CRDA Newsletter - June 2009.pub - CRDA Ethiopia

CRDA News Letter—Vol. 2 No. 2Third IGAD-NGOs/CSOs Regional Steering Committee Meeting ConductedThe third meeting of IGAD-NGOs/CSOsRegional Steering Committee wasconducted from 02-03 April 2009 atJupitor Hotel in Addis Ababa.The main objective of the series ofmeetings held by the Regional SteeringCommittee is to revitalize and strengthenthe interface between IGAD-NGOs/CSOsand create enhanced collaboration amongNGOs/CSOs in the region and betweenthose NGOs/CSOs and the IGADsecretariat in recognition of the importantroles NGOs/CSOs play in addressing thecurrent demands and challenges of peaceand sustainable development in the region.The IGAD-NGOs/CSOs Forum wasestablished in July 2003 in recognition ofthe wide range of experience and resourcesthat the various Civil Societies in theregion have and which would put them in aposition to make valuable contributions toIGAD, thereby enhancing its capacitymeant for affirmative efforts in the region.The forum is also a creation as a result ofthe commitment on the part of IGADmember states not only to involve but alsoto enhance the participation of NGOs/CSOs in addressing the challenges ofsustainable development and economicintegration in the region by ensuring thelink between governments and the peopleof the region.It has also been further stated that theforum should also be seen as a platform forexchange of information, experience, bestpractices and cross fertilization of ideas onareas of common regional concern andongoing regional as well as nationalprograms and projects.On this meeting, a study conducted toidentify mechanisms for strengthening ofthe IGAD-NGOs/CSOs forum waspresented and deliberated up on by theparticipants; followed by presentations byrepresentatives of member states to thesteering committee.GO-NGO Forum Established in Dire DawaRecommendations as to future directionsof the forum were forwarded by theparticipants in anticipation of furtherreinforcing the links and networkingamong the NGOs/CSOs and betweenIGAD and the NGOs/CSOs.CRDA, which is Co-chair of the RegionalSteering Committee, NGO representativesof selected thematic areas from Ethiopia,Djibouti, Kenya, Uganda, Sudan andSomalia. Representatives of AUC, EAC,ECA, IGAD and COMESA in charge ofCivil Society Organizations have alsoattended the meeting.CRDA, which is a member of the RegionalSteering Committee, was represented onthe meeting by its Membership andNetworking Development Core TeamDirector, Ato Regassa Aboma and AtoKifle Mariam Gebre Wold, SpecialAdvisor to the Executive Director .A joint forum of Governmental Organizations (GOs) andNon Governmental Organizations (NGOs) was establishedin Dire Dawa City Administration on 14 th of May 2009.The purpose of establishing the GO-NGO forum is toensure a tangible partnership between the two organs andcreate utmost integration and collaboration in theirconcerted effort toward sustainable development andpoverty reduction.The forum is also aimed at ensuring an enablingenvironment for about 28 CRDA member organizationsand other CSOs operating in the City Administration.The meeting was attended by about 60 participants both fromgovernmental and non governmental organizations, out of which, onthe NGO side, participants had to do all with CRDA memberorganizations.The meeting was winded up after deliberating on fundamental issuespertaining to the areas of operation of GOs and NGOs, establishing ofthe GO-NGO Forum and with the formation of a steering committeecomprising of 11 organizations to lead the forum.The steering committee is expected to draft the guidelines of the Forumand CRDA, which acted as the initiator of the forum, has been giventhe responsibility of leading the drafting of the ToR and related bylaws.June 20093

CRDA NEWSCRDA About To Finalize Its Second ...Cont’d from p.1.enactment of new legislation andemergence of new challenges, theCRDA’s strategic plan will be a decisivetool to determine the way forwards.Dr. Meshesha Shewarega, ExecutiveDirector of CRDA had also noted, alongwith several reform and revitalizationtasks, the Strategic Plan is one of thefundamental aspects of the desiredchange process, which would addressseveral key policy and strategicdecisions. He said, such acomprehensive strategic repositioninghas long been sought by all partners, andcorollary reform, restructuring andreinvigoration efforts are already beingtaken care of and a concept papercovering the whole scenario had beenprepared side by side.The Technical Task Force establishedfrom staff had been working literaturereview, environmental scanning andpreliminary SWOT analysis fromDecember 19, 2008 onwards. TheTask Force has also prepared anddisseminated 100 questionnaires todonors, 11 questionnaires togovernment offices, 15 questionnairesto donor partners and 17questionnaires to similar federal andregional CSO/NGO Networks as ofMarch 24, 2009.The Technical Task Force had furtherconducted Focus Group Discussionsand key informant interviews withconcerned regional and governmentOffices, with members of CRDAForum, CRDA’s Regional LiaisonOffices, NGO networks and the staff.After a Focus Group Discussion withBoard Members and a membershipenvisioning conference to determinethe vision-mission and values of theassociation, the first draft is expectedto be availed for all stakeholders in amonth’s time.The Water Channel launched an Enhanced WebsiteThe new version of www.thewaterchannel.tv was launched on June 2 nd ,2009 . The Water Channel is a dedicated web-based video channel on water.It wants to be a main repository for video material on water and a mainsupport and medium in promoting better water management.The Water Channel now contains over 150 water related videos with newmaterial coming in daily. The new version has several improved features andmuch more functions including improved uploading services, severaltechnical improvements and news feed subscription.The Water Channel has been around for two months and has welcomed over3500 unique visitors on a good upward curve.The founders are currently inviting interested parties to take a look and sendthem feedback.Panel Discussion on CSO/NGO Ethics HeldA panel discussion on the promotion of ethical governance in the NGO sectorthrough the enforcement of NGOs Code of Conduct, hosted by CRDA, hasbeen held on 12 June 2009, at CRDA conference center.which was developed some ten years back byconcerned organizations who wanted to see atransparent and accountable NGOs sector inEthiopia. As such, the purpose of the paneldiscussion was to address the problem by wayof brainstorming concerned members onpossible measures or actions that may be takento come up with practical and effectiveenforcement mechanisms for the Code ofConduct.The increased importance of NGOs/CSOs inEthiopia which necessarily entails an increasedresponsibility on their part as well as the questfor building greater support, credibility andauthority in their activity were among themajor points stated as the rationale for selfregulation in the sector. The code, no matterhow important it is for the proper functioningof the sector and its healthy relationship withthe government, would be left ineffectivewithout the necessary enforcement mechanism.To that effect two papers entitled, “Assessmentof the Code of Conduct for NGOs in Ethiopiaand How to Develop Effective EnforcementMechanisms” and, “the relevance of the NGOsCode of Conduct in Ethiopia in Establishing anEffective Government-NGO Partnership” werepresented by Ato Debebe H/Gebriel, a legalconsultant, and Dr. Solomon Berhe from AddisAbaba BoFED respectively and discussed uponby the participants.The panel discussion is expected to enhanceawareness of members about the NGO Code ofConduct and its importance. Experiences ofother NGO networks outside of Ethiopia werealso raised and discussed up on to drawimportant lessons that could be adopted for theNGO sector in Ethiopia. Participants have alsoforwarded some practical recommendations onhow to enforce the code within the NGOsector.About 40 participants invited from memberorganizations have attended the paneldiscussion.The discussion was aimed at addressing problems pertaining to theenforcement mechanism of the NGO Code of Conduct,June 20094

CRDA News Letter—Vol. 2 No. 2CRDA Implements New Organizational ...Cont ‘d from P.1In a series of meetings organized from December 5, 2008 onwards,Dr. Meshesha Shewarega, Executive Director of CRDA says, thenew organizational set up would be of paramount importance toshaping CRDA’s future as it allows the organization to keep pacewith sectoral dynamics, members’ expectations and its strategicinterests. He said, “Should CRDA provide efficient and effectiveservices to its members and uphold its commitment for the primacyof pro-poor societal agenda, it has to adjust itself to the existingreality.” He added, such an organizational restructuring with radicalreform style was long sought since 2004 by all stakeholders toensure its sustainability and dynamism to efficiently serve itsmembers.The New Organizational Chart of the CRDA SecretariatConsecutive briefing and adaptation sessions have beenconducted with the general staff, professional staff andAdministrative support staff, on April 21, 2009.The structuring process was duly approved by the CRDABoard and carried out by in-a house human resourcebenchmarking other’s experience and identifying thecurrent needs of the sector and the members.The briefing given by members of the in–houseRestructuring Committee indicated that the structureaccommodates 44 positions with 58 post in the first round.Depending on the nature of its need the second round couldrequire more posts. The new structure capitalizes onprofessional qualifications to enhance professional andrevitalization of the Association.Executive DirectorOffice of theExecutive DirectorInternal AuditorSenior CoordinatorStrategic Support Team(Planning, Monitoring,Evaluation and ReportingPublic Relation,Resource Mobilization andMarketing)DirectorPublication andInformationManagementCore TeamDirectorProgramDevelopment andManagementCore TeamDirectorMembershipDevelopment andNetworkingCore TeamHeadFinance andAdministrationServiceSenior Pub. OfficerPublication TeamSenior CB OfficerCapacity Building andTraining TeamEMDA OfficerEthics and MembershipDevelopment Affairs(EMDA) TeamSen Admin OfficerHR & PropertyManagement TeamICT SpecialistInformationManagement (IM)TeamSenior R & A OfficerResearch andAdvocacy (R&A) TeamSenior CoordinatorNetworking and ForumCoordination TeamSen Fin Mgt OfficerFinancial ManagementTeamRepresent ProjectsPreparations to Organize National NGOs/CSOs Good Practice Workshop UnderwayCRDA, in collaboration withFreidrich Ebert StiftungFoundation, is preparing toorganize a CSOs/NGOs goodpractice workshop in which seniorgovernment officials, donors,important personalities and mediapartake in August or September2009.The Publication and InformationManagement Core Team, incollaboration with Joint PovertyAlleviation Programs under theJune 2009Program ManagerAccess Facilitation &Mandated ResourceManagement TeamTeam LeaderRelief CoordinationTeammandate of resource management,had documented 10 CRDAmembers and 32 Sida, Irish Aidand Packard sub grantees’ goodpractices from September toDecember 2008 traveling todifferent parts of the country.The good practices are nowproduced in DVD format and readyfor public viewing and distribution.The documentation and productionof goodCoordination OfficerRegion CoordinationOffice(Central, North, East,& South)practices of NGOs/CSOs isintended to showcase theactual contribution of NGOs/CSOs to the nationaldevelopment endeavor, shareexperience among actors ofthe sector, encourage scalingup of successful projects bygovernment partners andincite the public to emulatethem in its locality.Regular Finance OfficerRegular Finance UnitGrant Finance OfficerGrant Finance andContracts ComplianceUnitAs part of the workshoppreparation, a task-forcedrawn from co-optedmember organizationsand CRDA staff hasformally commencedbackground preparation onJune 9, 2009. Such animage-building task isexpected to continueannually.5

CRDA NEWSCRDA NewsEastern Africa National Networks of AidsService Organizations (EANNASO)regional meeting has been conductedfrom 11 th -13 th May, 2009 at Kampla,Uganda, followed by an explorativepartnership visit to Institute ofDevelopment Research Canada (IDRC)Regional Office for Eastern and SouthernAfrica and Health Link World WideAfrica Office, from 14 th -15 th May 2009 atNairobi, Kenya.The specific objectives of the meetingwere containing the spread of HIV andAIDS and tackling its social andeconomic effects at regional level throughenhanced partnership, experience sharingand collaboration. It is expected thatexercising this general objective willresult in, among others, enhanceknowledge and experience sharingamong network members in the role ofCivil Society Organizations (CSOs) inthe global fund program implementation.It is also expected to build consensus onfuture outlooks and approaches ofEANNASO Regional Meeting ConductedCSO representation, law reform processrelating to HIV and AIDS at countrylevel and Cont’d enhanced from p.1. inter/ intra networklearning on vital issues such asdecentralized service delivery anddecision making.CRDA, which is one of the members ofthe governing Board of EANNASO, inaddition to its being a regular member ofthe forum, has participated on themeeting through its Executive Director,Dr Meshesha Shewarega.The main focus of the meeting was onthe Global Fund (GF) processes andpractical sharing of experience on theCSOs response to HIV and AIDS, it wasconducted in two consecutive sessions.The first session, which discussed up onthe overall affairs of the forum includingits future affairs and directions involvedmainly head of agencies, governmentofficials, CMM members and nationalcoordinators. Accordingly, the CRDAExecutive Director, Dr MesheshaShewarega and EIFDDA ExecutiveDirector, Ato Jihad Qenno, attended thefirst sessions where as the partnershipvisit from 14 th -15 th May 2009 wasattended by CRDA HIV and AIDSForum coordinator, Ato Semu Ketema.The regional network has been strivingto emerge as an important actor in therealm of capacity building and serving asa regional forum in enhancing dialogue,experience sharing, collective learning,and collective voice. CRDA’sparticipation is intended to boost theimage and visibility of CRDA at the subregional level as well as forging alliancefor better coherence, harmonization andcoordination of the HIV and AIDSresponse of the CSOs in the respectivemember countries.Cooperation Agreement Signed Between CRDA and Helvetas Ethiopia.A cooperation agreement to financially assist the project entitledPromoting Membership Quality and Enhancing Forums’Engagement in the CRDA has been signed for an amount of ETB400,000 between CRDA and Helvetas Ethiopia on 29 May 2009.The project agreement, which will be put in to operation forreducing poverty and effecting sustainable development byway of awareness raising workshops on the NGO code ofconduct to CRDA members and provision of capacitybuilding support to the various forums.Furthermore improved practice of CRDA memberorganizations in self regulatory exercises, transparency andaccountability within the frame work of adherence to theNGO Code of Conduct as well as strong and efficientinvolvement of NGO/CSO forums in constructive dialogueamong themselves and with the government are ultimateresults expected to be achieved up on proper implementationof the strategies designed for the project activities.Dr. Meshesha Shewarega, CRDA Executive Director, said, upon signing of the agreement that CRDA is grateful for havingthe opportunity to implement this vital project jointly withHelvetas Ethiopia.about seven months beginning from June 2009 to 31 December2009, has a general objective of contributing to enhanced role andperformance of NGOs in Ethiopia in their efforts towardsJune 2009Helvetas Ethiopia Program Director, Mr. Marcus Ischer, whosigned the agreement on the side of Helvetas, on his partstated, CRDA is one of the pioneer NGOs engaged incoordinating and leading Civil Societies for long and as suchHelvetas Ethiopia is also pleased to work with it.6

CRDA News Letter—Vol. 2 No. 2The Implications of the New Charities & Societies ...Cont’d from p.9.Accordingly, the sampled organizations suggested that CRDAshould lobby and further discuss with the relevant governmentbodies, help member organizations in local fund raising and incomegeneration activities and work together with member organizationsso as to search alternative solutions.III-RecommendationsAs a secretariat, CRDA will firstly be expected to give possiblecoping mechanisms for itself and as an umbrella organization it isexpected to do guide its members through a coping up mechanisms.One of the guiding processes could be investigating internationalexperience, further analyze the provisions of the proclamation andfinally suggest possible solutions. As a coping mechanismmember organizations on their side should make importantevaluation and revisiting their establishment document, area ofintervention, and make readjustment on their mandate inaccordance with the new proclamation and should conduct nonprohibited activities such as policy analysis and research, engage inparticipatory action research, sectoral advocacy etc., Memberorganizations better capitalize service delivery approach, capacitydevelopment issues, develop specific strategies in collaborationwith relevant stakeholders and partners. They should also giveemphasis to current issues such as HIV/AIDS, climate change andadaptation of agriculture related issues. Member organizationsshould be able to mobilize and generate resources from the localsources and should clearly understand and internalize the newcharity categories so as to smoothly determine and re-register in oneof the new categories. As a secretariat CRDA should go for seriesof further discussions and lobbying with the agency so as tostrengthen and create harmonious relationship among allstakeholders, government bodies, partners and foreign donors.Furthermore, it should lobby with relevant government bodiesso that the implementation of the new proclamation can beunproblematic. It also needs to help member organizations inlocal fund- raising and income generation activities as per thelegislation and better establish an ad-hoc task force that candevelop better coping mechanisms and specific strategies incollaboration with relevant stakeholders, partners and foreigndonors. From the international experience point of view theassociation should discuss with other countries’ umbrellaorganizations and share their experience. Adopting lessonfrom CSOs/NGOs of other countries like Russia, India andZimbabwe, CRDA should apply user-friendly and diplomaticlanguages as much as possible during lobbying and discussionwith the relevant government bodies so that it can easilyconvince the relevant government bodies, as the experience inNamibia show. CRDA better establish development of apartnership policy between the Agency and CSOs so that therewould be a room for review of the current laws and regulations.CRDA needs to harmonize and consolidate existing lawsregulating civic organizations and should play important rolefor the formulation of transparent registration process, enhancetransparency and accountability, and improve coordinationamong its member organizations, in most instances. In thiscase, it is not the legislation itself that is causing the greatestdifficulties but actually the implementation of the legislation.Thus, CRDA should closely work with the agency to findalternative ways and determine certain specific standards ofsupervision and monitory of NGOs. Specific standards for thelaws dealing with supervision and monitoring of such standardscould include audits, management reporting requirements andother disclosure. Thus CRDA should play an important role soas to make the transition simple and the implementation easy toadhere to the legislation.The Disaster Risk Management and Food Security Sector(DRMFSS) within the FDRE Ministry of Agriculture andRural Development had disclosed on 30 January 2009 that4.9 million people need emergency assistance in 2009.As per the findings of Government and HumanitarianPartners joint needs assessment conducted in November/December 2008, out of the total 4.9 million needypopulations 68% are from Somali, SNNP and AmharicRegions.Whereas the total net food requirement is reported to be450,611MT valued at approximately USD 389,327,904 atotal of USD 38,866,337 is also required for non-foodneeds interventions in the areas of health and nutrition,water and environmental sanitation as well as agricultureand livestock.June 2009In addition, 30,327MT of supplementary food valued at USD26, 202, 528 is required to address special needs of 1.2 millionmothers and children in the affected areas. This brings theoverall food and non food requirement in 2009 to USD 454.3million.There are reports that the government and its humanitarianpartners are planning to conduct “Belg” season assessment in all“Belg” producing and pastoralist areas of the country, in themonth of June 2009, with the purpose of revising the number ofpopulation needing emergency assistance that has been fixed inJanuary based up on the long “Meher” season assessmentfindings. Accordingly the next emergency update is expected inJuly 2009.9

CRDA NEWSCollaboration Agreement Signed Between CRDA and Water AidA collaboration agreement relating to the United KingdomDepartment for International Development (DFID) Governanceand Transparency Fund for an amount of 106,500 Pound Sterlinghas been signed between CRDA and Water Aid.It is an indigenous religiousorganization thatcontributes The grant to is generally intended for developing Southern CivilSociety, and specifically for enhancing CRDA Water andSanitation Forum (WSF) and its member’s advocacy in water andsanitation areas. The project will stay effective for a period of fiveyears starting from 1 April 2009 to 30 September 2013.According to the statements in the project agreement, considerableimprovement in the level of awareness of Water and SanitationForum (WSF) members regarding WASH, increased skills of“Understanding Africa” and currently operating on education invarious parts of the country, organized a colorful Cultural DayCelebration of Karrayu Oromos in cooperation with Gudina TumsaFoundation at Dandi Gudina Secondary School in Metehara on June13, 2009. The program was organized to incite community dialogueand youth educational enrollment. Various cultural songs, educationaldramas, fashion show, and epic recitals of love and patriotismwere presented by students of the school.Speaking on the occasion, H.E Mr. Kinichi Komano, Ambassador ofJapan to Ethiopia said, the celebration of the event, the musical anddramatic performances of the students are quite a concrete reflectionsof the rich Karrayu Oromos culture.As indicated in the dramas, however, the cultural tenets and beliefsare constantly challenged and threatened by the negative impact ofmodernization. Japan is one of countries which loyally conserves itsheritage but is still quite advanced in technological developments.The best way to conserve culture and still ensure modern progress isthrough education. That is why JICA, Africa Nikai and JapaneseNGOs, who serves as ambassador of the Japanese people concentratesefforts on such valuable projects.WSF and WSF members to negotiate, analyze, document andcommunicate with the concerned NGO/GO on WASH policyissues, enhanced level of WSF generated information toinfluence decision making by WASH actors and policy makersare among the major expected outcomes of the project.The agreement was signed by the Executive Director, Dr.Meshesha Shewarega, on the part of CRDA and by theWaterAid-Ethiopia Country Representative Mrs. Sarina Prabasion the other side.Africa Rikai, a Japanese NGO Celebrates Cultural Day, with Karrayyu StudentsAto Tariku Amenu, Head of Metehara Town Education Office,said such a liberty of cultural expression, and modernization of thepeople were the prime objectives for which millions of martyrsgave their life. Accordingly, he said, the town’s education officewill keep on standing by such culturally rooted and still creativeeducational and developmental endeavors.Ms. Shirotori Kurumi, Director of African Rikai, also told CRDAthat in cooperation with Guddina Tumsa Foundation, Africa Nikaihas been supporting Dandi Gudina School for the past four years.So far, the project has managed to establish block of pedagogicalcenter, give local scholarship to Karrayu girls, support variousenvironmental projects, skill sharing programs and others. Theorganization of such culturally oriented events, essay contest hashelped draw youngsters to school. Ms. Shirotori says, this yearalone 200 more students were enrolled in the school.Gudina Tumsa Foundation is a CRDA member organizationengaged in vary wide range of poverty alleviation programs inKarrayu nomadic areas and other places. Africa Rikai is a JapaneseNGO engaged in peace and environment protection. As part of itsAfrica programs it is implementing “School for Everybody Project”in Ethiopia.CRDA-Sida Supported Program Extended for the 2 nd timeThe CRDA-Sida joint poverty alleviation grant arrangement focusing onHIV/AIDS prevention and Environment Protection and providing supportfor 22 indigenous CSOs/NGOS is renewed for the second time for 2009with an outlay of 10 million Swedish Kronor with the grant agreementsigned between CRDA and Sida on May 15, 2009.The renewal agreement is particularly aimed at scaling up the already ongongprojects in the previous phases in various parts of the country.The program has been under implementation with fundamental objectivesof supporting and augmenting Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) inapplying efforts in control and prevention of HIV/AIDS, enhance theircontribution in the area of environmental protection and development aswell as build the overall capacity of CSOs with special emphasis on22 indigenous NGOs that are involved in implementing the CRDA-SidaSupported Program, 12 are working on HIV/AIDS prevention anddevelopment.The CRDA-Sida Supported Program was started in October 2004 andstayed for a period of three years, up to end of September 2007, whichconstitute the main period. Then it was extended for the first time fromOctober 2007 to end of December 2008 and the currently runningextension period is the second one.The agreement for the extension of the program was signed by AtoAbebe Bekele, the incumbent Acting Executive Director of CRDA andMr. Abdi Foam on the part of Sida.June 200910

CRDA News Letter—Vol. 2 No. 2As you may remember, CRDAnewsletter published about CodeObservance Committee (COC) andits importance. In this edition wefocus on what COC has been doingso farThe COC has been engaged invarious activities since its establishmentand specifically in resolvingvarious complaints from memberNGOs and three employeesfrom donors against some NGOs.Being the setting up of its office,the recruitment of the director, andfamiliarizing itself with the workingsof its member NGOs, theCOC has been busy leading therevision of the NGO Code of Conductthat was originally endorsedby 165 member NGOs in 1999.Accordingly,What has Been COC Doing so Far?the COC proposed their revisionthat improved some of the limitingprovisions of the code and gotapproval in the general meeting ofthe signatory NGOs in 2005. Therevised Code of Conduct is believedto strengthen the effort towardsmaking NGOs operation inEthiopia live up to the expectationof the public and the government.The COC considers this as one ofits major achievements.In addition, the COC wrote a proposalaimed at increasing the visibilityof the committee itself andthe various exemplary activitiesand projects carried out by NGOsworking in the different parts of thecountry. The proposal identifiedthemes and formats to popularizethe ideas of transparency, accountabilityand efficiency amongmember NGOs and the public atlarge. Accordingly, seminar topics,newspaper and magazine articles, artisticpresentations and electronicmedia coverage issues were suggested,and a request was put topotential partners for funding. Unfortunately,however, no financialassistance has been secured tocover the cost of the public activitiesplanned. Despite this, however,the COC is trying its level best tomake a meaningful contribution tothe NGO community by being theirpartner in the joint effort to getthem rid of corruption, mismanagementand inefficiency.NGOs Code of ConductIt is also serving as the link betweenthe NGOs and their beneficiaries,their relationship in a veryimpartial way. Moreover, it hasmanaged to make its presence feltthroughsome of the measures it has takento publicize its experience and tomediate between NGOs and theirdisaffected clientele. Accordingly,it has looked into some cases thathave been lodged with it and haspassed decisions it considers arefair. It has also put on a drama thatdepicts the undesirable nature ofcorruption and mismanagement.The director has also visited manyNGO Offices and project sites tolearn about their activities firsthand.CRDA and South BoFED signed MOU, Executive Director Visited Projects in SNNPRChristian Relief & Development Association andBureau of Finance & Economic Development ofSNNPR signed a Memorandum ofUnderstanding /MoU/ in Hadassah on June 4,2009 to promote integrated PHE knowledge, skillsand practice in the five zones of the region.The MoU stipulates that collaboration and mutualsupport, joint monitoring and evaluation of theprogram implementation according to the fundingagreements signed between the nine implementinglocal NGOs and CRDA being based on nationalPASDEP provisions.The Executive Director of CRDA, Dr MesheshaShewarega and the Head of BoFED/SNNPR, AtoBargude Bancha signed the MoU on behalf theirrespective organizations in presence ofrepresentatives of the Project implementingpartners, SEPDA, IMPACT, experts and officialsof the two organizations.According to the MoU, CRDA is also obligated toprovide backstopping services on top of thefinancial support to the implementing NGOs. Theregional BoFED and other local line governmentoffices will support and collaborate withimplementing organizations in accessinggovernment facilities such as health institutions,schools, and staff during capacity building andcommunity mobilization endeavors in the courseof project life.June 2009The resource of 1 million USD (Birr10 million)secured from the US based charity organization,David and Lucile Packard Foundation, isbudgeted for the promotion of integratedPopulation, Health and Environment /PHE/combined approach in the populous zones ofGurage, Hadya, Kambata Silte and WolaytaZones.CRDA secured the fund for 3 years,(2009-2011) to be implemented by local NGOsoperating in the stated zones in collaborationwith zonal administration, communityorganizations and other stakeholders and lineoffices among in-school youth and out of schoolyouth. The project will benefit over 3 millionpeople directly and indirectly throughawareness creation, skills development andpractice in population, health promotion andenvironment protection and development.After signing the MoU, Ato Bargude Banchaexpressed his appreciations to CRDA and itsmember NGOs to work in the region incollaboration with local government and peoplein line with the policies of the Federal andregional governments. The CRDA Director alsothanked Ato Bargude Bancha, his office and thestaff of BoFED for their unswerving support toCRDA's Regional Liaison Office in mattersrelated to NGO networking and operationalenvironment. CRDA is committed to mobilizeits member organizations to work withDr Meshesha Shewarega Signing theMemorandum of understanding in Hadassahall governmental bodies andbeneficiaries according to the law ofthe land; CRDA has about 21 ongoingprojects in the region with outlay ofover Birr 11.93 million secured fromIrishAid, Packard foundation and Sidabeing implemented by 21 NGOs.On the way the Executive Director andDirector of Program Development &Management Core Team visited theCRDA/IA projects in the SouthEthiopia under Evangelical ChurchesAlliances, Dawn of Hope and theWolayta Development Association inHadassah, Wolayta Sodo and ArbaMinch.11

CRDA NEWSL30 New CRDA Members Enrolled in January 2009No Organization Representative P.O.Box Telephone No Fax No E-mailAccess for Change Development and CharityIt 1 is an Organization indigenous (ADCO) religiousorganization that(L)contributes2to3Afro Ethiopia Integrated Development (AID) (L)Association for Sustainable Development Alternatives(ASDA) (L)WZ. Menbere Melake(EX. Director) 20480 code 1000 4-661784/ 0911487883 -Ato Shimeta Ezezew Kassa(G/ Manager)14096355 B/DAR0911862695/ 0918760621/058-2203204 -Ato Takele Teshome(Board Chairman) 101782 6297043/0911697287 4654771accessforchange@yahoo.comshimetaezezew@yahoo.comasdaeth@ethionet.et45Bethel Orphanage Center (BOC) (L)Bridge to Israel in Ethiopia (BIE) (I)Dr.Yigeremu Asfaw(Managing Director) 90113206331/ 6530786/ 0911206060/0911182864 3495839Ms. Anna Augstburger(Country Representative)5755 6181404 6183619bethel.teachosp@ethionet.etBridge@ethionet.et6789101112131415161718192021222324252627CHF Partners in Rural Development (CPRD) (I)Developing the Family Together (DFT) (L)Eneredada Elder People Association (EEPA) (L)Envision Beyond Basic-needs Association (EBBA)(L)Mr. David Rhody(Country Director)Mr. Salfiso Kitabo(Prog. Coordinator)Wz. Kidist Belete(Executive Director)1551code 1250 3726341/42 37263436552976/ 12457260911406747 -81233Ato Imran Abubeker(Project Manager)29303 1570921/0910371407 1572972Ato Alemu Asana Dowa(Board V/Chairperson & Fund Raising) 002 code 1032 4196748/ 0911602169 4197232Ato Dawit Negussu Retta0911405506/(Executive Director) 564110911484666 -chfpartners@ethionet.etdrhody@chf-partners.cadrhody@ethionet.etdft@ethionet.eteepasso@ethionet.etebba@ethionet.etEshet Children and Youth Unity Association Ethiopia(ECYUA)(L)Ethiopian Guenet Church Development and WelfareOrganization (EGC/DWO) (L)Ato Baynesagne Berhia(Development Director) 28683 4663721/0911452953 4663399 egc@ethionet.etEthiopian Volunteer Media Professionals Against AIDS Ato Sisay Abebeinfo@evmpa.org(EVMPA)(L)( Executive Director) 626 code 1029 5150279/81 -Gaia Association (GAIA)(L)Ato Milkyas Debebe(Managing Director) 1460 code1250 6183540 6627402Gurmuu Development Association (Gurmuu)(L)ecyuaethiopia@yahoo.comdawitnegussu@yahoo.comgaiaassociation@ethionet.etmilkyasd@gmail.comAto Abebayehu Jabessagurmuu@ethionet.et(Managing Director) 28109 code 1000 2771673/1248620/ 0911625503 -IMPACT Integrated Development (IMPACT) (L) Hailu Kebede (Dr.)hailu_impact@ethionet.et(Executive Director) 19919 6616787/ 0911407332 -International Development Enterprises (IDE) (I)Ato Kebede Ayele(Country Director) 7892 4672906-08 4673341IDE-Ethiopia@ide.org.etKambata Tembaro Yellmat Mahiber (KTTM) (L) Ato Solomon Angoro(Executive Director) 19247 6181604/05/0911687011 - kembata_development@ethionet.etMercy Corps Ethiopia (MCE) (I)Mr.Tom Honsleigh(Country Director) 14319 4169337 4169571 mcoperations@ethionet.etMesoso HIV Victim Children and Youth Support OrganizationWz. Kelemwa Dubalekdubele@yahoo.com(MHVCYSO) (L)(G/manager) 120553 3715871/0911249012 -New Child Hope Association (NCHA) (L) Ato Tsegaye Geda-(Executive Director) 8994 6533101 4654583Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) (I)Ato Minwagaw Erkie(Acting Resident Representative) 26407 code 1000 4665731/32 4670174 npaid@ethionet.etRehoboth Yefikir Agelglot (RYA) (L)W/t Yeshi Lemma(Director)rehobot.love.2008@yahoo.comAto Lumba Demissie(Project coordinator) 21008 5546496/0911119331 -Salu Self-Help Blind and Handicapped AssociationAto Wondimu Asfaw3725811/3724696/3200390 3724697 sshbha@ethionet.et(SSHBHA) (L)(G/Manager) 404130911215269Siddartha Development Ethiopia (SDE) (I)Ato Firehun G/Yohannes1685 code1110siddartha.de@gmail.com(Deputy Country Representative) &25676 code 1000 6554255/ 2776132 2776134 siddfde@ethionet.etSOS Addis-Tefetron Bemalimat Bkleten MaswegedWz. Zertihun Berhanesosaddis@yahoo.comMahiber (SOSA) (L)(Acting Executive Director) 10633 5518846 5536981St. Francis Integrated Development OrganisationAto Zelalem G/Egziabher1228614/15/0910077142/fido@ethionet.et(FIDO) (L)(Managing Director) 558650911210989 1223267Talent Youth Association (TaYA) (L) Ato Ephrem Berhanu6185323/6184220talyou@ethionet.et(Managing Director) 24600911688245 6188161282930The Bethany Negash Memorial Foundation(Bethany) (I)The Development Fund – Norway (DF) (I)Vita/RTI (I)June 2009Ato Alemu Yimer(Manager) 1126 code 1250 1577417/1552998 -Dr.Jorn Stave(Residence Rep.) 1779 code 1110 6477253-59/61 6477260 df@ethionet.etMr.Oliver Ryan(Country Director) 10744 6186466 6180467snegash@bethanymemorial.orgbethany@ethionet.etayimer@bethanymemorial.org-12