USAID/OTI Liberia Field Report September 2004
Program Description
The Liberia Transition Initiative (LTI) supports efforts to advance prospects for an inclusive and peaceful political transition in Liberia in the context of the 2003 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). By restoring critical transitional governance and civil society functions, increasing public understanding of key political issues, and promoting community reintegration and peaceful resolution of conflict, LTI is enhancing the momentum for building a lasting peace. Creative Associates International implements the $15,000,000 LTI program through: a small grants component; the Youth Education for Life Skills (YES) non-formal education program; and, technical assistance to USAID partners carrying out the Accelerated Learning program (ALP) for primary schooling of over-age children.
Country Situation
U.N. ANNOUNCES END OF DISARMAMENT – In response to the U.N. Mission in Liberia’s ((UNMIL) announcement that the disarmament and demobilization components of its mandate will end on October 31, 2004, the Speaker of the National Transitional Legislative Assembly (NTLA) called for an extension of the deadline. In an open letter to the U.N. Secretary General, the Speaker indicated that UNMIL has underestimated the number of ex-combatants to be disarmed. He further called on the U.N., the Economic Community of West African States, and the National Transitional Government of Liberia (NTGL) to officially recognize Kabineh Ja’neh as Chairman of the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD), a main faction of the NTGL. According to the Speaker, failure to extend the demobilization deadline and recognize the “true” LURD Chairman would have dire consequences for the peace process.
LURD LEADERSHIP STRUGGLE CONTINUES – During September, the internal struggle within LURD over the chairmanship resulted in several outbreaks of violence in the greater Monrovia area. UNMIL’s force protection units intervened in each incident to contain the disturbance. The frequency of LURD infighting and consequent destabilizing effects are of great concern to Liberians. There are weekly news editorials calling on LURD to resolve its differences and contribute to keeping the peace.
COUNTIES DECLARED SAFE – The National Commission on Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration and Rehabilitation declared Grand Cape Mount, Grand Bassa, Bomi, Gparpolu, and Margibi counties safe for the return of internally displaced persons and refugees.
NTGL CHAIRMAN TRAVELS – The NTGL Chairman traveled for the first time outside Monrovia to Grand Cape Mount, Grand Bassa, Nimba, and Bomi counties.
DONORS REVIEW LIBERIA PROGRESS– The International Contact Group on Liberia met on September 24, 2004 to review NTGL progress under the donor Results Focused Transitional Framework (RFTF). Donors called on the NTGL to curb corruption and adopt reforms that will enhance transparency and stability and attract private as well as foreign investment for economic recovery.
USAID/OTI Highlights
A. Narrative Summary
The YES program continued preparations for the delivery of master trainer and local facilitator training in 40 communities. Master trainers began training 80 local facilitators on participatory training methods for the delivery of the seven module curriculum. Training took place in Grand Cape Mount and Grand Bassa counties, as well as in a suburb of Monrovia.
A strategic framework has been completed for the Accelerated Learning Program (ALP). It will help shape the work of USAID’s implementing partners as they develop their strategies for nationwide delivery of the ALP. Over-age children enrolled in the ALP will obtain formal primary level education in three years.
B. Grant Activity Summary
| Civil Society Support |
|
$287,568 |
|
11 |
| Community Impact Activities |
$189,000 |
$667,313 |
5 |
19 |
| Conflict Management |
|
$325,346 |
|
11 |
| Justice/Human Right |
$119,120 |
$440,660 |
4 |
15 |
| Media |
|
$148,668
| |
3 |
| Good Governance |
$202,000 |
$1,159,145 |
6 |
29 |
| Youth Training |
$20,000 |
$20,000 |
1 |
1 |
| TOTAL |
$530,120 |
$3,048,698 |
16 |
89 |
C. Indicators of Success
- Grants to local government authorities helped the NTGL negotiate with residents the often contentious issue of county superintendent selection. The grants also created avenues for government and community partnerships to identify local reintegration priorities.
- LTI grants to two USAID/Liberia Community Infrastructure Program implementing partners have promoted collaboration between ex-combatants and local residents in Grand Gedeh County on micro-income generation activities. Grand Gedeh County has large numbers of ex-combatants and remains a potential flashpoint for ethnic conflict.
D. Program Appraisal
The YES and ALP programs have proceeded on schedule, with master trainer and local facilitator training completed for the former and the strategic framework completed for the latter. In one of the YES facilitator training sessions, there was only one female who participated. Due to this shortcoming, strategies were discussed about ways to increase the number of female participants. In addition, master trainers have encountered difficulty in delivering the content of the health module because of cultural barriers. As a result, future training in this regard will include efforts to improve comprehension of content and strategies to overcome cultural impediments.
The program development team has made strides in leveraging small grants to advance focus area objectives. However, improved coordination and speed is needed to better seize critical windows of opportunity for enhancing the impact of LTI’s small grants. This will be the focus of LTI grant-making efforts in coming weeks.
NEXT STEPS/IMMEDIATE PRIORITIES
- Delivery of 10,000 sets of primary school textbooks to USAID partners implementing the Accelerated Learning Program. The textbooks will benefit up to 40,000 children returning to school.
- Developing campaigns for critical transition issues, such as anti-corruption and the re-establishment of public electricity.
- Delivery of the YES program in 40 communities across four counties, targeting 1,600 participants.
For further information, please contact:
In Washington: John Gattorn, Liberia Program Manager, 202-712-0716, jgattorn@usaid.gov
|
