| Grant Profile: |
| Project Title: |
Capacity Building for Somali Planners |
| PCF/LICUS/SPF: |
LICUS |
Status: |
Closed |
| File Number: |
7
| Region: |
AFR |
| Sector: |
Law and justice and public administration |
Country: |
Somalia |
| FY approved: |
2005 |
Grant Theme : |
Public sector governance |
| Keyword(s): |
Civil society / NGOs;Public expenditure, financial management and procurement |
Approved Amount: |
$382,750.00 |
| Related Documents |
 UNDP Somalia LICUS Capacity Building for Somali Planners Final Report.pdf
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Grant Recipient:
UNDP Somalia |
Grant Purpose:
The project will support a one-year capacity building program for Ministries handling finance, commerce and planning in Somaliland, Puntland and Southern Somalia, and Somali staff working for non-government bodies. The program would be managed by an African training institution and involve substantial use of distance learning methods, complemented by face-to-face training inside and outside Somalia.
The project has three main objectives:
(1) To strengthen the financial and economic planning and aid coordination capacity of Somali institutions;
(2) To train staff currently working in organizations in Somaliland and Puntland (and possibly in southern Somalia) in economic and planning disciplines;
(3) To familiarize Somali government staff with the procedures used in similar Ministries in other African countries.
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Grant Activities:
The activity would deliver a mixed-mode learning program to 30 to 60 Somali government and non-government planners over a twelve month period. This program would comprise:
(1) Initial face-to-face (F2F) training program in fundamentals of economics and planning, delivered in one (or more) location(s) in Somalia.
(2) Subsequent Internet-based distance learning program in financial, economics and development planning topics. The program would use a range of asynchronous learning methods, including streamed video, self-based e-learning, email communication, chatrooms and provision of hardcopy materials to all participants.
(3) A final face-to-face learning program at the external partner institution, including visits to planning and finance ministries in at least one other African country. This would be offered to participants who had successfully completed the Internet based program.
The course should lead to a certificate or diploma for the participants.
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Results:
The purpose of the project was to develop the capacity of financial planners in Somalia in order to foster economic growth. Implemented in the midst of political uncertainty, the project proved instrumental in creating a pool of competent financial managers for the government and private business and enhancing the performance of participating civil servants.
The project was implemented in cooperation with the United Nations Development Program and the United Kingdom Department for International Development. Around 200 employees from the public and private sectors participated in an Online-Distance-Learning (ODL) course in Financial Planning and Management for nine months between 2006 and 2007. The course employed a mixed-mode approach combining web-based distance learning with face-to-face tutorial sessions complementing the coursework of the online module. Topics covered during the classes included principles of economics, finance, accounting, budgeting, financial transactions and records, management control, public financial management, computer skills, and English language. The training was delivered through six Somali universities by International Management Consultants Limited (United Kingdom) in association with The University of Fort Hare (South Africa), and BPP Professional Education (United Kingdom).
The project enjoyed strong political commitment and student participation. Overall, it contributed to enhanced knowledge, networking and information sharing among professionals in the financial planning field. The participants marked an excellent pass rate from the very first semester examination, with an average of 90 percent passing with high marks. The combination of web-based and face-to-face teaching tools proved effective in providing participants with strong and lasting knowledge of the subjects at hand.
Another initiative in the same field is planned to build upon the achievements of the project, to continue the momentum created by the financial planning trainings and strengthen public financial management, and the accounting profession in Somalia. The new project will replicate and expand the initial Capacity Building project and will also support career development amongst professionals in the public and private sectors, giving them the opportunity to study for internationally recognized professional examinations. The project is expected to further revitalize the Somali human resource base which is a vital requirement in re-establishing public institutions at all levels of government in Somalia.
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Lessons Learned:
Limited technology, limited Internet speed, political instability, unfamiliarity with online distance learning in Somalia, and the high cost associated with E-learning presented challenges to the implementation of the project. However, the mixed-mode learning combining online and face-to-face sessions proved beneficial to the participants, allowing for project and participants’ flexibility. The online module, developed in six locations at the same time, contributed to sharing knowledge in the middle of conflict across Somalia. Upgrades to the existing Internet connections enhanced communication, as they improved connectivity and allowed all students to log on to the Internet simultaneously.
Ongoing communication among parties proved key to the successful implementation of the project. Furthermore, the training of trainers seminar delivered as part of the initiative to lecturers from the six participating universities became instrumental for project sustainability due to increased local capacity for continued transfer of knowledge and skills. The project also underlined the importance of establishing training and development centers as part of capacity building projects. Last but not least, the initiative proved that coordination and alignment of institutional support is key to the success of any capacity building exercise.
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