TOPIC: Three days Advocacy training program for staff members of the Bongo rehabilitation centre..

THEME: Inclusion and acceptance of persons with disabilities in society. DATE: 1st -7th November, 2012 TIME; 8.00am 4.30pm daily NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-five members of Staff VENUE: Bongo District Assembly Hall

Background
This training is intended to equip staff of the Bongo rehabilitation centre to enable them train student groups of the centre to champion advocacy programs on negative attitudes of people towards people with disabilities in their various communities. Attitudes towards PWDs are a major reason for their current position as a vulnerable and disadvantaged group in Ghana and for their exclusion in society. Increased awareness about disability issues and better communication between PWDs and people without disabilities can result in a change of these attitudes. This can be achieved through community based approach programs, sensitizing, educating, Advocating through lobbing and engagement sessions with policy makers and opinion leaders. This trainer of trainers program is to introduce to participants the advocacy process, enable them select Advocacy issues and as well identify sources of support and opposition. It is also to expose participants the skills to identify policy audience and to analyze their interest and support in disability issues. It will also introduce participants to network building, coalition, message development and delivery, all aimed at ensuring a positive change in issues relating to disabilities.

Project Justification
Problem Statement Many communities in Ghana and Africa, culture, social status and attitudes and religion have interacted and influenced peoples perception and attitude towards disability. Disability are often considered as curses or punishments for sins committed by either the persons with disability, parents of people living with disability, or one of his or her ancestors. In most Ghanaian communities people believe in reincarnation of human beings and as a result, there is a high tendency among people to believe that some families disregard the principles of nature for which they should be punished by the gods of the land. Even though some modest interventions have been done by some NGOs and Government agencies, they have not been effective since they were one off programs which lacked the required follow ups. As such, most people are still clinging to their unbelievable misconceptions when it comes to issues associated with disability. Even though people who are aware of the disability Act, they have no access to its contents. The use of abusive language, abandonment of PWDs by their family members,

underrating of abilities are common within the Bongo area. Besides, exclusion of PWDs in social, economic and political aspects of life is highly visible within Bongo and its environs. Often, PWDS are pitied because they think they are incapable and depend on others for their livelihoods. In most cases, Employers think that, PWDs are incapable and some employers are afraid of losing customers when they have an employee with a disability while others think that, they are less productive. At the community level, it is difficult for a PWD to find a wife or husband because members or families will discourage marriages because it will bring shame to their families as they will be looked down upon. Parents of children with disabilities are often afraid of the behavior of the community members towards their child. Therefore some parents feel it necessary to keep their child in the house. Some parents are ashamed of having a child with disability and therefore reluctant in sending them to school while many also are ignorant of the capabilities of their child and think it is a waste to invest in a child with disability. Besides, roles of District assemblys in disability issues at the community level are also on the quiet. These issues are so crucial as far as the development, inclusion and welfare of people living with disabilities is concerned. Even though some modest interventions have been done by some NGOs and Government agencies to address the issues, they have not been effective since they were one off programs which lacked the required follow ups. As such, most people are still clinging to their unbelievable misconceptions when it comes to issues associated with disability. Even though from the above, it is evident that people with disabilities in these respective areas are highly vulnerable due to these misconceptions and attitudes. It is this precarious nature of the communities that the proposed trainers of trainers program on Advocacy issues for staff of the rehabilitation training centre is to be empowered to address the impact of these negative perceptions exhibited by community members which will eventually reduce the vulnerability of people living with disabilities in the communities. Priority Needs

Mainstreaming of disability

Raise Public Awareness about disability issue Strengthening of their organization through cooperation

Proposed approach
Research and development of a training manual for the training put in place. Arrangement for training venue and Residential accommodation secured. Purchase of training materials, and other supportive logistics put in place. Trainees contacted and followed up with invitation letters and reminders for confirmation of attendance carried out. Four resource persons contacted and training program discussed, with agreement on pricing. Terms of reference and training modules developed, discussed and agreed. Terms of follow up training discussed and planned for implementation. Monitoring and evaluation schedules developed for operation.

Target Group
Seven days training for staff members of the Bongo Rehabilitation centre.

Implementing Organization
Capacity Developers Ghana

2.0 Profile of Capacity Developers(Resource Team) Capacity Developers is a locally registered Non-Governmental Organization (Department of social Welfare, Ghana No. 305), working in Northern and upper East parts of Ghana with its headquarters in Bolgatanga the Upper East Regional Capital since its establishment in 2000. It is from this head office that it oversees the implementation of all its program activities in the Northern and Upper regions of the country. Currently, Capacity Developers operate in eight districts of the upper East region and Northern region where it has run series of capacity building trainings and institutional assessment programs. From a humble beginning in one community, Capacity Developers now operate in 65 communities with one hundred and fifteen groups and seventeen institutions trained. Capacity developers have a constitutional Aim: Our aim is to build capacities of communities and Institutions to achieve improvement in their operations, livelihoods and their environment. Thus, capacity Developers aims at supporting by way of training to people engaged in the Development of sustainable Livelihoods within resource poor communities in Sub-Saharan Africa. Besides, capacity Developers also offer training to institutions working with the propoor at the community level to empower them function well. This means not only improving food security and income levels, but also promoting development and effective leadership. The use of Participatory approaches to training sessions and community animations guides the process based on demand driven concept.

Operating from Bolgatanga, Ghana, Capacity Developers employs 27 staff technical and managerial staff. The program is supported by a Board of Directors. Four (4) main program arms have been fashioned out to assist in the implementation of activities and these include: Institutional Capacity Building program Trainer of trainers program Technical service providers program Community Empowerment program

Organizational capacity For the effective and smooth operation of the proposed training program, below is a summarized table of the key management team among others. Management and personnel PERSON James Abaa EDUCTAIONAL STATUS Bsc. Social science EXPERTISE Management and coordination Training and counseling RESPONSIBILITY Supervision, monitoring and evaluation Community and institutional outreach team member, Animation counseling and technical Director Community outreach team leader, trainer and director, role plays and drama. Community outreach team member and monitoring and evaluation Report production, producer, monitoring and evaluation. Management of project funds.

Mathew Ania

Bsc. Social science

Noah Akolgo

Bsc. Development studies.

Mercy Zogah

Bsc. Development studies/Gender Advocate. Dip. In computer science.

Community and institutional mobilization, communication, animation and trainer Advocacy issues and trainers

Michael Aloga

Theophilus Zigah

HND Accounting.

Soft ware development, computer design and analysis Financial controller

Project Goal and Purpose

By the end of the training, twenty-five members of staff will be trained in Advocacy and lobbying skills to enable them fight against negative attitudes and perceptions people living with disabilities.

Specific Project Objectives

To introduce Staff to Advocacy processes and how it contributes to policy change. To assist staff know how to identify policy audiences, to enable them analyze their interests in a particular advocacy issue. To assist staffs know how to develop compelling advocacy messages and practice delivering them to policy makers To enable staff explore networking and coalition-building as a tool for effective advocacy To develop advocacy work plans for action as a follow-up to the workshop.

Project Results.
Members of staff understand clearly Advocacy processes and how these processes contribute to policy change. Members of staff equipped with skills to able them select advocacy issues, set policy- focused objectives and as well identify sources of support and opposition. Staff members capable of identifying respective policy audiences as well as able to analyze their interest and support in a particular advocacy issue. Members of staff of the rehabilitation centre conversant in developing compelling advocacy messages and knowing how to deliver them to policy makers. Members of staff of the rehabilitation centre equipped with skills of networking and able to build coalition as a tool to deliver effective advocacy messages. Members of staff of the rehabilitation centre acquire the requisite know how to able to develop advocacy plans for implementation.

Target Group
Staff members of the Bolgatanga rehabilitation centre.

Training modules /Methods/implementation plan strategies During implementation of the training sessions, diverse strategies will be adopted. However, the sessions will be characterized by participatory discussions to get everyone involved. Lectures interspersed with humor Group work and presentations Analysis of some case studies/ experience sharing Role plays

These are carefully selected out based resource persons long experience in the training process. the resource persons have come to the realization that, maximum results are achieved when adult learning methods are employed in facilitating adult training sessions. Apart from this, it provides them better understanding as well as affording them the opportunity to generate discussion and healthy debates. We are therefore optimistic that, these strategies would go a long way to equip the staff with the required knowledge and skills on advocacy and fund raising. Attached is the detailed proposed implementation plan. LOG FRAME OBJECTI VE ACTIVITY LINE PLACE PERSONS RESPONS IBLE Capacity Develope rs, Bongo rehabilita tion centre staff and resource person. RESOUR CES NEEDED . Pens, markers , flip chart paper, LCD projecto rs and meeting hall. OUTPUT MEANS OF VERIFIACTI ON Turn out of participant s as reflected in the registration and attendance list. ASSUMPTI ONS

To Overview of introduc Advocacy in e the general. Advocac y process and how it contribu tes to policy change To

Bongo distric t Assem bly hall.

Participant s fully understan d Advocacy in its full context.

Participant s avail themselve s for the training. Availability of funds.

Bongo

Resource

Pens,

Participant

Interviewin

Participant

assist staff to know how to identify policy audien ces and analyze their interest s in a particul ar advoca cy issue

Brainstormi ng session on Advocacy issues, Objectives, and power dynamics.

distric t Assem bly hall

person, Capacity develope rs and participa nts.

markers , flip chart paper, LCD projecto rs and meeting hall.

s knowledge increased in Advocacy issues, understan ding of Advocacy objective setting and the level of power dynamics in advocacy interventio ns. Participant s equipped with the requisite knowledge on strategic communic ation and audience analysis enhanced.

g of participant s, reports on training and advocacy activities undertaken by participant s after the training.

s cooperate during sessions. Clarity of presentati ons.

To assist staff know how to develo p compell ing advoca cy messa ges and practic e deliveri ng them to policy makers To enable staff explore

Group work and presentatio n on Strategic Communic ation and Audience Analysis.

Bongo distric t Assem bly hall

Capacity Develope rs, Bongo rehabilita tion centre staff and resource person

Pens, markers , flip chart paper, LCD projecto rs and meeting hall.

Training reports and interviews of participant s.

Participant s cooperate during sessions. Clarity of presentati ons

. Brainstorm ing on building

Bongo distric t Assem

Capacity Develope rs, Bongo rehabilita

Pens, markers , flip chart

Participant s networkin g skills and

Training reports and interviews of

Participant s cooperate during

networ king and coalitio nbuilding as a tool for effectiv e advoca cy To develo p an advoca cy plan of action as a followup to the worksh op

Networks and Coalitions for effective delivery of programs

bly hall

tion centre staff and resource person

paper, LCD projecto rs and meeting hall.

coalition building enhanced.

participant s

sessions

Advocacy Implement ation Plan developme nt

Bongo distric t Assem bly hall

Capacity Develope rs, Bongo rehabilita tion centre staff and resource person

Pens, markers , flip chart paper, LCD projecto rs and meeting hall.

Plan developed and operationa l zed.

Implement ation plan document in place.

Participant s cooperate during sessions

TIME TABLE DATE/DAY ACTIVITY TIME RESPONSIBLE PERSON Day one 13/5/2012 14/5/12 Arrival of participants 3pm and registration Overview of Advocacy 7:00-11:35am in general. Facilitators organizers

Lunch break Continuation Coffee break

11:35-12:20pm 12:25-1:30pm 1:35- 1:45pm

Course prefect Facilitator

Group discussion

1: 45 - 4:40

Resource persons

Question time Closing prayer Departure Day two 15/5/2011 Recap of day one

4:40 4: 55pm 4:55 5:00pm 5:00pm 7:00-7:35am

Lead Facilitator Participant All

Brainstorming session 7:35 -11:35am on Advocacy issues, Objectives, power dynamics. Coffee break Group work Lunch 11:35 12:00pm 12.00pm -1:30pm 1:30 2:00pm Organizers Facilitator Organizers and

Group work cont. Group presentation

2:00pm 3:30pm 3:30pm 4:30pm

Facilitators Group leaders

Question Time Closing prayer Departure Day three 16/5/2011

4:30 4:55pm 4:55 5:00pm 5:00pm

Participants Participants All Facilitator

Recap of Day two 7:00-7:35am activities

Group work and 7:35 -11:35am on

facilitator

presentation Strategic Communication Audience Analysis

and

Coffee break Group work Lunch Group work cont. Group presentation Question Time Closing prayer Departure

11:35 12:00pm 12.00pm -1:30pm 1:30 2:00pm 3:30pm

organizers Facilitator Organizers

4:30pm Facilitator

2:00pm 3:30pm4:30 Group leaders 4:55pm 4:55 5:00pm 5:00pm Participants Participants All

Competencies ANAYSIS PURPOSE: TO TRAIN THE STAFF OF DISABLE WORKERS ON ADVOCACY AND LOBBY SKILLS. Duties To advocate for persons with disabilities (Pwds). Knowledge -Taking records of the needs of persons with disabilities. -Submitting the problems of persons with disabilities to the government. -To create awareness of employment opportunities. -To update persons with disabilities on issues concerning them. -Finding employment for persons with disabilities. -Knowing suitable job that fit the persons condition. Skills Attitudes to have lobbing and -Respect networking skills -Acceptance

To empower Persons with disabilities (Pwds).

To have good -Commitment communication skills -Torelance

Seek employment opportunities for (Pwds)

Awareness creation

Patience

Monitoring and Evaluation

Monitoring would constitute an integral part of Capacity Developers training program from start to finish. Thus, as indicated in the proposed action and management plans, there would be routine gathering of information on all aspects of the program Capacity Developers staff. This would take the form of regular field visits and review of services delivered. In addition, information on the use of time, people, funds and other materials resources, as well as results and impact, staff supervision, budget and expenditure would be monitored. This will provide vital information to management and funders to: Analyze the current situation, Identify problems and find solutions Discover the trends and pattern Keep training activities going on schedule, Measure progress towards objectives Formulate /revise future goals and objectives To make decisions about human, financial and material resources.

It is for this reason that, monthly reports would issued to funders. In conclusion, Capacity Developers again intends undertaking mid term and final evaluation of the training program on the following areas: It is for this reason that, monthly reports would issued to funders. In conclusion, Capacity Developers again intends undertaking mid term and final evaluation of the training program on the following areas: Progress in work plan, Implementation of planned activities Achievement of objectives Impact and effectiveness of the project as well as Cost effectiveness/ efficiency of the project for future improvement.

Risks Factors
There is the possibility of failure to secure funds for the training. There is the possibility of natural hazards such as death and others to disrupt training schedules and sessions.

Sustainability
Since staff will in turn train their students to carry out activities at their various communities, it will be more sustainable because, follow up programs will be more frequent since the students live in the various communities. Impact monitoring will also be effective since they observe daily what changes occur.

Proposed training Budget Budget Item Description Units UNIT COST Amounts CAPACITY DEVELOPER S CONTRIBUT ION 7 Officers intact for the training period is 200.00Ghc. DONORS FUND

PERSONN EL: Superviso r, Driver, Report productio n(7 staff)

Coordinating trainings, driving staff to and fro the training grounds, and report production

7 staff @20.00 Ghc

50.00GHC

1000.00 Ghc

GHC8,500.0 0

LODGING ISSUES

Residential accommodation

25 participa nts @25 GHC per night.

Ghc 25.00 for 14 days

Ghc 8750 .00

Nil

GHC8,500.0 0 Ghc 8,750.00

Feeding of participan ts.

Breakfas t, Snacks and tea breaks. Lunch, snacks and tea breaks. Supper

25 participa nts

GHc.8.00 per participan t

GHc200.00

Nil

Ghc 8,750.00 Ghc2,800.0 0

25 participa nts 25.00 participa nts

G Ghnc12.50 GHc4,375.50 .00 .000

nil

GHc4,375.5 0.00

Ghc 12.50

G GHc4,375.50 .00

Nil GH GHc4,375.5 0.00

Sub. Totals TRANSPO RT

Ghc11,551. Vehicle support and mainten ance. Fuel and Lubrican ts. 14 days running, fuel and lubricant . 14 days running, fuel and lubricant

GHC560.00

Ghc560.00

Ghc 80.00 per day

Ghc 1,120.00 Ghc 300.00

Ghc820.00

Sub Totals Evaluatio n

Fuel, vehicle, lunch other logistics.

7 days

Ghc 300.00

Ghc 2,100.00

Nil

Ghc.4380.0 0 Ghc 2,100.00 Ghc. 2,100.00 Nil

RESOURC E FEES GRAND TOTALS

7 Resource persons

14 days

GHC150.0 0 per day

GHC14,700.0 0

GHC 14,700.00

CONCLUSION From all indications, perceptions and attitudes of people towards people living with disability has been perhaps one of the development challenges of our time. It obviously calls for concerted efforts of individuals, Governments and Organizations to make headway. This could not be timelier than now and with this proposed training will be a case in point.

Annexes Annex A: Summary of results of training needs analysis Annex B: Logical Framework Annex C: 5-year Activity Plan

Annex D: 5-year Resource Plan