Skip to main content

Media

LESSON

Lesson Learned: Bytes Without Borders in Morocco


The capacity-building process is a marathon, not a sprint. It must involve regular coaching of trainees and performance monitoring in order to ensure sustainability. In order for capacity-building activities to achieve their intended results, one must ensure the activities are inclusive to all, including the vulnerable and illiterate. The use of audio-visual approaches in social media has proved to reach a larger number of people than the 'class-format' approach.


Project Name
Bytes Without Borders in Morocco
Project Partner
Association Marocaine des Droits Humains
Project Description
The proposed project aims to promote online citizen journalism and improve access to information on the freedom of expression as a cornerstone for good-governance in Morocco. This project will be supported by a national multi-stakeholder platform and will validate a legislative proposal for the defense of the digital space in Morocco. The project will strengthen Moroccan CSOs' skills and aid journalists, lawyers and social movements on gender issues pertinent to digital rights with the support of 45 awareness campaigns on the freedom of speech and the right to information.
Report
Morocco-UDF-13-556-MOR-Evaluation-Report.pdf
Evaluation Date
September 2018
Theme
Media
Country
Morocco
LESSON

Lesson Learned: Creative Communication of the Nigerian Budget

High levels of illiteracy and limited English language skills amongst community members -  especially women -  created communication challenges. The printing of budget summary materials in English-only may have restricted access to most community members. To reach a wider audience translate budget data into local languages for key publications.
Project Name
Creative Communication of the Nigerian Budget
Project Partner
BudgIT Information Technology Network
Project Description
The goal of the project was to empower citizens with information about the budget process and public expenditure so as to increase the transparency and accountability of the Nigerian government. The project addressed a lack of easily understandable information on the national budget in Nigeria specifically the problem of public works projects that were promised but never completed. The original project strategy was to use social media to engage local community-based organizations (CBOs) to monitor the completion of mini public works. However, due to limited access to technology and low commitment by the local CBOs, the grantee instead engaged Project Tracking Officers (PTOs) who were equipped with mobile phones and technical skills to undertake project monitoring activities in each targeted community and who were accountable directly to the grantee.  Instead of working with the CBOs, the grantee decided to engage with community leaders as “champions” to involve community members in community project monitoring. However, the broadcast television component of the project - Tracka. - had an impact. This media platform provided a tool for giving feedback to citizens and was very effective in collecting, transferring and sharing the information on the status of the public works
Report
Nigeria-UDF-13-544-NIR-Evaluation-Report.pdf
Evaluation Date
July 2018
Theme
Media
Country
Nigeria
LESSON

Lesson Learned: Creative Communication of the Nigerian Budget

Grantees should assess financial risks to the project well in advance of implementation, especially the inflation rate. In financially volatile situations, be cautious about setting very ambitious targets and instead seek to deepen rather than broaden project engagements. This is especially important for activities that involve a high level of travel and administration at field level as these costs tend to inflate the budget, lending it inadequate for the entire funding period.
Project Name
Creative Communication of the Nigerian Budget
Project Partner
BudgIT Information Technology Network
Project Description
The goal of the project was to empower citizens with information about the budget process and public expenditure so as to increase the transparency and accountability of the Nigerian government. The project addressed a lack of easily understandable information on the national budget in Nigeria specifically the problem of public works projects that were promised but never completed. The original project strategy was to use social media to engage local community-based organizations (CBOs) to monitor the completion of mini public works. However, due to limited access to technology and low commitment by the local CBOs, the grantee instead engaged Project Tracking Officers (PTOs) who were equipped with mobile phones and technical skills to undertake project monitoring activities in each targeted community and who were accountable directly to the grantee.  Instead of working with the CBOs, the grantee decided to engage with community leaders as “champions” to involve community members in community project monitoring. However, the broadcast television component of the project - Tracka. - had an impact. This media platform provided a tool for giving feedback to citizens and was very effective in collecting, transferring and sharing the information on the status of the public works
Report
Nigeria-UDF-13-544-NIR-Evaluation-Report.pdf
Evaluation Date
July 2018
Theme
Media
Country
Nigeria
LESSON

Lesson Learned: Creative Communication of the Nigerian Budget

Involving the media in monitoring public works worked well. Using the media helped empower communities with simplified budget information which they used to demand accountability from their parliamentarians. The media was viewed as a key contributor of information in real time and an avenue through which budget information could be disseminated widely to a large audience.
Project Name
Creative Communication of the Nigerian Budget
Project Partner
BudgIT Information Technology Network
Project Description
The goal of the project was to empower citizens with information about the budget process and public expenditure so as to increase the transparency and accountability of the Nigerian government. The project addressed a lack of easily understandable information on the national budget in Nigeria specifically the problem of public works projects that were promised but never completed. The original project strategy was to use social media to engage local community-based organizations (CBOs) to monitor the completion of mini public works. However, due to limited access to technology and low commitment by the local CBOs, the grantee instead engaged Project Tracking Officers (PTOs) who were equipped with mobile phones and technical skills to undertake project monitoring activities in each targeted community and who were accountable directly to the grantee.  Instead of working with the CBOs, the grantee decided to engage with community leaders as “champions” to involve community members in community project monitoring. However, the broadcast television component of the project - Tracka. - had an impact. This media platform provided a tool for giving feedback to citizens and was very effective in collecting, transferring and sharing the information on the status of the public works
Report
Nigeria-UDF-13-544-NIR-Evaluation-Report.pdf
Evaluation Date
July 2018
Theme
Media
Country
Nigeria
LESSON

Lesson Learned: Creative Communication of the Nigerian Budget

While civil society organizations are interested in budget monitoring and are seeking to build their capacities in this area, the project did not succeed in engaging them with project implementation activities with communities. However, the project did succeed in enhancing skills and capacities of the grantee. Positive outcomes for the grantee include the winning of a proposal to conduct a budget tracking activity on nutrition with UNICEF. In this way, UNDEF funds helped to enhance the grantee’s network with other UN organizations.
Project Name
Creative Communication of the Nigerian Budget
Project Partner
BudgIT Information Technology Network
Project Description
The goal of the project was to empower citizens with information about the budget process and public expenditure so as to increase the transparency and accountability of the Nigerian government. The project addressed a lack of easily understandable information on the national budget in Nigeria specifically the problem of public works projects that were promised but never completed. The original project strategy was to use social media to engage local community-based organizations (CBOs) to monitor the completion of mini public works. However, due to limited access to technology and low commitment by the local CBOs, the grantee instead engaged Project Tracking Officers (PTOs) who were equipped with mobile phones and technical skills to undertake project monitoring activities in each targeted community and who were accountable directly to the grantee.  Instead of working with the CBOs, the grantee decided to engage with community leaders as “champions” to involve community members in community project monitoring. However, the broadcast television component of the project - Tracka. - had an impact. This media platform provided a tool for giving feedback to citizens and was very effective in collecting, transferring and sharing the information on the status of the public works
Report
Nigeria-UDF-13-544-NIR-Evaluation-Report.pdf
Evaluation Date
July 2018
Theme
Media
Country
Nigeria
LESSON

Lesson Learned: Creative Communication of the Nigerian Budget

Consider the views and opinions of parliamentary representatives who are championing budgetary transparency. In order to promote greater participation by legislators and policy makers, the grantee should engage more closely with the Budget Teams in Parliament to build their capacity and demystify their activities.
Project Name
Creative Communication of the Nigerian Budget
Project Partner
BudgIT Information Technology Network
Project Description
The goal of the project was to empower citizens with information about the budget process and public expenditure so as to increase the transparency and accountability of the Nigerian government. The project addressed a lack of easily understandable information on the national budget in Nigeria specifically the problem of public works projects that were promised but never completed. The original project strategy was to use social media to engage local community-based organizations (CBOs) to monitor the completion of mini public works. However, due to limited access to technology and low commitment by the local CBOs, the grantee instead engaged Project Tracking Officers (PTOs) who were equipped with mobile phones and technical skills to undertake project monitoring activities in each targeted community and who were accountable directly to the grantee.  Instead of working with the CBOs, the grantee decided to engage with community leaders as “champions” to involve community members in community project monitoring. However, the broadcast television component of the project - Tracka. - had an impact. This media platform provided a tool for giving feedback to citizens and was very effective in collecting, transferring and sharing the information on the status of the public works
Report
Nigeria-UDF-13-544-NIR-Evaluation-Report.pdf
Evaluation Date
July 2018
Theme
Media
Country
Nigeria
LESSON

Lesson Learned: Am I Equal in Kosovo Society?


To ensure meaningful and effective assessment of project results, use 'SMART' target indicators (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound). Organizations should use comparisons of pre- and post-project surveys to determine how their projects' specific activities and results have contributed towards the achievement of the projects' outcomes.


Project Name
Am I Equal in Kosovo Society?
Project Partner
INC Network of Media
Project Description
The project aims to enhance the role of women in Kosovo, through media, by focusing on three key topics: violence against women, discrimination in employment, and sexual harassment. The project will raise awareness on the above mentioned issues via radio, TV, and internet; increasing the capacity of women and key stakeholders through training, workshops, and meetings. Additionally, the project will directly engage with public authorities and private employers to advocate for the implementation of anti-discriminatory laws, policies and practices.
Report
Kosovo-UDF-KOS-13-575-Evaluation-Report.pdf
Evaluation Date
July 2018
Theme
Media
Country
Kosovo
LESSON

Lesson Learned: Am I Equal in Kosovo Society?


Grantees should conduct a pre-project assessment that establishes what the project activities' inherent risks are (e.g: non-participation, disinterest, feasibility issues) as well as the underlying reasons for said issues in order to mitigate project risks.


Project Name
Am I Equal in Kosovo Society?
Project Partner
INC Network of Media
Project Description
The project aims to enhance the role of women in Kosovo, through media, by focusing on three key topics: violence against women, discrimination in employment, and sexual harassment. The project will raise awareness on the above mentioned issues via radio, TV, and internet; increasing the capacity of women and key stakeholders through training, workshops, and meetings. Additionally, the project will directly engage with public authorities and private employers to advocate for the implementation of anti-discriminatory laws, policies and practices.
Report
Kosovo-UDF-KOS-13-575-Evaluation-Report.pdf
Evaluation Date
July 2018
Theme
Media
Country
Kosovo
LESSON

Lesson Learned: Am I Equal in Kosovo Society?


When attempting to introduce or change perceptions of previously controversial and/or 'taboo' topics, organizations should highly consider the use of radio and TV in order to remove these concepts from social marginalization/isolation and encourage public debate on these topics.


Project Name
Am I Equal in Kosovo Society?
Project Partner
INC Network of Media
Project Description
The project aims to enhance the role of women in Kosovo, through media, by focusing on three key topics: violence against women, discrimination in employment, and sexual harassment. The project will raise awareness on the above mentioned issues via radio, TV, and internet; increasing the capacity of women and key stakeholders through training, workshops, and meetings. Additionally, the project will directly engage with public authorities and private employers to advocate for the implementation of anti-discriminatory laws, policies and practices.
Report
Kosovo-UDF-KOS-13-575-Evaluation-Report.pdf
Evaluation Date
July 2018
Theme
Media
Country
Kosovo
LESSON

Lesson Learned: ICT Empowerment of Women’s Voices in Haiti

In Haiti, as in many low-income countries, IT is under-utilized as a tool to empower rural women.  Making it more accessible strengthens the capacity for action and self-esteem of rural women, who are often victims of triple exclusion: as women, rural and poor.
Project Name
ICT Empowerment of Women’s Voices in Haiti
Project Partner
ActionAid Haiti
Project Description
Considering that 24 per cent of rural women in Haïti are farmers, issues around access to land, management and exploitation of natural resources are hugely important. In both the North and North-East departments where 50 per cent of the population rely on farming activities to live, land issues in can be highly contested and become a source of conflict. To addresses the issues faced by rural Haitian women farmers, UNDEF funded a project focusing on women’s access to ICT. The project was highly effective in both building skills and strengthening the capacity of women to network and lobby for their rights. Through the activities of the project, rural women’s capacities to lobby for results were increased. The use of technology to achieve lobbying outcomes was innovative and efficient, leading to direct benefits in the five target communities. The project was relevant and facilitated the establishment of dialogue between grassroots organizations and local authorities. The implementing agency also efficiently managed high-level outputs remaining within the project plan.
Report
Haiti-UDF-13-580-HAI-Evaluation-Report.pdf
Evaluation Date
May 2018
Theme
Media
Country
Haiti