RI/USAID International H2O Collaboration - Partnering for Success
•Als PPTX, PDF herunterladen•
1 gefällt mir•659 views
The Rotary International-USAID International H2O Collaboration is a partnership between Rotary and the U.S. Agency for International Development that supports lasting, positive change to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives. Rotarians will discuss successes and challenges in their work with this major international development agency in Ghana, Uganda, and Madagascar. You’ll hear some of the lessons learned in the partnership planning and design phase and learn about opportunities for advocacy and innovation in service.
Empfohlen
Empfohlen
Weitere ähnliche Inhalte
Was ist angesagt?
Was ist angesagt? (18)
Ähnlich wie RI/USAID International H2O Collaboration - Partnering for Success
Ähnlich wie RI/USAID International H2O Collaboration - Partnering for Success (20)
Mehr von Rotary International
Mehr von Rotary International (20)
Kürzlich hochgeladen
Kürzlich hochgeladen (20)
RI/USAID International H2O Collaboration - Partnering for Success
- 1. 2016 ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION RI-USAID INTERNATIONAL H2O COLLABORATION: PARTNERING FOR IMPACT
- 2. MODERATOR AND PANELIST F. Ronald (Ron) Denham Ph.D. District 7070, Canada
- 5. AGENDA I. Overview of RI-USAID Strategic Partnership – Ron Denham • What did we learn? I. RI-USAID Partnership in Ghana – Ako Odotei II. RI-USAID Partnership in Uganda – Moses Musiitwa III. Panel and Audience Discussion
- 6. The partnership between Rotary and USAID focuses on providing access to infrastructure, strengthening delivery of WASH services, promoting hygiene education and behavior change and mobilizing communities and resources in developing countries. PARTNERING FOR IMPACT – WHAT WE DO
- 7. AN UNLIKELY PAIRING: WHY ROTARY? WHY USAID? • Global network of influence that can advocate for WASH • Ability to convene multiple participants and investors • Leaders of civil society representing multiple industries – including government • Vocational expertise in water, sanitation and hygiene • Technical expertise in international development • Working relationships with governments • Rigorous approaches to sustainability, monitoring and evaluation
- 8. STEERING COMMITTEE Tom Thorfinnson, Chairman and RI Trustee Mike Webb, RI Director Ron Denham, Wasrag Chairman Emeritus Elizabeth Jordan, Environmental Health Advisor Amanda Robertson, USAID Water Advisor Merri Weinger, USAID Environmental Health Lead Katherine Rostkowski, President Management Fellow RI Staff Support: Erica Gwynn, RI-USAID Program Manager Victor Barnes, Director of Programs and Grants Chandra Palmer, Area of Focus Coordinator
- 9. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES 1. Increase access to community water supply and sanitation services 2. Foster improved behaviors in sanitation and hygiene for positive health impacts 3. Promote efficient and sustainable water and sanitation services that protect the environment and provide economic benefits to communities
- 10. PARALLEL FUNDING MODEL $1 million USD $1 million USD :
- 11. Ghana: 2009-2013 • 153 rural communities • 86,000 people served • 180 interventions: • Capacity building – WASH committees • Construction of water supply and sanitation systems (VIPs and pour-flush toilets) • Hygiene education • Partners: Relief International & Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA)
- 12. Dominican Republic: 2009-2013 • 309 communities • 50,000 people served • 15,469 interventions • 6,700 household water treatment and safe water storage systems • Sanitation and hygiene activities in barrios and bateyes • Partners: Save the Children, ENTRENA, Mujeres en Desarrollo Dominicana
- 13. Philippines 2009-2013 • 34 communities • 213,000 people served • 23 interventions • Construction of wastewater treatment plant, septage and desludging systems • Rural water-supply service provision • Hygiene training • Partners: Philippine Water Revolving Fund, the Philippine Sanitation Alliance and the Alliance for Mindanao Off-Grid Renewable Energy Program
- 15. Districts/Municipalities National long-term support financing plans/ life- cycle costs continued training supportive policies reliable management Service Provider
- 16. Poor Likelihood of Sustainability <50% Moderate Likelihood of Sustainability 51-75% High Likelihood of Sustainability 76% +
- 17. GLOBAL FINDINGS LESSONS LEARNED 1. In all countries, the collaboration’s interventions were well designed and are technically sound 2. Aspects of financing scored relatively poorly 3. Major capital maintenance or replacement plans needed to be addressed 4. Projects that were not connected with current government initiatives or in alignment with government standards, policies and guidelines were at higher risk for sustainability 5. The capacity and willingness for local and national institutions to provide follow-up support could be improved
- 18. PARTNERSHIP LESSONS LEARNED 1. It was difficult for USAID and their implementation partners to work within a volunteer framework. 2. There was a disconnect between how Rotarians approached project implementation and how development professionals approached project implementation. 3. Rotarians do not always grasp that their greatest contribution is their influence on the local and national sector levels in country. 4. Development of a truly integrated partnership is difficult on the ground. Oftentimes, parallel activities result.
- 19. We knew we could improve…..leveraging the strengths of Rotarians and the USAID Missions even more to serve communities better…..
- 20. Provision of WASH Services at Scale Advocacy (Local/District) Innovation
- 21. Provision of WASH Services at Scale Advocacy (Local/District) Innovation Programs intended to have larger scale and higher likelihood of sustainability
- 22. PARTNERING FOR IMPACT – NEW GEOGRAPHIC FOCUS Focal Countries: • Ghana • Uganda • Madagascar
- 23. PARALLEL FUNDING MODEL $2 million USD ($200,000 through fundraising by Rotarians) $2 million USD :
- 25. RI-USAID PARTNERSHIP - GHANA PAG Ako Odotei
- 26. PARTNERSHIP ACHIEVEMENTS IN GHANA: PHASE ONE • Partnership activities in six districts Rotary Ghana USAID • 77 boreholes with hand pumps in rural villages • 52 KVIP sanitary facilities in 18 schools • WCs in 3 public locations • 4 Mechanized water systems (communities and clinic) • 20 boreholes with hand pumps in rural villages • KVIP sanitary facilities in 22 schools • WC in 1 public location • Training, capacity building and behavioral modification activities of WATSAN committee members. • Behavior change communication
- 29. ROTARIAN FOCUS OBJECTIVES - GHANA
- 30. • Rotary and USAID working with Community Water & Sanitation Agency (CWSA) and Global Communities. • Expanding geographic scope – 13 districts vs. 6 districts – 103,000 people in 155 communities in these districts will benefit – USAID will be in the same communities but will focus on Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) and software PHASE TWO IN GHANA: WHAT WE ARE DOING DIFFERENTLY
- 31. KEEPING CLUBS ENGAGED AND INVESTED • All the clubs in Ghana except the Kumasi clubs and Bolgatanga club • Raise Funds for the Project – $25/year • Assigned Communities • Supervisory Visit Plan (A detailed Checklist )
- 32. ADVOCACY
- 33. INNOVATION • Collect stories and lessons learned in the field around WASH implementation • Coordination tool among clubs
- 34. RI-USAID PARTNERSHIP - UGANDA Moses Musiitwa
- 35. Overview 1. First Step: Understanding USAID’s RFP/ Scope of Work 2. Preparing to collaborate and coordinate: understanding the strengths, interests of Rotary Clubs in Uganda 3. URWP 4. Steps clubs should take BEFORE partnering 5. Critical Success Factors
- 36. USAIDs Development Objective as Stated in RFP: To increase the number of people with access to improved and sustainable WASH services, ultimately leading to improved health and nutrition status in focus areas and population groups in Uganda. Results: 1. Increased household access to sanitation and water services; 2. Key hygiene behaviors at home, school, and health facilities adopted and expanded; 3. Strengthened district water and sanitation governance for sustainable services. USAID’s Scope of Work: Uganda Sanitation for Health
- 38. • Increase access to and improve sanitation products and services • Develop new management models for improved water supply and sanitation services Output 1 Increase household access to sanitation & water services
- 39. • Implement demand-led community led total sanitation (CLTS) at-scale • Increase adoption of key hygiene behaviors at home • Improve school WASH behaviors and management • Integrate promotion of essential WASH actions in health facilities Output 2 Expand adoption of key hygiene behaviors at home, school, and health facilities
- 40. • Strengthening local governance and management • Support selected WASH sector policy reforms Output 3 Strengthen District Water and Sanitation Governance
- 41. • Coordination with Government Entities & District Operational Plans • Sustainability issues • Grants Under the Contract • Construction (new or renovation) • Gender • Youth • Ability to learn and adapt program approaches IMPLEMENTATION APPROACH
- 42. PREPARING TO COLLABORATE: UNDERSTANDING WHAT ROTARIANS HAVE DONE IN WASH
- 43. • WASH in Schools & Health Facilities universal coverage for Districts eg APAC, • Developed now 28 projects WASH related in Uganda, which require some 7 .2 M USD • Menstrual Hygiene mgt -MHM in Schools . • International Representation on WASH matters • Rotary WASH summit –March 2016 PREPARING TO COLLABORATE: UNDERSTANDING WHAT ROTARIANS HAVE DONE IN WASH
- 44. Uganda Rotary Water Plus Program (URWP) URWP Desired Impact •Entire community is lifted up •Basis for other programs (education, health, blood bank, etc.) •Improved life & livelihood •Reduction of poverty •Food security •Reduced conflict •Improved health and well being •Enhanced economic value for the region. OUR MISSION: •To promote effective sustainable systems by consolidating and increasing clean water supply and basic sanitation in rural Uganda. THE VISION: •To foster and promote effective service delivery to the remoter, rural communities of Uganda.
- 45. Uganda Rotary Water Plus Program (URWP) Model
- 46. PREPARATION STEPS FOR ROTARY CLUBS • Agree to work within framework of RI-USAID Alliance (MOU) • Define what we are collectively as clubs agreeing to focus on within USAID’s scope of work • Self assessment for Rotary Clubs • Identify ways to facilitate the cooperation of clubs
- 47. PREPARATION STEPS FOR ROTARY CLUBS • Stake holder identification • Determine fundraising plan and identify international partners • Plan to train clubs to: – Familiarize them with how USAID operates – Familiarize them with how to work with USAID’s implementation partners – Build capacity in project management – Build capacity in advocacy strategies – Increase understanding on how the partnership will be governed by the host committee and managed by a project manager – Increase awareness of the role of URWP • Strategize promotion and marketing
- 48. • Rotary club(s) must build strong relationships with the community(s). • Develop critical mass of professionals to support Rotary • The Rotary club identifies partners: - International Rotary Clubs/NGOs/CSOs/CBOs - Business community and local authorities • Project aligns with RI-USAID Partnership framework CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS FOR ROTARIANS
- 49. Questions and Answers from the Panel!
Hinweis der Redaktion
- <<you can introduce yourself here in your own way or a script is provided below>> “Thank you for coming to today’s breakout session on the RI-USAID International Collaboration: Partnering for Impact. I am Ron Denham, from Rotary Club of Toronto Eglinton in District 7070, Canada. I have been active in Rotary years for more than 50 years where I have served as District Governor and have been very involved in water and sanitation, particularly with the Rotary Water and Sanitation Action Group (WASRAG). I serve as a steering committee member of the RI-USAID International Collaboration, which brings me here today - to share with you more information on what this partnership is, its current successes and challenges. You are in luck, because we have a panel made up of two Rotarians who are chairmen for this partnership in Ghana and Uganda. Today, through their experiences and stories, you will have an opportunity to learn how this partnership is developing on the ground, what makes this partnership unique above all others and some of the strengths and challenges we are encountering. Without further hesitation, let me introduce our two panelists:”
- I would like to introduce Past Assistant Governor Ako Odotei from Rotary Club of Tema, Ghana in District 9102. A Paul Harris Fellow, Ako has been a Rotarian for over 18 years. He served as the principal organizer of Ghana’s Family Health Days and now serves as the chair of the RI-USAID Partnership in Ghana. He works directly with the USAID Mission, their implementation partner, Global Communities and over 32 Rotary clubs across Ghana to implement a cohesive water and sanitation program.
- Also speaking with us today is Rotarian Moses Musiitwa from D9211, Uganda. Moses has been a Rotarian for 11 years with the RC of Kyambogo-Kampala. He has extensive experience working in development and is an active member of the Rotary Foundation’s Cadre of Technical Advisers. Moses serves as the chair of the RI-USAID Partnership in Uganda, which is just in its development stages. Therefore, you will get a unique perspective of the preparation that it takes to work with a large strategic partner like USAID.
- “Today’s agenda will be informative and engaging! Each of our speakers today will present between 10-15 minutes – telling their story, their perspective of how they are partnering with USAID on the ground, their challenges and successes. We will then take 30-40 minutes for an informal discussion with our panel. This will be an opportunity for you, as the audience, to ask any remaining questions you may have. You will be hearing a lot of new information during this session, so we encourage you to take notes! Let’s get started!”
- RON ASKS AUDIENCE: I’d like to see a show of hands if you have ever worked with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on your Rotary project or another government-led development agency like CIDA, SIDA, UKAID, AUSAID? -Great! It looks like we have some experience on that room that will make for good discussion in just a little bit…” The Rotary-USAID International H2O Collaboration brings together USAID’s technical expertise and rotary’s influential network of grassroots volunteers to make an impact in the water, sanitation and hygiene sector (known as WASH). The partnership between Rotary and USAID focuses on providing access to infrastructure, strengthening delivery of WASH services, promoting hygiene education and behavior change and mobilizing communities and resources in developing countries. Established in 2007, the RI-USAID International H2O Collaboration represents a unique partnership between a volunteer service organization and a professional development agency – both with a shared vision to provide sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene services to the world’s population.”
- Ron: “This partnership was established with the intention that each partner would utilize their unique strengths, in collaboration - to ultimately have greater impact and scale in WASH then they could achieve on their own. Some of the strengths of Rotary and USAID that are utilized in this partnership are shown in the slide above. Most notably, Rotarians bring their expansive influential network which can be utilized to advocate for positive changes in WASH service provision. Rotarians have already demonstrated their successes in advocacy with polio globally, have they not?. Within Rotary, we have a large cadre of expertise, across the areas of focus – but especially in water, sanitation and hygiene. The RI-USAID partnership is the perfect place for Rotarians to utilize their vocational expertise in a meaningful way, especially when USAID Missions (or field offices) are limited in personnel. USAID brings their technical expertise and experience with past successes and failures to the partnership. USAID resides within the State Department, thus most of their activities are integrated into national programs or initiatives. These high-level government to government relationships can be advantageous for an organization like Rotary, depending on the political context in which they work. Lastly, USAID brings rigorous approaches to monitoring and evaluation – an area that Rotary is still growing and learning”
- Ron: “The RI- USAID partnership is a strategic partnership, initiated at between the headquarters of USAID and the headquarters of Rotary. Program design and implementation occurs in country between Rotarians and the USAID Mission. However, the over all strategic direction and oversight of the program occurs at the headquarter level. This unique top-down: bottom up model presents a unique set of opportunities and challenges to develop a program within. We’ll hear more about this from Ako and Moses in a little bit. A Steering Committee, made up of both Rotary senior leadership and USAID staff, considered with care the pluses and minuses of each organization and decided……….” (switch to next slide!)
- Ron: “.….to pursue a strategic partnership, recognized by both organizations, with the following joint objectives:” To increase access to community water supply and sanitation services <<CLICK FOR ANIMATION>> To foster improved behaviors in sanitation and hygiene for positive health impacts <<CLICK FOR ANIMATION>> To promote efficient and sustainable water and sanitation services that protect the environment and provide economic benefits to communities”
- Ron: “To meet these objectives, both organizations invested $1million per country for program development, implementation and evaluation ($1million Rotary: $1million USAID Mission). We use a parallel funding model, so that funds from each organization never intertwine. Three focal countries were selected to pilot this partnership, based on USAID Mission interest in working with Rotarian volunteers, Rotary leadership, significant activity in WASH and regional representation. Ghana, Dominican Republic and the Philippines were selected and were interested in participating in a partnership with the USAID Missions. Given the diversity of Rotary clubs and USAID Missions regionally, the RI-USAID Steering Committee encouraged clubs to collaborate together to work with USAID Missions in an organic way. As a result, after 3 years, we saw significantly different partnership models develop from each of these focal countries, different programs and different outcomes….”
- Ron: “In Ghana, our focus was on the construction of water supply and sanitation systems, hygiene education and governance training for WASH committees with CWSA (government) and Relief International. You can see in this slide the additional details of the number of rural communities and people served.”
- Ron: “In the Dominican Republic, Rotarians, the USAID Mission and the Mission’s implementation partners focused on biosand filters along with hygiene education.”
- Ron: “In the Philippines, Rotarians focused their efforts on the construction of wastewater treatment plants, septage and desludging systems alongside hygiene education for rural communities. The level of involvement Rotarians had in each of these programs differed substantially as did the management as volunteers. Likewise the level of true integration of Rotary and USAID goals and activities differed substantially….”
- Ron: “At the end of three years, we wanted to assess (1) how well these partnerships developed and functioned on the ground and (2) how well the projects were designed – how sustainable were they? In other words, did we see better projects, better outcomes working together then we would see if we worked separately? To do this, the RI-USAID Steering Committee hired two third-party evaluators to (1) assess how sustainable the partnership projects were and (2) assess the quality of the partnerships developed in each focal country.” To assess the sustainability of the partnership projects, Rotary and USAID invested in the development of the WASH Sustainability Index Tool – a quantitative tool which takes into account multiple factors, not just the infrastructure, education and training of a project but also the political will of the government to deliver and support WASH services, management and financial planning.”
- Ron: “The WASH Sustainability Index Tool assesses all these aspects of a project - that are needed - to result in success. All the factors that you see here are assessed at the service provider, district and national levels. This is a very comprehensive tool!”
- Ron: “Sustainability scores are calculated as a percentage. 0% =‘s not sustainability and 100% =‘s absolute likelihood of sustainability. All three programs – the DR, Ghana and the Philippines – scored in the moderate range (66-74%). We did we success with these scores – but we knew we could improve…….”
- Ron: “Here were the sustainability lessons we learned from our programs in Ghana, DR and the Philippines: In all countries, the collaboration’s interventions were well designed and are technically sound <<CLICK ANIMATION>> Aspects of financing scored relatively poorly – in other words, long-term financial planning could have been improved! <<CLICK ANIMATION>> Major capital maintenance or replacement needed to be addressed in long-term planning <<CLICK ANIMATION>> Projects that were not connected with current government initiatives or in alignment with government standards, policies and guidelines were at higher risk for sustainability <<CLICK ANIMATION>> The capacity and willingness for local and national institutions to provide follow-up support could be improved.” <<CLICK ANIMATION>> These are lessons that we can take as Rotarians into consideration for any project we do in WASH.”
- Ron: “We also learned a LOT about the partnership: It was difficult for USAID and their implementation partners to work within a volunteer framework. <<CLICK ANIMATION>> There was a disconnect between how Rotarians approached project implementation and how development professionals approached project implementation. <<CLICK ANIMATION>> Rotarians do not always grasp that their greatest contribution is their influence on the local and national sector levels in country. <<CLICK ANIMATION>> Development of a truly integrated partnership is difficult on the ground. Oftentimes, parallel activities result.”
- Ron: “Taking these lessons learned from the pilot - the RI-USAID Steering Committee decided to construct a framework made up of three program elements to guide the partnership in future countries: Provision of WASH Services at Scale Advocacy (Local/District) Innovation”
- Ron: “The vision is that if Rotarians and Missions design a project with these 3 program elements in mind, the programs will be likely to have larger scale and higher likelihood of sustainability.”
- Ron: “The next phase of the RI-USAID partnership will focus activity in three focal countries: Ghana, Uganda and Madagascar.
- Ron: “Now the investment has doubled. $4 million USD has been made to support the activities defined by Rotarians in each country alongside USAID. $1.8 million comes from Rotary International, $200,000 from the fundraising efforts of national Rotarians and international sponsors and $2 million dollars comes from the USAID Mission.”
- Ron: “You can learn more about the partnership, read monthly country blogs, or donate to the partnerships through the Rotary website at: www.rotary.org/riusaid.”
- Ron: “At this point in the conversation, I would like to turn it over to PAG Ako Odotei, Chairman of the Host RI-USAID Committee in Ghana.”
- Ako: -discuss the role and responsibility of the host committee and the specialty positions -discuss how this committee manages will manage and coordinate with the clubs
- Ako: -Review with the audience how a strategic planning session took place 1 year ago How Rotary was given a scope of work to work within by USAID How USAID, GC and Rotarian host committee decided upon the scope of work that Rotarians would develop and contribute to
- Ako: -Review principal activities agreed upon by all three parties (light purple boxes)
- Ako: -Discuss the role of the club committees and why they are important -How are Rotarians at the club level going to be directly involved in the projects? -How are Rotarians at the club level going to be directly involved with GC and USAID as partners rather than working independently?
- Ako: - 20% of activity - Why is advocacy and Rotary important in Ghana under this partnership? Discuss your committee’s plans for advocacy (refer to the ideas for activity under objective 3) How the scope of work needs to be narrowed and in alignment with country initiatives under way What specifically will clubs aim to achieve through advocacy? What are your expected activities? Who are you thinking of partnering with to help you create an advocacy strategy?
- Ako: Discuss how you plan to use Whatsapp and why it is considered innovative How is USAID involved with it or Global Communities? Discuss how you are blogging bi-monthly and what the purposes of these blogs are for
- Ron: “ Thank you Ako for that wonderful overview of the partnership developing in Ghana. Ghana is an example of a partnership that is underway. But what about initiating a partnership? The very first stages when two sides come together? What do Rotarians who are about to enter a partnership with a major development organization like USAID need to think about and what do they need to do to prepare? My friend and colleague will be the next presenter, Moses Musiitwa. He will give you insight to these questions through Uganda’s story with USAID. Moses?”
- Moses: “Thank you Ron. Unlike Ako and his team, Uganda is at the very beginning stages of the RI-USAID Alliance. We have yet to define our scope of work and make any official agreements with USAID on how we will operate together in the field. However, what I will be sharing with you today in the preparation our host committee and clubs are taking to prepare to work in collaboration with USAID in this enormous program!”
- Moses: -Describe to audience how USAID Mission’s release an RFP and what that is -Describe the importance for you to make sure that your Rotary clubs were aware of what the RFP defines as its scope of work -Provide brief overview of the scope of work that Rotary will be working within (2 slides most)
- Moses -Discuss the geographic scope of where USAID intends to work -How does this align with where the majority of Rotarian WASH work is done?
- Moses: Further define scope of work for output 1 – Increase household access to sanitation and water services Give two example of “required results” (there isn’t enough time to read off the list) The Expected Results 750,000 people gain access to an improved sanitation facility, 40% in the lowest two poverty quintiles Ensure or establish at least 1 enterprise or linked enterprises offering a latrine product in all targeted districts Established strategy for market-based sanitation improvement All urban areas in supported districts have access to safely managed excreta services At least 10,000 people gain access to improved drinking water source, 40% in the lowest two poverty quintiles (i.e. new access) At least 100,000 people with improved service quality from existing improved drinking water sources (i.e. existing access) By the end of the contract complete at least one national and one event in each of the 7 regions to promote learning and scaling of market-based approaches to sanitation
- Moses: -Further define USAID’s scope for output 2 (read bullet points) -Give 2 examples of “required results” (little time to read off the whole list!) -Share why this particular output is of interest to the host committee given the level of activity and interest of Rotarian led projects in Schools and clinics. required results 1,000,000 people living in Open Defecation Free (ODF) environments as a result of USG 100,000 households with soap and water at a hand washing station commonly used by family members in USG Targeted districts supported to implement a WASH social and behavior change campaigns, integrated with nutrition and health services as appropriate National standards/criteria for WASH-friendly schools supported 250 schools facilitated to become WASH Friendly17 125 USAID-supported health facilities conduct hygiene audits and action planning
- Moses: -Further define USAID’s scope for output 3 (read bullet points) -Give 2 examples of “required results” (little time to read off the whole list!) required results All urban areas in supported districts have developed or updated a sanitation action plan. An effective sanitation monitoring and ODF certification platform developed and supported in target districts 10,000 communities (villages) certified Open Defecation Free (ODF) as a result of USG Targeted districts receive WASH institutional strength index of 75% or greater policy, agreement, plan, or regulation improved in each target district promoting access to improved water supply and sanitation
- Moses: “Before we go to the table with USAID to strategize the design of our program, we felt it was important to understand the strengths and weaknesses of our clubs – since they will be the ones actually working alongside partners and implementing certain aspects of the project. Our first step in doing so was to identify what the Rotary clubs of Uganda were already doing in the field – to determine their interests and where their time and resources were already being invested in. As you can see here, the RC’s of Uganda are very active in WASH – one of the top 5 Rotary countries in the world for global grants.”
- Moses: “Not only do we have substantial expertise and experience in WASH but certain regions also have notable experience in implementing projects of scale. Our most notable project of this type is the APAC district. Our projects also have been in alignment with government initiatives and country priorities. For example – Menstrual Hygiene Management is a hot issue now in the WASH sector in Uganda. We as Rotarians are not only doing WinS projects that incorporate MHM, but we are also participating advocacy activities as well. Advocacy, if you remember, is one of the program elements for the RI-USAID partnership. Our next step as a committee is to identify the challenges and weakness of clubs that would affect how we function with USAID and their implementation partners….”
- Moses: “Managing a large partnership such as the one proposed is far beyond what Rotarians as volunteers are accustomed to. For this reason, our team has been thinking about how we can provide the best support for clubs and members to be successful at the RI-USAID partnership and bring professionalism into its management. Let me introduce you URWP and its role in the RI-USAID Partnership…. - Brief introduction of URWP - Clear explanation of tie to RI-USAID and the advantages for Rotary clubs to use URWP.”
- Moses: -Brief overview of model (no more than 1 minute recommended!)
- The following are the steps that we have encouraged Rotarians to take before we undergo strategic planning with USAID: Agree to work within framework of RI-USAID Alliance (MOU) Define what we are collectively as clubs agreeing to focus on within USAID’s scope of work Self assessment for Rotary Clubs Identify ways to facilitate the cooperation of clubs
- Moses: (continued) “Stake holder identification Determine fundraising plan and identify international partners Plan to train clubs to: Familiarize them with how USAID operates Familiarize them with how to work with USAID’s implementation partners Build capacity in project management Build capacity in advocacy strategies Increase understanding on how the partnership will be governed by the host committee and managed by a project manager Increase awareness of the role of URWP Strategize promotion and marketing”
- “Critical Success factors that the Ugandan host committee has defined and shared with clubs are the following: Rotary club(s) must build strong relationships with the community(s). Develop critical mass of professionals to support Rotary The Rotary club identifies partners: - International Rotary Clubs/NGOs/CSOs/CBOs - Business community and local authorities Project aligns with RI-USAID Partnership framework “Thank you for allowing me to share our experience in preparation and planning with you. I hope you all learned something that could be applied to your projects or partnerships. I will turn the mike back over to Ron.”
- Ron: “Thank you Moses for sharing with us through Uganda’s example how much planning and preparation is needed with clubs to prepare them to work collectively with a partner like USAID. Now we have an opportunity to have an informal discussion with our panel. I have a few questions for our panelists as I’m sure our audience does. So if you have a question, I encourage you to raise your hand and when called upon, please identify yourself with a name, the rotary club and country that you are representing. Lets start by taking one question from the audience…. <<Ron will select one question from the audience and help to facilitate who will respond to the question on the panel. Please be conscious of time.>> Ron: “Thank you for that question. I do have a question here for our panelists as well: 1. Ako – now that your partnership is underway, what would you identify as the greatest benefit with working with USAID and the implementation partner and what would you identify as the greatest challenge working with USAID and their implementation partner? 2. Moses – you speak of steps to understand club strengths, weaknesses and capacity before strategic planning with a major development agency like USAID – could you explain to us, in your opinion, why this is important? 3. Ako and Moses – What are the secrets to successfully manage a project of significant scale and scope, involving multiple clubs and partners? 4. One of the lessons learned in the pilot of this partnership was the importance of integrating activity between both partners and to avoid parallel activities. Can you share with us, what actions did you take (Ako) or would you take (Moses) to ensure that the partnership doesn’t end up repeating this same mistake of the past?” <<END>>