Network stories
From Harambee Wiki
The stories were presented using a template with four questions:
- What (was the significant event)
- Who (was involved)
- How (did you deal with it)
- Message (for others in a similar situation)
C3NET Cup of Tea at WSIS (Sylvie)
C3NET is an online community to share knowledge. Thinking that it would be great to know each other physically, we took the opportunity of the WSIS event [World Summit on the Information Society] at Tunis to organise a one-hour the C3NET Cup of Tea that was to take one hour.
Who:
- For the preparation, at least 20 members, who confirmed their participation, choose the topics, committed themselves to bring snacks and tea from their countries. Two moderators were chosen.
- For the event, we were offered a space by Hivos, but only 4 members (2 moderators and 2 other members)of the expected 20 turned up. (More than 20 members of C3NET were present at WSIS)
Lessons learned
- WSIS and other similar big events may not be the right forum to piggy-back on.
- Interest and commitment are correlated. Make sure that an event organised is of interest or added value to members, their networks or the future of the network.
Birth of Bellanet Africa (Abu)
Who was involved
Riff representing Bellanet International and Vincent representing AITEC Uganda met.
How:
AITEC Uganda was very open to partnership in the realm of ICT4D. However, before the Momorandum of understanding could be signed AITEC had to move away from being a commercially driven entity and acquire NGO status. AITEC also has to adopt towards the values Bellanet stood for; knowledge sharing, open development and online communities. Thus Bellanet Africa was born. The flagship activity for this new partnership was the Harambee Project.
Message:
Be open to change and opportunities. Sometimes, the angel you don’t know is better than the devil you know even if the future may not be certain.
Historical march of 15th March 2005 (Wilfrid)
Prior to the March, there was increased inflation and a subsequent rise in the price of basic commodities
Who:
- Civil Society organisations
- Networks (CDSCN, Alternative Espaces citoyens, RJDH, Coalition Equité contre la vie chère, Plateforme paysanne etc)
- The general public
How:
Mass mobilisation for the protest march which led to:
- Imprisonment of ring leaders, who were later released
- Negotiations with the government
- Revision of prices by the government
- Creation of a government Ministry to fight high cost of living
Message:
- Such actions can send you to prison
- With determination, you can win the cause
ITOCA Soil Health networks survey (Blessing)
Who:
Soil health networks in Africa (East-Central, West, South)
How:
Carried out a network survey using interviews, questionnaires, and online using [Survey Monkey])
Message:
See the Survey on accessing and sharing soil health knowledge resources
Conflict during write-up of Harambee report (Gbenga)
Who:
AYIN team
How:
Mediation and alternative leadership
Message:
Back-up is important
Inapproriate messages on the Reseau SIDA Afrique mailing list
Who:
Some members of the network
How:
Establishment of rules and procedures by the list moderators
Message:
Inform every new member of basic communication principles
First time presentation at a workshop on Gender and ICTs
Who:
WOUGNET members and partners
How:
Was first time to make a presentation and I was not very knowledgeable on the subject matter. However, I did some research and also got input from colleagues
Message:
- When faced with a challenge do not shy away from it
- Working with others can enrich your ideas
Near collapse of CRECO network secretariat to Civil Society Organisation (Kawive)
Who:
- CRECO (Constitutional and Reform Education Consortium) Network heads
- Network member organizations
- Network organs
How:
- Created a forum for heads of institutions
- Fundraised
- Created an activity matrix for all members
- Kept a log of all network communications
Message:
- Institutionalise group communications
- Periodically revisit mandate and function of organs
Selection of new Harambee partners/Small grant recipients (Jackie)
Who:
- Harambee Coordination Committee (CC)
- Focus Networks
- Representatives of project donors
- Other partners and stakeholders
How:
- Harambee CC designed and coordinated the process
- CC shared the process with partners who were invite to review proposals
- Outcomes were shared with all stakeholders
Message:
Transparency, involvement of stakeholders and technology are important ingredients for a successful grant administration
Participatory learning in farmer networks (Maria)
Who:
Grassroot farmers taking part in the CELAC (Collecting and Exchange of Local Agricultural Content) Project
How:
Gave everybody a chance to talk/contribute to group discussions
Challenges:
- Chose a teacher who failed to meet the expectations of the community (was not very knowledgeable)
- Allowing participants to speak in the language they are comfortable with
- Encouraging both women and men to participate
Message:
It is important to give chance to all to participate at discussions even if you think they are not learned because they have a lot of content
Utilisation of network services by WOUGNET members (Berna)
Who:
WOUGNET (Women Of Uganda Network) members and partners
How:
- Increased member sensitization
- Involved members in planning processes
- Took services closer to the people, held trainings workshops
- Changed language to be less technical for members
Message:
- Involve members and make them own/feel part of the network
- Understand members’ needs. Categorise them if possible
- Look out for more effective strategies for reaching out to members and enabling them participate
Implementation of the Gender Evaluation Methodology project (Jenny)
What: GEM (Gender Evaluation Methodology)project implementation by APC-Africa-Women
Who:
- APC-Africa-Women members (regional and global)
- APC staff
How: Long journey…
- Research/testing/training
- Developing member and staff capacity
- Cross-regional member engagement
Message: Meaningful member engagement in project work
