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Latest Update -
13th December 2005
Hallo folks,
Greetings again. I have been back in Ozland
about three weeks and thoroughly enjoying catching-up
with family, friends and the garden. I was a wee bit
tired when I returned but walks along the beach, pulling
out weeds and drinking the odd glass of wine in the Sanctuary
Garden have renewed my energy. Watch out.
As Kerry, Ursula
and Barry have mentioned in previous updates our time
in Tigray proved to be quite productive. With appropriate
planning, a high degree of flexibility plus ‘setting
the scene’ before the Team
arrived in Tigray, we were able to positively contribute
in various ways. Of significance was the building and
strengthening of relationships between the Team and the
Tigrayans with whom we worked. This is the foundation
of any development work as mutual trust plays such an
important part in building partnerships. We all felt
that we were accepted not only for what we could contribute
technically but also for being able to share experiences
and in the process have lots of fun. Fortunately the
Tigrayans share our Australian sense of humour. We have
many tales to tell!!!
However work wise we were able to complete a booklet
of some fifty pages for the Bureau of Labour and Social
Affairs (BOLSA) and the Associations of People with Disabilities
. This is currently being printed in Ethiopia and will
be used for Awareness Raising purposes. It is a series
of case studies with pictures and is intended to be used
to promote the situation of people with disabilities
with decision-makers and potential funders. As we took
the eleven components of the proposed Integrated Regional
Disability Strategy as themes for the case studies it
will also serve to reinforce what is needed to develop
and implement an integrated strategy.
Kerry, Ursula and Tigrayan counterparts, GebreKidan
and Kiros, also ran a day and a half capacity building
workshop which was highly successful. People with disabilities
came from surrounding areas to Mekelle. At first the
Tigrayans wondered how the folk from the more rural areas
who had limited English and had not participated in such
workshops before would be able to feel comfortable with
other disabled persons and BOLSA staff, who had more
experience in such events. No probs. With Gebrekidane
and Kiros (who were both invaluable)and through using
appropriate techniques such as group work, brainstorming
and so on everybody contributed. In fact it was hard
to stop them talking. The star event was the “play” performed
by the training team which illustrated what a “bad” meeting
was. It had the participants rolling in the aisles. What
star performers we have – untouched talent (to
be used again). The evaluation revealed that all participants
gained something and wanted further workshops. I am sure
that Kerry or Ursula will give a more detailed report.
Our joint field trip with BOLSA and the Relief Society
of Tigray (REST) was extremely useful for many reasons.
It was possible for us to make visits to various projects
and areas and in the process learn from one another.
REST staff was able to recognize that people with disabilities
was one of the most vulnerable groups and therefore could/should
be included in their development programs. BOLSA staff
members were able to understand more fully what an integrated
strategy was by being able to link disability and development
e.g. disabled persons could be employed as workers in
a tree nursery. Once again the opportunities to build
relationships between individuals and organization was
of prime importance.
Barry, ably assisted by Kerry, gave an excellent end
of assignment power point presentation to REST staff
with the focus being on the possible development of a
Documentation and Communication Strategy for REST. It
is likely that both Barry and Kerry will be involved
with the development of the Strategy. Barry will no doubt
provide more information for you.
The signing of an agreement between interPART and Associates
and four Bureaus in Tigray was an important outcome of
our involvement over the past six months. The agreement
is a commitment to work together to further develop and
implement the Integrated Regional Disability Strategy
(IRDS). The four Bureaus are Health, Labour and Social
Affairs, Education, Civil Service and Public Sector Reform
and it was witnessed by the Bureau of Finance and Economic
Development.
The IRDS is a five year program. With counterparts we
have produced a draft policy document and partly completed
five year operational plan. This needs to be completed
with the next three months to be included in the Tigray
Regional Government Five Year Plan and also in individual
Bureau Plans. I will therefore be returning to Tigray
in Mid-January for a further six weeks to assist with
the final preparations.
The Tigray Team will be meeting on the 2nd January for
a debriefing and discussing ways to move forward so I
am sure there will be further updates from other Team
members.
In the meantime, at this time of Christmas cheer and
all that, I am giving you and your friends/family the
opportunity of contributing towards some of the projects
in Tigray. Yes we still need money, large or small, to
help our disabled friends in Tigray. The Associations
e.g. deaf, blind, disabled women; the Homeless folk;
funds for pilot income-generating projects etc etc. If
you feel so inclined a cheque can be sent to Friends
of interPART Box 1758 Macclesfield 5153 or to Helen Pitt
Box 158 Macclesfield 5153 or any of our Team and Supporters
will gladly accept cash or cheques.
Please feel free to make contact at any time if you
would like further information or if you would like to
become more involved. All enquiries welcome!!!!
May I express my sincere thanks to the individuals who
have provided technical and moral support (and much needed
funds) during the past twelve months. I hope you feel
that your input has been worthwhile.
Do try and have a peaceful festive season with time
for rest and reflection. Rather hard to do of course
amid all of the glitter and razz-a-ma-tazz.
Take care,
Helen
13th December 2005
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