued from page 1 Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy, has improved, especially that of her RESULTS able around the house, and dimin- Communications Cluster children who, in addition to eating ishes the environmental impact on better, now have fewer respiratory • 53,000 indigenous people nearby forests. editorial team across the globe, a major goal of Satinder Bindra, Abdel-Rahman Ghandour, problems. The new stove uses a in Brazil lead healthier lives due Gonçalves’ long journeys to the programme. Rajeswary Iruthayanathan, Lamine Bal, chimney to keep the house well- look for wood have ended. She to the introduction of the new Megan Cossey, Maureen Lynch and Benefits of eco-stoves ventilated and removes smoke eco-stoves now goes to her backyard to pick Amsatou Maty Ndiaye The stove’s materials and design and other by-products. The envi- up small branches that have fallen One United Nations Plaza help to retain heat longer; a special ronment also benefits from such from trees. DONORS: MDG Achievement New York, NY 10017, USA clay plate over the fire acts as a bar- stoves, since they produce signifi- “I use my extra time to take care Fund Articles may be freely reproduced rier to energy waste and conducts cantly less greenhouse gasses due of my kids and the house. I weed as long as credit is given. heat better. As a result, the plates to a more efficient use of firewood. the yard, do the laundry and sweep Design stay hot for up to five hours, even The stove’s high energy effi- easy to find around the yard, where the porch. I also take care of the Suazion, Inc. after the fire has gone out, making ciency makes it possible to use thin families generally plant gardens garden,” she says as she drinks her it easier for people to cook food twigs, dry leaves, corn shucks and and trees. One of the aims of the tereré, a traditional yerba maté drink Printing without constant supervision. bark as fuel, all products that are project is to encourage families to from the region. AK Office Supplies Fire has spiritual significance Printed on recycled paper by means of for the Kaiowá people: it is a syn- environmentally-friendly technology. Delma and family socialize around their new eco-stove while lunch is being prepared. (Jacob Said/UNDP Brazil) onym for purification. Generally, fire is controlled by women, whose role is to unify and feed the family. Around the fire—now sustainable and healthy—Gonçalves and other indigenous women in Panambizinho nourish not only their families’ daily needs but also a Empowered lives. long-respected tradition. n Resilient nations.

Daniel de Castro is a Commu- nications Analyst in UNDP Brazil. UNDP partners with people at all levels of Before joining UNDP in 2010, he society to help build nations that can withstand worked as a journalist for over six years at Bloomberg L.P. in New York crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth and as a field coordinator for Doctors that improves the quality of life for everyone. On without Borders in Cameroon. the ground in 177 countries and territories, we Jacob Said is a Communications offer global perspective and local insight to help Assistant in UNDP Brazil. Prior to empower lives and build resilient nations. joining UNDP in 2011 he worked as a communications, advocacy and multi- www.undp.org media consul- tant for the Facebook.com/undp International Poverty Centre-IG in Brasilia. Twitter.com/undp

CONTENTS Storytelling Contest Jury Members Brazil: Christopher Boian is cur- André Frenette is Director- Gargi Rawat is currently a rently the chief editor of a General of Communication news anchor and environ- Eco-Stoves Empower Indigenous Women 1 multimedia news startup at the Canadian International ment reporter with one of Bangladesh: based in Washington, DC. Development Agency (CIDA) India’s leading news chan- He has over 28 years of experience as a and has held that position since nels NDTV 24X7, a position she has held Empowering Women to Fight Poverty 3 journalist and has spent most of those February 2012. Prior to his appoint- for several years. The face of the morn- China: years working as a correspondent and ment at CIDA, he has held several posi- ing show “Breakfast News,” she has also editor for Agence France-Presse in vari- tions within the Canadian Public been involved with several NDTV envi- Farmers Plant a seed for a Chemical-Free Future 4 ous countries around the world. He Service, notably at the Department of ronment events, including the Save Our Democratic Republic of the Congo: returned to his native United States in Canadian Heritage where he served as Tigers campaign. August 2012. Deputy Director-General of Communi- Hani Shukrallah is Editor- Community Centres Help People Learn cation and Director of International Alison Chartres is currently in-Chief of Ahram Online, Relations. to Live Again 5 the Counsellor (Develop- the English-language news Ethiopia: ment) at the Permanent Gie Goris heads MO*, a website of Al-Ahram, Egypt’s Mission of Australia to the news magazine and website foremost news organization. Before Coping with Drought and Climate Change 5 UN in New York, a position she has held focusing on globalization that, he was the co-founding Chief Egypt: since January 2011. She has been with and development. As a jour- Editor of the Egyptian daily, Al-Shorouk, the Australian Government’s aid nalist, he often covers culture and reli- for which he wrote a weekly column. He ADapting Technology to Local Needs 6 agency, AusAID, since 1993 and has gion in the context of conflict and is also the Executive Director of the occupied Palestinian territory: worked on a variety of assignments in human development, multiculturalism Cairo-based Heikal Foundation for Arab development policy, peacebuilding, and globalization. Recent reporting Journalism and a founding member of Providing safe water in Gaza 6 and emergency and humanitarian missions have taken him to Afghanistan, the Egyptian Organization for Human Sudan: response. the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rights. Myanmar, and Pakistan. Legal Aid Helps the Vulnerable in Darfur Aiko Doden is a senior com- Robert Skinner is Senior mentator at NHK, Japan’s Kirsten Larsen is a journal- Director for UN Relations Protect Their Rights 7 public broadcasting corpo- ist, diplomatic correspondent and Special Initiatives at the Mongolia: ration, where she analyzes and part-time editor of a UN Foundation. Previously, international development issues on prime-time radio programme he spent nearly nine years as a Foreign Managing Natural REsources Better 8 Africa and Southeast Asia. She also called “Orientering” for the Danish Broad- Service Officer in the US State Depart- Georgia: anchors NHK’s premiere English debate casting Corporation. For the past 19 years ment in Côte d’Ivoire, El Salvador and programme “Asian Voices” and is a pop- she has covered the UN, with a special Trinidad and Tobago, as well as at the US Vocational Training Equips Youth for Careers 9 ular face on NHK TV and NHK World focus on development, humanitarian Mission to the UN in New York. Network. and political affairs. She has also Kazakhstan: Gunilla von Hall is a foreign reported on Afghanistan. Champion for the Disabled 10 Alister Doyle is currently correspondent based in the environment correspon- Guido Nejamkis is a jour- Geneva for the Swedish Colombia: dent for Reuters News and nalist for Reuters News. He daily newspaper Svenska Moving from Tragedy to Development 11 has held that position since heads the Spanish language Dagbladet since 1989. She covers the 2005. Based in Oslo, the job has taken service for Argentina and UN and international affairs. Since 1990 Special: him from the Arctic to Antarctica. As a Uruguay. Previously, he was senior cor- she has covered wars, conflicts and Top soccer players Shine in UNDP’s Reuters correspondent, he has been respondent for Reuters’ Spanish lan- humanitarian disasters in more than 40 posted to Brussels, London and Paris. He guage service in Brasilia, Brazil. countries. Von Hall is also the President th 10 Annual Match Against Poverty 11 was awarded the 2011-2012 Knight of the UN Correspondent´s Association UNDP Across the Map 12 Science Journalism Fellowship at the in Geneva. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, with a focus on climate change.

2 The Development Advocate S hyamola in her tea stall with her two daughters. LLING C TE O “Until I became destitute, I had never imagined I Y N T could run a business, that I could do accounts, that R E O nd S I could be successful,” she says. T nd T S PLACE2 (Salman Saeed/UNDP Bangladesh)

BangladeshEmpowering Women to Fight Poverty

B y Mahtab Haider and profits exceeded her own ...... “Investing in women yields divi- Better healthcare. Nader Rahman (Mahtab Haider/UNDP) investment. dends for the entire family, specifi- Dhaka, Bangladesh—In the past “Until I became destitute, I had Investing in women cally for children’s education and decade alone, Bangladesh has never imagined I could run a busi- yields dividends nutrition,” Priesner says. “UNDP’s slashed its poverty rate by half, rap- ness, that I could do accounts, that I for the entire family, work in combating rural and urban idly decreased family size by two- could be successful,” she says. poverty is proof of this.” thirds, ensured that roughly 90 per- This particular success story specifically for When a different UNDP pro- cent of its girl children are enroled is not the exception either. Over children’s education gramme started providing cash- in schools and reduced child mor- 55,000 families like Shyamola’s and nutrition. for-work schemes for destitute have received such grants over the tality by 60 percent—a develop- UNDP’s work in and abandoned women in rural ment feat recognized by a United past five years, with encouraging Bangladesh, school enrolment Nations award two years ago. results. In many places, these men combating rural and rates for participants’ children The story of Shyamola Begum, and women have started making urban poverty nearly doubled to more than 90 monthly contributions to their own 43, is one personal example of is proof of this. percent. As the country, once this larger success in Bangladesh’s local savings groups, so that there is defined by rural poverty, wakes up development landscape. a source of a larger loan in cases of to the fact that it now needs a strat- around thanks to a partnership Stefan Priesner Shyamola says she understands emergency. egy to address pockets of extreme between UNDP and the United why her husband left her. Under Country Director poverty in its growing urban areas, Kingdom’s Urban Partnerships for Investing in Women the pressures of crippling poverty, UNDP Bangladesh UNDP’s pioneering satellite map- Poverty Reduction. The Urban Partnership for Poverty with too many mouths to feed, he ping of 29 slums is aiding a targeted Three years ago, through this Reduction does more than hand ...... left their one-room shanty in the approach by the Government. project, she was awarded an out seed money. It also provides capital one morning and never slums have declined. Meanwhile, the “In Bangladesh’s current devel- entrepreneur grant of Tk 2,500 apprenticeships and educational came back, she explains. project’s work in helping these com- opment trajectory, Shyamola’s (roughly US$30) earmarked for the stipends that equip young men “We came to this city looking munities build infrastructure in their story could very well cease to be extremely poor. She matched this and women to acquire vocational for a better life but my husband slums has seen 150,000 households an exception,” Priesner says. “With money with the $30 she had man- skills they can use to earn a living. gain improved access to sanitation Jamal struggled to find work and a national ethos that believes in ended up pulling a cycle-rickshaw. aged to save working as household According to a review by the UK’s and water. making the most of challenging When I got pregnant and gave birth help and set up a small tea stall in development agency, as a result The initiative has directly situations and few opportunities, to a daughter, he wasn’t happy,” the slum where she lives. of better opportunities for youth, resulted in better healthcare, allow- we can expect many more socio- Shyamola says. In just two months, Shyamola’s school dropout rates in participating ing the poor to dedicate more time economic success stories from Less than a year later, Shyamola to finding jobs or keeping the ones Bangladesh in the future.” n got pregnant again, with another they already have. Mahtab Haider is a girl. Soon after, Jamal left for work RESULTS “The Urban Partnership for Communications Analyst in UNDP one day and never came back. Poverty Reduction has played a Bangladesh. “For several weeks in my preg- • Three million people, especially women and children, have bet- strong role in bringing urban pov- nant state, I frantically searched for ter living conditions and job opportunities erty into the Government’s policy him in hospitals and morgues but • 230,000 households have improved access to footpaths, thanks focus, while changing the lives Nader Rahman is a the people from the slum knew he of roughly three million urban Communications Associate at UNDP to cash-for-work improvements Bangladesh. had left me,” she says. “They told me poor for the better,” says Stefan • 150,000 households have improved access to sanitation and to stop looking.” Priesner, Country Director at UNDP Shyamola shares her fate with water Bangladesh. tens of thousands of other women, • 55,000 urban poor families received cash transfers to start Much of this success has been whose husbands, driven by poverty micro-businesses possible through investments in and lack of employment opportu- • Slums in 29 towns have been mapped to enable the Government women’s education and the expan- nities, leave their homes every year. make informed decisions to combat poverty sion of women’s opportunities in But Shyamola’s story has a com- the economic sphere, as seen in the paratively happier ending, and Donor: United Kingdom joint UNDP and UK programme, say she has managed to turn her life experts. The Development Advocate 3 LLING C TE O Y N T RESULTS R E O rd S T rd T S PLACE • 100,000 farmers in three 3 provinces are being trained each year to adapt their farming techniques to international conventions and trading standards • Production has reached 700,000 tonnes of apples per year in Luochuan • DDT emissions cut by 180 metric tonnes and DDT waste release cut by 350 metric tonnes by production plants in three provinces

Donors: China, GEF

Monitoring Progress Over time, farmers have learnt to record the effectiveness of their new cultivation methods in personal logbooks, allowing communities to monitor the quality of their produce and take measures to avoid potential problems before they emerge. These efforts have been further enhanced by pest monitoring and forecasting centres, and a pesticide residue testing station set up under the project has provided regular guidance in compliance with international agricultural production standards. In line with China’s compliance with the Stockholm Convention, the project has helped minimize China the amount of DDT released at a factory in Jiangsu Province and shut down production lines at Farmers Plant a Seed for two other factories in Hubei and Shandong. As a result, the project has realized annual reductions of a Chemical-Free Future 180 metric tonnes in DDT emis- Dang Jiuru smiles as he collects an apple from his orchard in Luochuan County, Shaanxi Province. With training and support from UNDP, he has increased his income by 12 percent. Each apple he sells is a step towards his grandson’s education. (Luo Yi /UNDP China) sions and 350 metric tonnes of DDT-contaminated waste released ...... during production. B y Adam Pitt organic pollutants’ altogether. Thanks to the reduced use These pollutants include DDT and Shaanxi Province, China—Seventy I thought I couldn’t afford to stop using pesticides of DDT on most of Luochuan’s year-old Dang Jiuru dreamed of have been linked to serious health complications in people who come 300 square kilometres of apple sending his grandson to university and that they were the only way to safeguard my in- into contact with them. orchards, as well as the farmers’ but until recently his lifelong ambi- come, but it turns out they were actually limiting it. Many of the new pest manage- newly-minted skills, annual apple tion seemed destined to remain ment techniques are simple, such production has reached 700,000 unfulfilled. His apple orchard Dang Jiuru, Farmer as cultivating grass around the base tonnes—equivalent to an aver- in Luochuan County, Shaanxi of trees to provide a habitat for nat- age of 3.5 tonnes for each of the Province, simply did not make ...... ural mite predators. Others involve 200,000 people living in the county. enough money. But just two years option for Dang as long as he con- more complex scientific technolo- Better quality apples now sell for since he took the bold step of aban- stop using pesticides and that they tinued using DDT pesticides. gies, with UNDP project experts 6 yuan ($0.90) per kilogramme. doning toxic DDT-based pesticides, were the only way to safeguard my providing scientific and biologi- his grandson’s university fund is income but it turns out they were As for Dang, now a trainer him- Training in Farming cal guidance on the safe introduc- now growing almost as fast as his actually limiting it.” self, he is busy making prepara- Techniques tion of new predatory mite species apples. With the ability to destroy entire tions to join the growing number of Now, with the establishment of into local ecosystems. And despite Average altitudes of 1,100 mite colonies, DDT pesticides farmers who are selling their apples three demonstration projects and the larger investment in time and metres and deep mineral-rich soil offered farmers a cheap, effective to markets in Europe. And with regular training provided by local management that is required, inter- make conditions along this part of and quick solution to the problem. a good harvest, offering his fam- and international experts, Dang est has spread quickly and many China’s Loess Plateau perfect for What Dang didn’t know was that ily the chance to earn 12 percent is one of 100,000 farmers in three farmers have already graduated growing nutritious fruit. Like most those same pesticides he thought more per hectare than they did last provinces being trained each year and become trainers themselves in farmers he knew, however, Dang were protecting his family’s income year and invest in his grandson’s to adapt their farming techniques to Luochuan County, where Dang has felt he had to rely on chemicals to were the very reason his apples had education, who could blame him? international conventions and trad- his farm. protect his fruit from the leaf mites never sold for more than 2 yuan One thing he is sure about though ing standards. This joint four-year Similar success in Hubei and that thrive in the region’s semi-arid (US$0.30) per kilogramme. project was initiated by UNDP and Shandong provinces has seen thou- is that he won’t be going back to monsoon climate. International treaties like the n China’s Ministry of Environmental sands of citrus and cotton produc- chemicals anytime soon. “If you had asked me to stop Stockholm Convention that aim to Protection. With $6 million fund- ers turn their backs on DDT-based Ad am Pitt is a using chemicals a few years ago, control the use of DDT, and strict ing from the Global Environment Communications pesticides in favour of healthier, Assistant in UNDP I would have just smiled and car- health and safety standards in Facility (GEF), the project is also more sustainable farming practices. China. xxx xxx xxx ried on spraying my trees,” explains other countries, meant more profit- helping farmers to remove their xxx xxx Dang. “I thought I couldn’t afford to able overseas markets were not an dependence on so-called ‘persistent 4 The Development Advocate AFRICA the economic and social reinte- gration of vulnerable individuals. The centres are community- RESULTS managed and provide a range of services, including mediation, lit- • 4,500 people reintegrated eracy classes and information on into economic life Democratic Republic of the Congo women’s leadership and work • 2,000 people have joined the opportunities. The centres also community credit union offer instruction in dozens of trades, Community including cutting and sewing, DONOR: UNDP basket weaving, raising livestock, baking and market gardening. Last, classes offered in their local centre. but not least, the centres are meet- The special community centre Centres Help approach is offering women and ing places where citizens and local authorities and community leaders young people from isolated rural areas can discuss health and develop- who have suffered decades of violence People an opportunity to improve their abil- ment plans, such as HIV protection and prevention campaigns. ity to express themselves within their The 12 UNDP-supported com- families and communities and to take Learn munity centres that opened in the charge of their own futures. two Kivu provinces in the last two Congolese authorities have years have enabled more than 4,500 since become interested in the to Live Again people to once again become part UNDP-supported community cen- P oor women are opening their own small business ventures—such as this fish fry stall— following UNDP training in small business management. (Junior Kannah/UNDP DRC) of local economic life. After attend- tres and have incorporated them ing education and information ses- into the country’s national gender sions, more than 2,000 of them also and development strategy. The B y Jin-Hee Dieu and Maman Miriam,* a 34-year-old persons’ camp where she has lived joined a community credit union, centres will soon receive a kind of Florence Marchal widow, has benefited from her cen- since the attack and has moved to a where they learn about saving and legal status that respects commu- tre. In 2004, she was raped by three neighbouring town. By combining Mangina, North Kivu, Democratic can take advantage of microloans, nity management while allowing armed men who slashed her geni- her dressmaking skills along with Republic of the Congo — Conflict which offer a collective approach to support from the Government. tals with a knife, leaving her with selling local traditional beverages, has raged among armed groups in achieving financial independence. The centres’ current budget totals physical and emotional scars. She she is able to pay her rent. the eastern part of the Democratic approximately US$1.6 million, with felt completely abandoned and “I didn’t know that poor women Republic of the Congo (DRC) since funding primarily provided by UNDP. unable to care for her three chil- seeing change like us could save,” says Sylvie the late 1990s. The humanitarian and “I felt worthless,” Maman Miriam dren. When she entered her local “I see small changes all around me,” Lubaki,* a participant at the Uvira security situation there is very alarm- community centre for the first time she says with pride. “The children community centre in South Kivu. says. “I would cry, watching my ing, with ongoing attacks against in 2010, the staff there provided are healthy and clean, and they are “Before, I just thought about the children dying of hunger. I had no civilians, acts of sexual violence and pyschosocial support to help her going to school. I am saving up to present but now I know that you money and my health was destroyed.” the recruitment and use of child sol- heal. Additionally, Maman Miriam buy my own piece of land.” can plan for the future with what “Today, I am alive again. I am diers. To support and meet the needs was equipped with skills to earn a She has gained new colleagues you earn today.” proud of myself and I know that I of individuals left vulnerable by these living and make her way in life, from and friends as well, a real commu- The project can also take credit for can be independent, make deci- protracted conflicts, UNDP has estab- learning to manage small amounts nity that has given her new strength. the massive voter turnout in the 2011 sions and take action,” she says with lished 12 multifunctional commu- of money and read basic informa- UNDP proposed this unusual presidential and legislative elections a big smile. n nity centres in North and South Kivu tion to finding the ability to express response to violence in 2010, draw- among women in the town of Burusi Florence Marchal is a Communications Specialist in UNDP DRC. provinces, two of the areas hardest her voice and leadership skills. ing on existing local initiatives in North Kivu. Many of the new vot- hit by conflict. Today, two years later, Maman already underway in Beni, a city in ers included women who had just Jin-Hee Dieu is a UNV * The beneficiaries are all victims of sexual Communications Officer in UNDP violence and asked not to be identified by their Miriam has left the displaced North Kivu, as a way of ensuring learned to read and write through DRC based in Goma, North Kivu. real names.

saving for the future. per year, forcing his family to be O ne hundred thousand Ethiopians are benefiting from new, Hassen and his family are ben- dependent for nine months of the drought-resistant ways of growing crops. (UNDP Ethiopia) efiting from a three-year UNDP year on government food relief. RESULTS and GEF pilot project covering four While this arrangement helped African countries—Ethiopia, Kenya, keep his family from starving, Ibrahim • 100,000 Ethiopians are Mozambique and Zimbabwe— felt frustrated and powerless. benefiting from the drought- where the most recent drought “My family considered me a use- adaptation project has had disastrous consequences. less head of the household because UNDP is working with Ethiopia’s of my inability to feed them,” he says. DONORS: Ethiopia, UNDP, Ministry of Agriculture, with financ- “The time I asked my wife if we could GEF ing of US$995,000 from GEF. have one more child she asked me A key component of the initia- ‘what are you going to feed it?’ and school materials,” adds Aregash, tive includes ensuring that partici- I felt ashamed. We didn’t have peace Ibrahim’s wife. Ethiopia pating countries and communities in our family because of our deep- The project is also empowering can share their drought and cli- rooted poverty.” communities to take charge of their mate change experiences with one The UNDP and GEF drought crop-cycle planning with the intro- coping with another, with the ultimate hope of adaptation project helped Ibrahim duction of easy-to-use early warn- achieving some kind of sustainable to join 200 fellow Ethiopian farming systems that can predict the and transformational change in the ers on a learning tour in 2010 to drought and face of the ongoing and worsening the southern part of Ethiopia to rainy season. effects of climate change. gain insight into water harvesting Now in its third year, the drought- techniques, vegetable production adaptation project in Ethiopia ini- climate change drought refugees and beekeeping. He applied what tially planned on reaching 41,000 Ethiopia absorbed about 275,000 he learned and is now able to earn inhabitants of the selected pilot drought refugees from the Horn B y Wubua Mekonnen drought-adaptation measures that about $3,657 per year in addition areas in the Kalu District of north- of Africa in 2012 alone. The coun- to now owning $10,000 worth of ern Ethiopia. However, the number Kalu, Ethiopia —Throughout most are better preparing them for try’s rural communities, however, livestock. Ibrahim says he feels he is future droughts and the effects of of people benefiting has risen to of his 55 years, Mohammed Hassen are already fragile themselves, with on his way to dealing with poverty, climate change 100,000 as neighbouring commu- and his family have faced much suf- livelihoods dependent on increas- thanks to the advice and expertise In Hassen’s case, it has meant nities become involved, eager to fering during on-again, off-again ingly erratic rainfall patterns, mag- he accessed through the project. learn from these new practices that droughts that have ravaged his dis- providing him and his neighbours nifying Ethiopia’s vulnerability to Today, the family’s vegetable plots will allow farmers to plan ahead in trict of Kalu, South Wollo Zone, in with high-yielding seeds that are climate-related shocks and food are not only a source of income but the face of an increasingly unpre- northeastern Ethiopia. drought resistant. Hassen’s income has shortages. help provide a much-needed nutri- dictable climate. n However, the father of nine, improved and his large family is now Saed Ibrahim, 41, knows all too tional balance to his family’s diet. able to enjoy three meals a day; he Wubua Mekonnen is a along with other farmers in his well about food insecurity. His 400 “My daughter will not be forced Programme Analyst in UNDP region, is now dreaming of a bet- even has extra cash to buy school square metre plot used to produce into an early marriage due to a Ethiopia. ter future, the result of practical supplies for the children and to start less than 50 kilogrammes of food shortage of food, clothing and The Development Advocate 5 Arab States Siwan women taking literacy agricultural and handicraft produc- ...... lessons on the tabluter, a customized computer set-up. tion abilities and acquired online (UNDP Egypt) marketing skills. Siwa women now I found in computers life promote their products through a itself. Now I can read and custom-made online store (http:// write, I can earn my liv- kenanaonline.com/siwa). Aware of prevailing social norms ing and give my children in the oasis, programme instructors a better life. brought the classes into women’s homes. They transformed the tradi- Fatma Ibrahim, Business Owner tional tableya—a low, round, dining table around which rural Egyptians ...... sit cross-legged and eat—into a so- classes I was told that learning called tabluter. A tabluter is a custom- to work on computers can make ized, ergonomic computer embed- our lives easier and help reduce Egypt ded in the tableya; the computer inequality between men and hosts a single central processing unit women,” Ibrahim says. “I found in that can run up to four independent computers life itself. Now I can computers. The newly tailored tab- read and write, I can earn my living Adapting Technology leya is foldable, making it easy to and give my children a better life. carry around from home to home. And as a mother, I am a better role In 2012 alone, the initiative model for them to follow.” trained 120 women on the device, The project team is currently to Local Needs in addition to 10 more who were training non-governmental orga- taught how to be literacy instruc- B y Marwa Elnokrashy and Conservation Association to launch nizations (NGOs) around the Siwa tors, ensuring the ongoing life of Karim Ezzeldin a US$300,000 initiative aimed at governorate in using the tabluter to RESULTS the project. Fatma Ibrahim was teach reading and writing. UNDP is Siwa, Egypt—Fatma Ibrahim, a both eradicating female illiteracy among the first group of women to also working on putting together poor mother of six, has been illiter- and helping women to find new or • 8,800 women have learned complete their literacy programme a business model for these NGOs ate all her life. As a child her hard- better employment. to read and write on a tabluter. that will enable them to offer liter- working parents made simple In addition to teaching 8,800 • 5 more oasis communities As a result, for the first time in acy classes for free. Going forward, handicrafts and sold them to make women how to read and write, the will benefit from the programme her life, she has fulfilled her dream UNDP and its partners are prepar- ends meet. initiative is providing women the of being able to read the Holy Koran ing to bring the entire initiative— Like many girls growing up in kind of skills and materials needed on her own; she is also able to help DONORS: Italian-Egyptian including literacy classes, business Siwa, the largest oasis in Egypt’s to effectively take control of their her children with their studies. Debt for Development training and tabluter use—to five western desert, Ibrahim was lives and surroundings. For exam- Ibrahim did not stop at reading Swap Programme, Vodafone more oases in Egypt. deprived of an education due to ple, the programme put a special Foundation and writing. She joined the pro- Ibrahim now devotes her life to her family’s poverty and a com- emphasis on computer skills, so in gramme’s business development helping other women in her village munity tradition biased against addition to providing training in training course and eventually overcome literacy. girls’ education. These factors, in business development and prob- —established with the Egyptian opened her own successful tailor- “Who knows, maybe one day I addition to the oasis’ harsh living lem solving, it equipped the par- Ministry of Communication and ing business. The business which might go beyond,” she says. n conditions, resulted in an illiteracy Information Technology—joined ticipants with their own personal not only helps her make money M arwa Elnokrashy is rate reaching 40 percent among forces with the World Health computers. but has also created employment Deputy Director for Partnerships women there, who make up half of Organization, Vodafone Foundation As a result, women who enroled opportunities for her neighbours, in Egypt’s ICT Trust Fund. Siwa’s population of 23,000. and the Siwa Community in the programme learned to who now work as tailors for her. Karim Ezzeldin is a Communications Analyst in In 2008, UNDP’s ICT Trust Fund Development and Environment read and write, improved their “When I first joined the literacy UNDP Egypt.

the Rafah water tank became opera- A 3,000 cubic metres water tank is now serving more than 50,000 residents of Rafah in the tional,” Mdalal smiles. “Yesterday, water occupied Palestinian territory. (UNDP PAPP) RESULTS reached our roof tanks without the lift- ing pump. That was a record for us.” • More than 50,000 resi- “The Rafah water tank changed dents of Rafah have clean water our lives,” he continues. “I no longer need to compromise hygiene, live DONOR: Japan in a tense house, trade water shifts with my brothers, and worry about and urged my children to get out the exorbitantly high cost of water.” of the shower if they were in for too UNDP has completed over 200 long. This caused tensions in the fam- water supply and sanitation proj- ily but what could we do,” he adds. ects in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. occupied Palestinian territory The family’s situation eased after Projects ranged from strengthen- UNDP built a 3,000 cubic metres ing water and sanitation authorities water tank serving Rafah and pro- to the construction of water supply Providing vided booster pumps to supply and distribution networks, storage water to Rafah’s residents through reservoirs and house connections. a $1 million project funded by the The water tank in Rafah is part safe water in gaza Government of Japan. of an emergency water supply and Along with the people living in rehabilitation programme that UNDP ...... B y Dania Darwish The building’s residents consume Mdalal’s building, 50 percent of the is implementing in the Northern city’s population of 102,000 people Governorates of the Gaza Strip, at a Rafah, occupied Palestinian terri- 5,000 litres of water every day; until We turn on the tap at experienced a huge improvement total cost of $5.4 million, provided by tory—Water is scarce in the occu- recently, the city could only pro- in the water supply reaching their the Government of Japan. pied Palestinian territory and pres- any time and we get vide water via pipes for three to four homes, after eight years of constant “I wish this project was done ent supplies barely meet the needs hours, twice a week, and the flow water. It may be too water shortages. eight years ago,” when severe water of water was very weak. Mdalal fre- of the Palestinian people. Over mundane to you but for Power supply is also scarce in shortages began in Gaza, Mdalal quently had to buy drinkable water 13 percent of the population cur- the Gaza Strip, only available eight says. “It would have spared a lot of us it is a great feat! from vendors roaming the streets in rently does not have access to run- to 10 hours a day. suffering. Now, we all save money their water tank trucks. Each 1,000 ning water and many of the exist- Because of uncoordinated sup- and have access to the water we Salem Mdalal, Rafah Resident ing water facilities are dilapidated. litres cost NIS 20 (US$ 5.25). ply of water and electricity, Mdalal need to lead normal lives”. “We had a water crisis,” Mdalal Water quality is very poor: only ...... and his brothers had to schedule “We turn on the tap at any time seven percent of the water sup- says. “I had to take extreme mea- shifts every night to check water and we get water. It may be too Gaza Strip, getting water is no lon- plied for domestic use meets World sures at home. We only flushed the supply and to turn on booster mundane to you but for us it is a ger a daily hardship. Health Organization standards. toilet twice a day to conserve water. pumps as soon as electricity and great feat!” n Mdalal heads a family of 12 and Thanks to a UNDP initiative, Imagine a family of 12 flushing the water were available at the same Dania Darwish is a however, people like Salem Mdalal lives with his brother in the same toilet twice a day only!” time. Things are different now. Communications Specialist in UNDP’s Programme of Assistance and his family from Rafah in the building, which houses 30 people. “I also set a schedule for showers “We celebrated the day when to the Palestinian People. 6 The Development Advocate Arab states W omen in El Fasher, North Darfur, march for “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence,” an annual campaign beginning on the International Day to End Violence Against Women. (Albert González Farran/UN Photo)

Sudan Legal aid helps the vulnerable in Darfur protect their rights

B y Yousif Ahmed and representation and provide technical was sufficient to lift any sentence for legal support by community Hanna Schmitt advice and guidance as required. against her. Although the decision members,” says Christopher Laker, Garssila, Sudan—Women and girls RESULTS did not go as far as incriminating the regional programme manager Continuing the fight continue to suffer from widespread the perpetrator, it opened the door for the project. • Eight legal aid centres estab- In the case of Aisha, UNDP legal insecurity in the conflict-ridden region for a retrial should the victim’s fam- Since 2007, the legal aid cen- aid lawyers immediately filed an of Darfur in Sudan. For 13-year- lished ily wish to do so and gave hope tres have provided legal advisory appeal to the General Court in the old Aisha, her childhood ended when • More than 3,500 cases since to the many women and girls in and mediation services in over nearby town of Zalingei, arguing she was brutally raped by a man while 2004 Sudan who face rape and sexual 3,500 cases and legal aid lawyers that the age of the girl and the fact on the way to the market in the small • More that 60 Darfuri law- violence on a daily basis. have provided free legal assistance that she was raped should reverse town of Garssila, in former West Access to justice remains challeng- and representation in over 1,070 yers provide free services the decision of the local Garssila Darfur, now Central Darfur. ing for large parts of Darfur’s popula- instances. In addition, over 15,000 Court or annul it at least. However, tion due to a deep mistrust among Unfortunately Aisha’s case is not DONORS: Norway, Sweden community members have been the General Court upheld the rul- the local population of the very insti- an isolated one. As law enforcement The Netherlands and the exposed to human rights cam- ing of the local court. Determined tutions that are tasked with ensuring agencies in Darfur have insufficient United Kingdom paigns every year. to support the girl’s fight for justice, resources and incentives to uphold their safety and security. Victims face UNDP’s work to provide legal aid the lawyers took the case to the and protect human rights, crisis- continuing harassment and violence, in Darfur is not only helping children populations. It is also working with West Darfur State’s Appeal Court affected populations there continue a severe lack of resources and train- and victims like Aisha and her family to local leaders, organizations and in the state capital of El Geneina, to suffer from arbitrary violence and ing for authorities, complex bureau- deal with these daunting challenges authorities to help prevent and end where the conviction was upheld the deprivation of physical and legal cratic procedures, high costs and per- to basic justice and human rights; ongoing violations of internationally- but the sentence was reduced to safety. Women and girls face the daily vasive corruption. it is also working toward a future recognized human rights stan- 10 lashes. As the ruling was still threat of sexual violence. Given the Against this background, legal where any and all can expect swift, dards. The goal is to restore lack of adequate and responsive law incompatible with both national aid initiatives such as the one sup- fair and impartial administration of people’s confidence in both infor- enforcement in the region, women in and international standards on chil- ported by UNDP remain a critical justice. n mal and formal rule of law insti- particular are reluctant to seek justice dren’s rights, the legal aid lawyers element of development support Y ousif Ahmed is UNDP’s Rule of Law Officer in tutions and to gradually build a West Darfur, Sudan. and file complaints against attackers. addressed the Sudan High Court, in the region. The demand for such culture of rule of law and justice in Aisha’s story shows why. Defying the highest appeal court in the legal aid services is growing. Hanna Schmitt is UNDP’s the region. Coordinator of the Partnerships, prevailing stereotypes and social country. After lengthy deliberation “Over the years, we have wit- Communication and Strategic Since the start of the programme, Advisory Unit in Sudan. taboos, Aisha’s family took her the Court’s justices issued a remark- nessed a steady increase in requests UNDP has successfully supported case to the local court in town. able landmark verdict, overruling The court, however, dismissed the the establishment of eight legal aid all previous verdicts and acquitting rape case and convicted Aisha of centres in Darfur as well as a legal aid the girl of all charges. adultery with a punishment of 100 network that includes over 60 Darfuri In its reasoning the High Court lashes after delivery of her baby, lawyers. Through the legal aid cen- stated that it did not agree with who she became pregnant with as tres, paralegal volunteers provide the Appeal Court’s decision, which a result of the rape. Shocked by the free legal advice and mediation ser- said that signs of maturity, includ- court’s ruling, the family turned to vices at the community level. In case ing the pregnancy of the accused, UNDP for support. further legal assistance is required, constitute a ground for criminal In September 2004, UNDP cases can be referred to lawyers responsibility, as opposed to the embarked on an ambitious rule of law from the legal aid network who, with reality of her age, a decision that programme in Darfur. With funding UNDP support, provide free legal violates the Government of Sudan’s of over US$15.3 million from Norway, advice and representation to crisis- Child Act of 2004. After establish- Sweden, The Netherlands and the affected populations. UNDP rule of ing that the crucial factor in the United Kingdom, the project is rais- law officers on the ground in Darfur decision is age and not perceived A paralegal holds up legal documents housed ing awareness of human rights and continuously monitor the referral maturity, the High Court ruled that by a UNDP-supported legal aid centre in West Darfur. (Yousif Ahmed/UNDP) rule of law among these vulnerable of cases and the quality of the court the defendant’s allegation of rape The Development Advocate 7 ASIA AND THE PACIFIC

MMongoliaanaging natural resources better Naranbek Ristan on his monthly patrol of community lands to check on wildlife. (Photos: Midori Paxton/UNDP Mongolia)

B y Midori Paxton grazing methods, which require dzud, and reduces pressure on pas- income is put into the community T he Kazakhs use golden eagles to Akhbastau, Mongolia—Naranbek moving seasonally in search of ture land. fund and the rest is divided among hunt animals. Ristan slings his binoculars and good pasture, leaving time for The initiative instituted 20 envi- the households. notebook around his neck and other pasture lands to recover. ronment units within the local “We now have more options and mounts his horse with graceful ease. Problems, though, invite solu- government office to support different income sources,” Ristan He is setting off on a monthly patrol tions. Over the past six years, the community groups. Altai and Sayan says. “And we are better prepared of 6,000 hectares of community Altai Sayan Project has worked conservation plans were developed for harsh winters. The dzud impact land to check on wildlife. with communities to manage nat- through expert support from the in this community was minimal last The country he will cover ural resources such as pastures, project, which provided essential year, which I believe is owing to our inspires many adjectives: harsh, wild animals and plants, while also biodiversity information for land organization.” magnificent, daunting. But for improving and expanding liveli- use and local development plan- In large and sparsely populated Ristan it brings to mind the most hood opportunities for herders. The ning. The project also helped create countries, herders like Ristan must important word of all: home. project was supported by UNDP, “eco-clubs” to foster environmen- be the keepers of their resources if Ristan comes from the Kazakh the GEF, the Government of The tal education in 20 local primary they are to maintain them for future generations. He has participated ethnic group and he lives in the ...... community of Akhbastau (liter- in several activities funded by the nationally-protected areas totalling ally “White Springs”) in the Altai We now have more options and different income project, including training courses Mountains of Mongolia’s extreme on wildlife monitoring. 7.97 million hectares, an area three west. People here are herders and sources. And we are “Before the training, wild ani- times as large as The Netherlands. horsemen living in gers (yurts) that better prepared for harsh winters. mals looked rather similar,” Ristan The 64 officially registered com- are decorated with colourful floor says. “But now I can recognize indi- munity groups, which include 912 herder families, manage nat- and wall carpets. Naranbek Ristan, Herder vidual animals and I enjoy observ- The Altai Mountains, which ing the different behaviours of ural resources on land covering more than half a million hectares. straddle China, Kazakhstan, ...... snow leopards.” After the project ended, the local Mongolia and Russia, are a critical In 2011, the initiative culminated government environmental units area for global conservation. They Netherlands and several other part- schools, each equipped with a in important, nationwide changes. took over to support the com- harbour a number of endangered ners, who made a combined finan- meeting room and library materials. As a result of the project advo- munity groups and their conser- species, such as the snow leopard cial contribution of US$11.2 million. Once these groups of nomadic cacy efforts, Mongolia’s Environ- vation efforts. The Government and Argali sheep. herders began organizing and mental Protection Law was Training herders officially expanded the overall Life here is tough. The winters managing their own natural amended to include clear legal in new trades project approach to conserva- are long and brutal. Fierce gales resources, they started to support provision for community-based Through project support, more tion and livelihoods nationwide combined with drought create a each other in additional ways. They natural resource management. than 7,000 herders received train- through a June 2011 Ministerial catastrophic phenomenon called came together to shear sheep, The Government designated 12 decree. the dzud. The 2009 dzud killed ing in new trades, including collectively rotated their livestock Perhaps the most important one in five domestic animals in weaving and felt-making, dairy on pasture lands and worked achievement has been the change the country. Wildlife numbers are product processing and marketing, together to make hay ahead of in herder and local officials’ mind- declining as a result of overhunting tourism and wildlife management. winter. Many communities even RESULTS sets about biodiversity conserva- and overfishing, and livestock pas- The project provided small loans decided to decrease the number of tion and resource management. n ture lands are deteriorating. and grants to community groups in livestock to reflect what the grass- • 7,000 herders trained in the region to help develop tourism, lands could support. They also new trades M idori Paxton is a Regional Technical Adviser on Overgrazing is one of the main Biodiversity and Ecosystems in the Regional Centre for causes of environmental degra- grow vegetables for the first time, established a hospitality ger for • 7.97 million hectares of Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok,T hailand. dation in the range, worsened repair winter shelters and improve tourists who want to experience land now protected further by the harsh effects of cli- the quality of their milk and wool the nomadic life and the region’s mate change on precious water products. Diversification of liveli- breathtaking vistas. Horse trek- DONORS: The Netherlands, and land resources. Many herders hoods makes the herders more king has also proven a success with GEF have stopped traditional rotational resilient to external shocks such as tourists. Fifteen percent of tourism 8 The Development Advocate europe and the commonwealth of independent states RESULTS • 3,000 trainees graduated with 70% now employed • Nine professional education centres providing training in 25 high-demand careers

DONORS: Norway, Roma- nia, European Union, Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation

They are also viable as small enter- prises, offering a double return by contributing to the income of the university. By the end of 2011, as part of its support to Samegrelo, a region in western Georgia that hosts around 80,000 displaced people, UNDP had helped professional colleges in Poti and Zugdidi establish their own new curricula. About 1,500 students—half of them IDPs—can enrol in the courses each year. The colleges have opened furniture- making and tailoring workshops based on the model in Gori. By 2012, upgraded training in 25 professions—mainly in higher- demand sectors like agriculture, food-processing and construction— was available in nine professional education centres across the country. Georgia Each of the educational courses was equipped with new training programmes, guidebooks for instructors and students, and special qualifica- Vocational tion courses for teachers. Of the 3,000 people who have graduated so far, 70 percent have Training quickly found employment. Levan Lakia, 22, lives in a small village with his parents and two younger brothers. Today, he is the only person equips youth in his family with a job, having started work on a school rehabilitation project after completing vocational for careers training at the college in Poti. Nino Narmania is an internally displaced person who is taking advantage of a tailoring workshop offered through aUN DP-supported programme. (Photos: Daro Sulakauri/UNDP) “Vocational training changed my life for the better,” he says. “I feel B y Sophie Tchitchinadze ...... Georgia’s system of professional Kartli, the region most affected by more confident and know what to do. It’s not only about income. It’s Poti, Georgia—Last year, 19-year- education has been questioned by war. Now recognized as one of the about experience that improves my old Nino Narmania learnt she Two years ago, I would advocates who argue that it needs best-equipped professional edu- chances to become professional needed computer skills to do her not imagine that it was to do much more to equip people cation sites in the country, it offers and competitive.” favourite job—sewing and mak- for the labour market. a full range of vocational courses. possible to get an educa- People like Nino Narmania and ing clothes. Intrigued and excited In 2006, with funds from the On-the-job training includes mini- tion like that in our city. Levan Lakia are making full use of by the project, she enrolled in a European Union, the Swiss Agency workshops for the production of their chances for a better future. An college-level professional tailoring This college is my future. for Development Cooperation, and agricultural products, such as tra- underlying belief that it is never too programme in Poti, a provincial the Governments of Norway and ditional Georgian cheeses and late to learn is helping thousands of town in western Georgia. Nino Narmania, Student Tailor Romania, UNDP began collaborat- canned fruit and vegetables, some people in Georgia to cultivate hope Together with 50 other young ing with the Ministry of Education of which sell in the largest super- ...... and skills to reshape women, she was the first to reap to reform Georgia’s system of pro- markets of Tbilisi, Georgia’s capi- n fessional education. As a result, par- tal. The workshops allow students their lives. the benefits of quality education at a time and classes fill up eight supported by practical training in a ticipating colleges are now better to begin work while learning the Sophie Tchitchinadze is months in advance. a Communications Analyst in well-equipped tailoring workshop. aligned to the demands of the local practical application of new skills. UNDP Georgia. Almost half of the college stu- “I am learning how to work in labour market, there are uniform dents are, like Narmania, from fami- Photoshop and Corel, and how standards for qualifications, teach- A student participates in a training lies displaced by conflict, known programme on furniture-making. to use modern sewing machines,” ers have received critical retraining as internally displaced persons or Narmania says. “That is not always and vocational training sites have IDPs. For them, professional train- easy but our teachers are great. We been refurbished. ing is one of the most direct ways to have university professors to teach After the outbreak of military us computer technology and there find employment and rebuild their conflict in 2008, UNDP began aim- are online classes from a profes- lives disrupted by violence. ing these efforts at conflict-affected sional college in Germany.” “Two years ago, I would not areas, where a professional educa- Up-to-date curricula, modern imagine that it was possible to tion would help people return to equipment and qualified trainers get an education like that in our self-reliance, especially those expe- make Phazisi College one of the city. Now I feel confident that I can riencing disruptions in education most reputable educational insti- become a good professional and and careers due to displacement. tutions in the region. The tailoring find a nice job. This college is my One of the first initiatives took programme accepts 50 students future,” Narmania says. place at Gori University in Shida The Development Advocate 9 europe and the commonwealth of independent states

CKazakhstanhampion for the Disabled P articipants in a ballroom dance competition in Kazakhstan. UNDP has worked closely with the Government to support the rights of people living with disabilities. (UNDP Kazakhstan)

B y Assel Tleof ...... Thanks in part to UNDP’s advo- part in several hearings and meet- Astana, Kazakhstan—Since the cacy, Kazakhstan signed the ings at the Ministry, where he con- age of five, when Ali Amanbayev As a schoolboy, I began International Convention on the RESULTS vincingly pointed out the urgent was diagnosed with a serious spi- using crutches and had Rights of Persons with Disabilities need for change in a country where nal injury, life has been a constant and its Optional Protocol in 2008. • 500,000 disabled now such standards lag far behind the to do my homework More recently, UNDP has been struggle. benefiting from the social international norm. The Ministry working with the Government to “As a schoolboy, I began using lying on my back. As the protection system has reacted, promising to make all promote national disability policies crutches and had to do my home- years passed, I realized • 5,000 copies of the UN railway platforms and trains acces- and the establishment of basic sup- work lying on my back,” he recalls. Convention on the Rights of sible for wheelchair users within that life would only port services, such as opportunities the next two years. “As the years passed, I realized Persons with Disabilities to receive college degrees though “You can’t imagine how vital this that life would only become more become more difficult. distributed distance learning, in addition to is,” Amanbayev says. difficult. It is not easy being dis- jobs training and rehabilitation Improving transport infra- abled in a society with limited Ali Amanbayev DONORS: Kazakhstan services. structure is just one part of a social support systems.’’ Advocate for the Disabled wider national campaign to But attitudes and mindsets are Improving social services ...... disabled people in Kazakhstan provide inclusive access to pub- slowly changing in Kazhakstan. With UNDP’s advice, Kazakhstan receive these critical services. lic spaces. This is bringing Today, at 65, Amanbayev leads has amended key laws to improve “It’s made such a difference,” fundamental change to Kazakhstan, the Kazakhstani Union for the social services for vulnerable marked a crucial signal of funda- Amanbayev says of his assistant. where more than 70 percent of Organization of People with groups, with special attention mental change. “He’s the extra oomph to help me public infrastructure is inaccessible Disabilities. This summer, when given to those with disabilities. UNDP, in partnership with the face the challenges of each day.” to the disabled. With UNDP’s help, he was appointed adviser to the As a result, US$200 million of gov- Government, also produced a These days, Amanbayev and the Government is surveying the Minister for Labour and Social ernment funding has been allo- National Human Development accessibility of public buildings and Protection, he became the first cated, allowing over 2,000 people other NGO leaders are busy lob- Report that, for the first time in any services and making cost estimates person with a disability to hold with disabilities to receive special bying the Ministry for Transport for necessary upgrades. this highly-ranked position in Central Asian country, advocated services. Amanbayev now has his and Communication to revise Since its inception, UNDP’s Kazakhstan. an end to exclusion and the promo- own personal assistant who helps standards for providing the dis- programme has been successful at This flagship appointment came tion of equal rights for those with him in his wheelchair around the abled access to public spaces and raising public awareness and as no surprise for Amanbayev, disabilities. The Report drew a lot of city and within his own home. public transportation. As a result, fostering a culture of inclusion for who has watched the rights of publicity and media attention. These days, more than 7,000 Amanbayev was invited to take those with disabilities. In addition the disabled flourish recently in to a short film, photo exhibitions Kazakhstan. and national and international Since 2008, UNDP has been conferences, over 5,000 copies working closely with the Ministry of the UN Convention on the for Labour and Social Protection Rights of Persons with Disabilities to support the rights of people have been distributed to major living with disabilities. As a result, public institutions, libraries and the country’s social protection universities. n system has been extended to Assel Tleof is a Communications Associate in UNDP include 500,000 disabled people. Kazakhstan. With UNDP support, a number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) also stepped up their lobbying efforts to appoint a person with a disability as an adviser to the Government. Amanbayev’s eventual appointment to the job 10 The Development Advocate LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN Don Manuel and his family received resettlement help from UNDP after being forced to leave their home in northwestern Colombia. (UNDP Colombia)

Colombia Uebel/Preview.com Lucas moving from Top Soccer Players Shine in UNDP’s 10th Annual tragedy to Match Against Poverty

Porto Alegre, Brazil, 20 Ban Ki-moon called global solidar- December 2012—Twelve-year- ity at its best. development old soccer fan Clara hugs her idol, “With the universal language of Brazilian superstar Neymar, and sport and with the goodwill that B y Amparo dîaz Here there is no war, like there was refuses to let go. As the players for football brings, together with the back home, where people could be the Match Against Poverty assem- support of Ronaldo and Zidane, I La Argentina, Colombia—The ble before the start of the game, hope we will be able to maintain RESULTS killed for no reason and thrown in 21st century was just beginning it takes a lot of gentle persuasion the awareness and the vigilance to when Salomón Manuel Petro— the river.” • 22,000 IDPs benefit from before Clara, overcome with excite- fight against poverty,” said Rebeca a troubadour and farmer—and The initiative is already showing access to housing, basic ser- ment and emotion from being in Grynspan, UN Under-Secretary- his family was forced to leave their substantial results, currently bene- vices and economic develop- direct contact with one of Brazil’s General and UNDP Associate fiting 22,000 people in five commu- most adored players, agrees to let Administrator, who represented home in northwestern Colombia. ment programmes They took only what they could nities. For example, two commu- go. Only then can officials blow the the organization at the match. carry with them, along with their • Newly built community nity centres have been built, nearly opening whistle of UNDP’s 10th “There are still 1.2 billion out there memories, shattered dreams and centres and schools 100 boys and girls are benefitting annual Match Against Povery. who are waiting for an opportu- More than 50,000 soccer nity to become full members of popular songs stuck in Petro’s from better schools—attended by DONORS: Colombia, Sweden, fans descended upon the new society and live with dignity.” throat. That was when he and his students who are both IDPs and United States Arena Gremio stadium in Porto Proceeds from the game will be family became internally displaced those who are not—and IDP settle- evenly split between two projects— ments once deemed illegal by the persons, or IDPs. one in Brazil and one in Cape Verde, Government have seen measur- Zidane Petro, better known as “Don western Africa, both aimed at re- future. In 2012, UNDP partnered ably improved primary health care Manuel,” was a peasant farmer, integrating marginalized youth. with the UN Refugee Agency or campesino, from the region systems. Funds raised from previous (UNHCR) and the Government of of Bajo Cauca Antioqueño. Like Community organization is matches have so far contributed Colombia to improve the qual- Colombia’s other millions of IDPs, instrumental in the resettlement to anti-poverty projects in more ity of life for the country’s IDPs, he left his lands to escape almost process. Don Manuel is a living than 27 developing countries in specifically focusing on moving certain death due to ongoing example of this: today, he is a well- Africa, Asia and Latin America. beyond immediate humanitar- armed conflict. He and his family known leader in his municipality. Proceeds from last year’s match in ian assistance to helping them to Hamburg were used to respond to fled to Medellin, Colombia’s second He helped create the Asociación build a long-term future for them- a devastating drought in the Horn largest city, where they met with de Desplazados en Proceso de selves and their families. The proof Africa. The 2010 Match raised countless other displaced people Reubicación (Association for gramme receives financial support US$540,000 for ongoing earth- selling trinkets or begging at the Displaced People in the Process of from Sweden, the United States quake and flood recovery efforts traffic light in order to survive in the Relocation) and is president of the and Colombia’s Ministry of Labour, in Haiti and Pakistan, respectively. harsh cement jungle. Community Action Board. in addition to support from local The annual match is televised Don Manuel saw his life change Bernardes/Preview.com Jefferson globally. The Brazilian game was governments. smiles and tears dramatically. He left his home telecast by 18 broadcasters around But his smile is laced with tears that while his body was still recover- Alegre to watch UNDP Goodwill the world, plus major news outlets quality of life he tries to control: “Yes, yes I am ing from the six machete blows he For example, the initiative is work- Ambassadors Ronaldo and such as CNN, ABC Sports, ITN and thinking of staying…but I really Zinedine Zidane’s teams play TVE aired news stories reaching received from paramilitary groups ing to improve the overall quality of miss my land, I can’t deny it. But against each other in a friendly an estimated audience of tens of in Caceres, a little village in the Bajo life for both the IDPs and the com- here we are, alive and with a future.” and exciting match. millions of global viewers. Every year, Cauca region, and he was being munities they are being located Indeed, more important than The game, sponsored by UNDP, the match is supported by soccer’s threatened with death if he did not into. Funds are used to provide new buildings, community con- ended with Ronaldo’s star- governing bodies, the Fédération leave within 15 days. land, housing, basic services and sultations and humanitarian hand- studded team winning 3-2, with Internationale de Football Association “I had to leave, I was lucky that local economic development pro- outs, is the resilience of the people Zidane scoring one of the consola- (FIFA), and the Union of European I received only blows, others were grammes that help enrich the host themselves. That’s why in 2013 tion goals. Football Associations (UEFA). All the killed,” Don Manuel says. “And my communities along with their new the programme will reach seven “To be able to host this match players and match officials donate family was unharmed. Others did neighbours. The programme also their time. additional communities, bringing and have my dear friend, Zidane, not live to tell the story.” works to strengthen and support and all my other fellows graciously For Clara and many others, the much-needed opportunity to some Don Manuel’s case is not unique. the government institutions tasked accept this invitation, in my home December 2012 Match will be a 50,000 Colombians displaced by Internal displacement as a result of with protecting the rights of vic- country Brazil, is marvelous,” said day to remember. Apart from see- violence. ongoing armed conflict continues tims of armed conflict. Ronaldo. “This cause is really ing some of their greatest idols “The most important thing is to on the pitch, what they perhaps to occur in Colombia. Almost 3.9 With the programme’s sup- important to both of us. We are be persistent, to be willing to act, very glad with the progress made will also take home is the collec- million IDPs have been recorded port, Don Manuel and his family to recover what was lost during in Brazil and that we were able tive message from players, UNDP since 1997. The search to resolve finally ended up in the city of La the time of violence, that is why to sell all the tickets in just two and all participants, that fighting the situation of this huge popula- Argentina, where he and other IDPs we resisted so much hardship,” Don weeks.” against poverty is an everyday tion has become a priority for the arrived with the promise of receiv- Manuel explains, smiling with eyes The annual UNDP Match struggle and that every action Government and there are many ing a plot of land to support their that still reflect the scars of what he Against Poverty began in 2003 helps. needs for the displaced, including relocation. “I hope that one day, with time, has seen and experienced. n at the initiative of star footballers humanitarian aid, protection and “Paradise,” is how Don Manuel Ronaldo and Zidane to raise aware- we won’t be needed anymore,” Amparo Diaz is a Communications Specialist opportunities for working towards describes his life today in La in UNDP Colombia. The UNDP team in the Oriente ness about the challenges and Zidane said. —By Abdel-Rahman more permanent and sustainable Argentina, located in southwest- Antioquenho region contributed to the story. solutions around combating pov- Ghandour/UNDP NY livelihoods. ern Colombia. “This region is very erty, in what UN Secretary-General Realistically speaking, many of poor in natural resources but it is Colombia’s IDPs cannot hope to peaceful and calm with regard to return to their homes in the near public order. I feel more at peace. The Development Advocate 11 UNDP Across the Map

PAKISTAN: KOSOVO*: Jaan started a local Bujar Kadriu—a 43- women’s community year-old married father organization, one of CUBA: of five who is partially more than 1,000 such To ensure food security, sighted—has headed organizations aided by the Cuban Ministry Kosovo’s Association of UNDP’s Refugee Affected of Agriculture, the the Blind for eight years. and Hosting Areas European Union and One of his proudest programme. The initiative UNDP have developed accomplishments was has helped rebuild an a joint project in which the June 2011 passage earthquake-ravaged 13,200 farmers have of a new law protecting road to Jaan’s village, been trained in business the rights of the blind, benefiting more than planning and animal who number around 12,000 residents. feed production. 3,000.

EL SALVADOR: UNDP promoted a law on access to information through an eight-hour “Tweetathon” that generated 1,437 tweets.

MYANMAR: UNDP’s Human Develop- ment Initiative has provided vocational training—snack-making, NIGERIA: SOUTH SUDAN: food preservation, HONDURAS: The UNDP-GEF Small With funding from the knitting, bag and basket Conflict Mediation Grants Programme has Global Fund to Fight weaving—to 9,000 and Conciliation Units, provided training in AIDS, Tuberculosis and internally displaced promoted by UNDP, have agricultural techniques Malaria, UNDP has people. dealt with a total of to 32,500 women, focused on strength- 5,546 disputes, of which allowing them to feed ening the country’s CAMEROON: 3,057 were mediated or their families and sell health care system. Two local women successfully reconciled. produce in local markets. Last year alone, over —trained in India to 4,000 people received install solar panels— anti-retroviral medica- subsequently trained tions and 85 percent other women upon their successfully completed return, who went on tuberculosis treatment. to set up 98 household

solar systems in their The boundaries and names shown and the designations villages. Children can used on this map do not imply official endorsement or now study at night and acceptance by the United Nations. Final boundary between the Republic of Sudan and the there is less risk of fire Republic of South Sudan has not yet been determined. and asphyxiation from Dotted line represents approximately the Line of Control in gasoline generators. Jammu and Kashmir agreed upon by India and Pakistan. Photo credits (left to right): Mauricio Martínez/UNDP El Salvador; Paloma de Paz; UNDP Cuba; Bridget Ejegwa/ The final status of Jammu and Kashmir has not yet been UNDP Nigeria; Danijela Mitic/UNDP; UNDP Cameroon; Brian Sokol/UNDP South Sudan; UNDP Pakistan; UNDP *UN Security Council Resolution 1244, 1999 agreed upon by the parties. Myanmar. FOLLOW UNDP ONLINE: undp.org

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Coming soon! Feedback? Write to: [email protected] The Development Advocate United Nations Development Programme Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy Office of Communications One United Nations Plaza, DC1-1903 New York, NY 10017 Empowered lives. www.undp.org Resilient nations.

The Development Advocate: Afghanistan 12 The Development Advocate