The Danish Disability Fund
Application form:
Large scale development project
Disability MAINSTREAMING PROJECTS WITH EXTERNAL ACTORS
(500.000 – 5 m. DKK.)
September 2013
This form must be used when applying for funding for Large Scale Development projects and Disability Mainstreaming Projects with external actors. The form is divided into four parts:
Part 1. Cover page
Basic information regarding applicant, partners, title, and the amount applied for, etc.
Part 2. Application text
The description of the development project. Each section provides an instruction (shaded grey) on what the section should contain. The application text in Part 2 must not exceed 20 pages. Applications exceeding 20 pages will be rejected.
Part 3. Budget summary
The main budget items. Please, note that the budget summary must be elaborated upon in the annex D2 ‘Budget format’.
Part 4. Annexes
A list of the obligatory and supplementary annexes that support the application (reviews and evaluations of previous project phases must for example be enclosed).
Please, note: The project (and the project application) must be developed in collaboration between the project-implementing local partner organization and the Danish member organization. Consequently, a project document must be available in a language commanded by the local partner. The application, however, can only be submitted in Danish or English.
1. Cover page
J.no. (to be completed by DPOD)HP
large scale development project & Disability MAINSTREAMING PROJECTS WITH EXTERNAL ACTORS
(500.000 – 5 m. DKK.)
Applied for (please tick):Large scale development project / X
Disability mainstreaming project
Project title: / “Safari Bado- The Journey continues”.
Applicant Danish member organisation (financial responsible) / Landsforeningen LEV
Other Danish partner(s), if any: / N/A
Local partner organisation(s): / Uganda Parents of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (UPPID)
Country (-ies): Uganda / Country’s GNI per capita:
US $510 (World Bank, 2011)
Project commencement date:
1st January 2014 / Project completion date:
30th June 2015 / Total number of months: 18
Contact person for the project:Name: Lisbeth Rasmussen, Email address: , Telephone no.: 40303427
Amount requested from the Disability Fund: 2.249.851 DKK / Annual project cost: 1.124.975 DKK
(Total amount requested divided by number of project years)
Is this a re-submission? (i.e. a revised application, which has previously been submitted)
[ X ] No
[ ] Yes, previous date of application:
Is this a:
[ X ] A new project? (It is new, smaller, more focused and with a very clear cut Exit strategy)
[ X ] A project in extension of another project previously supported by DH, CISU, Danida or others? (It draws on lessons learnt and continues what has been initiated by the JOMBOLA and the Self Advocacy In Action project).
In which language should the response letter from the Danish Disability Fund be written (choose one):
[ ] Danish
[ X ] English
Synthesis
Projektet har til formål at afrunde samarbejdet mellem LEV og UPPID, der blev indledt i 1998. Det er målet at sikre organisatorisk og finansiel bæredygtighed i UPPID – og dermed organisationens fortsatte arbejde for fuld inklusion af mennesker med udviklingshæmning i overensstemmelse med FNs konvention for mennesker med handicap. Der arbejdes med 3 delmål i projektet, som skal sikre dette: 1: Øget inklusion af mennesker med udviklingshæmning i UPPIDs ledelse, i fortalervirksomhedsaktiviteter samt i statslige tilbud/services, især uddannelse og fattigdomsorienterede programmer. 2: Øget national synlighed ifm fortalervirksomhed samt mere målrettet og strategisk fundraising 3: Øget demokrati og proaktiv ledelse i organisationen. Målene tager afsæt i UPPIDs strategiske plan (2013-2017) og projektet er tilrettelagt pba Exit strategi udarbejdet af ekstern konsulent, i forbindelse med teknisk review af LEV/UPPID samarbejdet, oktober 2013.
Date / Person responsible (signature)
Place / Person responsible and position (block letters)
A. THE PARTNERS (indicative length 3 pages)
A.1 THE DANISH MEMBER ORGANIZATION: The national organisation LEV was founded in 1952 by parents to persons with intellectual disabilities (PWIDs).The organisation is an umbrella organisation comprising more than 16,000 members, organised in 67 local groups as well as 17 smaller organisations working for the rights of specific groups of PWIDs, e.g. persons with Down Syndrome. The structure reflects the fact that intellectual disability covers a broad range of cognitive deficiencies, all affecting personal development to a varying degree.
LEVs mission is to advocate and lobby for improvement of the life conditions of PWIDs and their families, and the vision being full inclusion in all areas of life, in accordance with UNCRPD. LEV pursues thisas a representative in a number of official committees at local, regional and national level in Denmark and as member of the umbrella Disabled People´s organisation –Denmark (DPOD).
The organisation is governed by a National Executive Committee (NEC) (5 members) elected together with the National Board (27 members) at the National General Assembly. All serve for a four years term. At the NEC one member in particular is responsible for LEVs engagement in development work. Day to day management of activities is taken care of by a national secretariat with a staff of 27 persons including 3 PWIDs.
Since 1984, LEV has been engaged in development work, supporting organisations of PWIDs and their families across Africa and Asia. In line with most other DPOs the approach has since start developed and a focus on OD combined with income generation and some service provision – based on a medical perspective - been substituted by a more Rights based approach (RBA) including a more social perspective on development. Parents and relatives to PWIDs have always been in focus (together with PWIDs of course) and through some service and a lot of capacity building it has been attempted to strengthen primarily their voice as advocates on behalf of PWIDs. Recently, the focus on PWIDs as self-advocates has gained higher priority. LEV and partners have realised the importance of placing right holders at the centre to let those who can voice own concerns (about 1/3 of all PWIDs). This is reflected in LEVs current project support to e.g. the Down Syndrome Association in South Africa, which addresses empowerment of self-advocates and strengthening of the Self Advocacy Movement of South Africa (SAMBA). This project develops and builds on experiences from the South Africa project. Generally, LEV has promoted establishment and strengthening of umbrella-like organisations of Parents and PWIDs based on Parents Self Help groups (PPSHG). It has been of high priority to gather all key stakeholders from the beginning to avoid conflicts. Activities have included training and support to PWIDs and PPSHGs, participation in advocacy activities of the national disability movement and capacity building of staff and leaders. Throughout LEV has intended to develop self-sustained organisations, even if it at times has proved to be more challenging than expected.
LEVs core competencies in relation to development work in general and this project in particular include vast experience with organising groups of parents; fora where parents and relatives can support each other in relation to living with PWIDs (socio-psycho support) and together develop a strong democratic organisation of advocates. Besides, LEV holds immense experience with Self advocacy, being one of the organisations that have pioneered the approach. Also, extensive skills within advocacy and lobbying and solid experience with democratic organisational practice are important.
Management of LEVs development work is the responsibility of a Programme Manager supported by the financial department and local consultants, when relevant. All are experienced within the field.
A.2 OTHER DANISH PARTNERS: N/A
A.3 THE LOCAL PARTNER ORGANIZATION: UPPID, formerly UPACLED (till May 2013), was founded and registered as a NGO on 3rd October 1998 to represent children with intellectual disabilities and advocate for their rights. Its mission is “to support and advocate for inclusion of PWIDs and their families to attain improved standards of living”. The organisation comprises about 10,000 members, organized in local Parents Self-help groups (PSHGs) and District Executive Committees (DECs) in 39 districts (of altogether 112 districts ) Self Advocacy Groups (SAG) have been established in 6 districts. Besides a few smaller organizations advocating for rights of specific intellectual disabilities e.g. Down Syndrome are members. The umbrella like structure is due to the fact that intellectual disability covers a wide range of cognitive deficits affecting personal development differently.
Governance of the organization is currently taken care of by board of 11 members, elected by general assembly for a period of 5 years. (5 members of the current board will resign and be substituted by new members at the coming Assembly (Jan/Feb 2014), as they have served the organization for several terms. The board has 5 subcommittees focusing on advocacy, fundraising etc. At district level the PSHGs and SAG are governed by District Executive Committees elected by local members every 3 year. Each district sends 2 representatives to the AGM. (see Annex C)
Day to day management is taken care of by a small secretariat currently placed outside the capital -supported by 3 regional staff placed at small premises at regional capitals closer to members. All have worked with UPPID for several years and holds considerable capacity regarding knowledge of intellectual disability. At district level UPPID makes use of well qualified volunteers, typically recruited among teachers and social workers, altogether more than 1000. The volunteers support activities for PWIDs (and their parents). From 2014 it is planned to move the national secretariat to the capital, where free space has been offered by Action for Disability in Development (ADD). Besides, the total staff will be reduced and a short term Consultant with a strong fundraising profile/future Director hired to ensure gradual retirement of the current ED (cf. annex Q) This is part of the Exit strategy prepared recently; a recommendation provided by the Consultant (cf. annex I).
UPPIDs core activities include mobilization and training of parents to PWIDs and PWIDs, coaching of PSHGs and SAG, sensitization, awareness raising, lobbying and advocacy. Over the years UPPID has also collaborated with key ministries and jointly with NUDIPU and other DPO’s managed to influence important policies and reports, e.g. Disability Act 2006 and the UNCRPD “Shadow Report). Both at national and local level UPPID works as an independent organization as well as together with allies in relevant networks.
A main ally is the national disability umbrella NUDIPU. Since inception UPPID has followed NUDIPU closely and in 2008 managed to obtain formal membership. Till today representation at the board has been shared with Mental Health Uganda (MHU) and Epilepsy Support Association (ESAU), but from 2014 UPPID will have a seat on its own. Also collaboration with NUWODU, the umbrella for WWDs (and a member of NUDIPU), is important.
A.4 THE COOPERATIVE RELATIONSHIP AND ITS PROSPECTS: The co-operation is known by DPOD and the Grant Committee. However, a few additional remarks based on recent review needs to be added. The HP no. is 141- 030
Formal collaboration between LEV and UPPID (formerly UPACLED until May 2013) dates back to 1998 (see Annex F). Considering this, it is fair to say that LEV has contributed to UPPID’s gradual growth and recognition as the national voice of PWIDs by authorities and the disability umbrella NUDIPU (cf. review report, Annex H).
According to the Review report essential common experiences and results achieved include:
Wide coverage at district level: UPPID today operates in 39 districts where District Executive Committees (DECs) have been elected. Most of these now have self-help advocates represented. Within each district, 25 Parents self-help groups (PSHG) have been formed and the majority is still active. About 10,000 members have filled out registration forms although the number of active members paying fees is lower (see Annex J for further details on selected districts).
Successful self- help tool provided to Parents to PWIDs: A self-help kit for involvement and organization of parents to PWIDs in PSHGs at community level has been prepared and already contributed to some results and outcome, e.g better understanding of PWIDs by parents and communities.
Successful advocacy at district level: 21 DECs have managed to get office space (in most cases free) from the government. Besides, several of the 39 districts have gained access to one or more of the governmental programs, e.g. the National Agricultural Advisory Service (NAADs).
Presence at regional level: UPPIDs strategy of establishing regional offices has been successful and brought the organization closer to its membership. All regional offices have premises made available by district authorities so only limited support to running costs has been contributed by UPPID.
Full membership of the disability movement: UPPID has since 2008 been part of the national umbrella NUDIPU and is taken into account in it´s advocacy work. From 2008 till today one seat of the board has been shared with MHU and ESAU, but onwards UPPID will hold an own seat.
These important steps towards visibility and recognition of the rights of PWIDs and their families by society at large - and the disability movement of Uganda in particular are vital and have together with lessons learnt (e.g. the need for aggressive fundraising) informed focus of this project. The project attempts to make full use of what has worked well and been achieved already, e.g. advocacy at district level, full recognition by NUDIPU and establishment of Self Advocacy groups.
Given that UPPID manages to sustain organisational and financial capacity as expected, further sharing of the good practices with like-minded organisations in the region could be considered in the future, e.g. in relation to final evaluation. Collaboration between UPPID and LEV will no doubt continue, but under no circumstances in a similar way as over the past 15 years.
B. PROJECT ANALYSIS (indicative length 7 pages)
B.1 PREPARATION: May 2013, The LEV/UPPID proposal “Empowerment Through Partnership” (HP 141-011) was disapproved by the Grant Committee of the Disability Fund. Remarks added recommended that LEV/UPPID could further explore design and implementation of a possible exit strategy with the help of an external review. This should include a look at the LEV and UPPID collaboration (1998-2013). UPPID/LEV followed the advice and has carried out the review, Oct.13.
The Review report (Annex H) states as its no 1 Recommendation that UPPID and LEV should “…immediately initiate preparation for a final project based on UPPID’s strategic plan, including the exit strategy .. “ (p. 21). Based on this – and the rest of the report, this proposal has been prepared. As such the project is neither a re-submission of the disapproved proposal (as it is different, smaller and shorter) nor an extension of a previous project in the strict understanding of the word. It is first and foremost an attempt to exit the 1:1 partnership between LEV and UPPID in a gradual and responsible way with strong focus on how UPPID can be sustained organisationally and financially – and investments of Danida support used well. In response to the remarks of the Grant Committee, it has been decided to make extensive use of learning in the project, align budget and logframe closer and strictly follow what the external consultant has recommended regarding design, duration and volume of a possible exit project after having assessed the capacity of UPPID.