CONNECT
Zimbabwe Institute Of Systemic Therapy
Annual Report
2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abbreviations
Executive Committee Chair’s report
Director’s report
Summary
1. Introduction
2. Training
3. Clinic, Further Education and Research
4. Administration
Annexes
Executive Committee
Staff List
ABBREVIATIONS
ACT: AIDS Counselling Trust
AIDS: Acquired Immuno-deficiency Syndrome
ASO: AIDS Service Organisation
CONNECT ZIST: CONNECT Zimbabwe Institute of Systemic Therapy
ADFT: Advanced Diploma In Family Therapy
HIV: Human Immune Virus
HOSPAZ: Hospice Association of Zimbabwe
IVD: International Volunteers’ Day
MSF: Medicines sans Frontiers
NAC: National AIDS Council
NANGO: National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations
OVC: Orphaned and Other Vulnerable Children
RATN: Regional AIDS Training Network
UNICEF: United Nations Children’s Fund
UNISA: University of South Africa
UNV: United Nations Volunteers
VCT: Voluntary Counselling and Testing
VSO-RAISA: Voluntary Service Organisation-Regional AIDS Initiative of Southern Africa
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIR’S REPORT
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The Zimbabwean economy managed to stabilize in 2011, creating a relatively conducive environment for CONNECT to achieve its set objectives. In its endeavors CONNECT continued to adhere to the highest standards of corporate governance and ethics.
The Executive Committee elected nine members with a broad range of skills, qualifications and experience and are persons of integrity. Its role is to give strategic direction to the organisation and monitor overall performance. To fulfill this role, four scheduled meetings were held throughout the year. Some of the Executive Committee responsibilities were delegated to three standing committees, Finance, Human Resources and Fundraising which operate within defined terms of reference laid down by the Executive Committee.
I want to thank the Finance Committee for managing to review quarterly and annual financial statements, reviewing the effectiveness and reliability of management information systems, risk and internal control systems, discussing and agreeing with auditors the scope, nature and priorities of external audit
The Human resources committee worked extra hard to ensure that
remuneration policies and practices kept our committed staff motivated to come to work. I want to commend staff for their loyalty and resilience during this transitional period. CONNECT is an equal opportunities employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, physical disability or HIV status. We have continued to support the training and development of staff through sponsorship to various colleges, courses and workshops.
The fundraising committee spearheads the mammoth task of raising funds towards the development of our premises. I continue to appeal to all members and the donor community to support the efforts of this committee. Phase two of the building project are the two training halls. Volunteers to work with the committee will be required as we embark on fundraising activities.
Our counselling clinic continues to provide a high quality service. A total of 246 clients sought professional counselling at the clinic, during the period under review. Various presenting problems were cited by the clients which include stress, marital, bereavement, substance abuse, domestic violence, trauma and divorce to mention a few.
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Spontaneous remarks given by clients after receiving counselling at the CONNECT Clinic are an important measure and indicator of the extent to which these services impact on the lives of the clientele. To this end, I implore the clinic to maintain follow up so as to measure impact of this service on our population.
A total of 203 Counsellors enrolled for the diploma in systemic family counselling. The majority of these were female, 180 and 23 male. We also appreciate the various networks who continue to contact us to train their staff members.
The Executive Committee ensures compliance with applicable government legislation and other labor laws. To the knowledge of the Executive Committee, no committee member committed any indictable offence under the prevention of corruption act or indulged in any unethical behavior in the conduct of the lawfully authorized business of CONNECT.
The Executive committee has given clear instructions that the conduct of all CONNECT work must comply and be in accordance with code of ethics as issued by the Executive Committee.
We remain committed to our vision of peace and harmony in individuals, families, communities and society at large. I want to thank the CONNECT community comprised of the development partners, network members, stakeholders, staff and beneficiaries, who contributed collectively towards our success story.
Tayengwa Muskwe
Chairman
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
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INTRODUCTION
CONNECT BACKGROUND
CONNECT (Zimbabwe Institute of Systemic Therapy) was founded as a local non-governmental organization in 1983 by psychologists and social workers to provide counselling to low-income group of clients. It was registered with the department of social welfare in 1985, welfare number 7/85.
The name CONNECT alludes to the fact that all people should be connected to each other in the fight against social ills. CONNECT started off as a counselling organization, later extending its activities to include training of counselors, research and consultancy services using the systemic approach which views people in context.
The organization is based in Harare reaching out to the whole country and region through training, with the trained counsellors providing the services in their own settings. CONNECT owns stand 18149 Ganges Road Belvedere where the administration and training departments are housed with the Clinic occupying rented accommodation at 95 Central Avenue Harare.
GUIDING PHILOSOPHY
CONNECT promotes the systemic approach which involves taking each problem as a whole and looking at it in relation to the family, organization and community.
VISION:
Peace and harmony in individuals, families, communities and society at large
MISSION:
To achieve the vision CONNECT The Zimbabwe Institute of Systemic Therapy is committed to the development of human relationships within families, organisations and communities through training, therapy, counselling, research and consultancy following the systemic approach in a culturally sensitive manner.
VALUES:
· Confidentiality
· Equity & respect
· Gender sensitivity
· Inclusiveness
· Integrity
· Transparency & Accountability
· Wellness
OBJECTIVES:
1. To provide counselling and therapeutic services for individuals, families and communities to overcome a wide variety of social challenges.
2. To train a broad range of health, social services, human resources practitioners and community workers in counselling, family therapy and systemic management techniques.
3. To offer consultancy services to communities and organizations in the application of Systemic Theory to solving social challenges and promote social change.
4. To develop, through research, monitoring and evaluation, indigenous therapeutic management and training techniques and materials.
SERVICES
FAMILY THERAPY AND COUNSELLING
Qualified professionals offer counselling and family therapy to individuals and families with a wide range of social, emotional and behavioural problems including those involving adolescent and child problems, HIV & Aids, bereavement, alcohol and substance abuse, depression, traumatic experiences, eating disorders, marital issues, absentee parenting and communication problems.
TRAINING
CONNECT is the leading Zimbabwean training organization in family therapy and systemic counselling, offering counselling courses for grassroots workers as well as more intensive training in family therapy for those wishing to specialize in the field.
Short courses ranging from 3 days to 5 days are offered to an average of 10 organizations per year. At regional level CONNECT runs three courses per year for a month each, as a member institute of the Regional Aids Training Network (RATN).
CONSULTANCY
CONNECT offers consultancy services based on systemic principles for organisations working with specific problem areas such as bereavement, rape and mental health. This service is available for organisations and the corporate world.
TRAINING
Following a Results Based Management orientation, this report draws attention to the achievements and challenges experienced by CONNECT Training Department during the period under consideration.
Achievements made so far by the training department are presented in two tables. These reflect:
1. The 2011 targeted results as contained on the work plan. These were subsequently summarized in to 6 main expected results
2. The library expected results. These consisted of 4 main areas.
2011 RESULTS- Summarized
RESULTS / Expected Outcome / Progress made1a. Training Material reviewed / -Improved training materials.
-Shared best practices / The process began & will be completed in 2012
1b. An exam bank for theory assessment paper built and quality assurance ensured. / -An exam bank that is easy to access by authorized personnel / Deferred to 2012
2. A broad range of health, social services and community workers enrolled and trained in systemic counselling and management techniques through long courses and short courses. / -A total of 240 students enrolled on Diploma in Counselling Course, and 45 students on RATN course
-Well prepared records.
-All queries attended to. / Within this year 271new students have attended training. Of these 35 were on the RATN course, while 86 were on the upgrading course.
3. Students’ progress tracked / -At least a 90% pass rate of the total students.
- An analytic comparison of students’ results to the normal curve
-Professional counsellors / 80% pass rate on Dec 2012 Theory exams
-An approximate normal curve obtained
-Feedback from service providers particularly City Health clinics, Pari & Harare hospitals confirm that former CONNECT students exhibit attributes of professional counsellors
4. RATN project on “Capacity Building of Church Leaders on HIV & AIDS in the church” monitored & evaluated / -Increased HIV & AIDS awareness and psychosocial support in churches where leaders were trained.
-Continued networking between church leaders for sustainability of programme within the churches / - Reports on all deliverables were done
- Final report was successfully submitted within project time frame
5. Short courses conducted / At least 24 short courses conducted by year end / A total of 18 short courses were conducted. Eleven of these were convened under the Children First Project
Bridging Course
As from January 2011, CONNECT’s first level course was upgraded from Certificate to Diploma. This created a need in students who completed their studies prior to this date. Many appealed to have their qualification upgraded. In response to this, an upgrading course was designed. Four groups were convened. These were in session in April, June, August and December. This covered a total of 86 students.
Children First Project
A total of 217 volunteers from Children First partner organizations, plus 34 Community Based Trainers (CBTs) were recipients of a training programme that focused on basic child communication and case work skills. Organizations represented on this project were World Education, Children First Project, Child Protection Society, Seke Rural Home Based Caregivers, Kapnec Children’s Rehabilitation Unit, Family Support Trust, Howard Hospital, Umzingwane AIDS Network, NZEVE, and Hospaz. All training workshops were conducted over 5 working days, with training methodology mixing theory with a lot of practice. The workshops commenced on 26 September, and concluded on 21 October 2011.
Recruitment Drive
A data base of potential students, and organizations for short courses was established. This consists of name of organization, contact person, & e-mail address. Between January and April, this database consisted of 200 organizations. In May, we obtained an electronic copy of the NANGO directory. This consists of information of approximately 784 organizations. In 2011, the first means of advertising CONNECT courses, the journal and upcoming CONNECT conference has been via e-mail.
LIBRARY
OBJECTIVES
RESULTS / Expected Outcome / Progress Made1. Databases developed and updated / - Up-to-date record of all library activities
- Improved system of loaning books / -Library activity updates available in monthly departmental reports
-Books were updated as new ones came into the system
-Student data bases updated on an ongoing basis because much as they were enrolled, not all visited the library immediately
2. A collection policy of library materials developed / Smooth running of CONNECT library
-Reduced loss of valuable books / Timeframe shifted to 2012, to give Librarian ample time to grasp subject area as she was studying in 2011
3. At least two newsletters published & distributed / -Increased knowledge about CONNECT amongst members and friends
- Improved stakeholder & public awareness of CONNECT / Preparatory work on two potential newsletters
1. One with usual format, focusing on updating readers on CONNECT activities. Contributors were engaged. Soft copy is available
2. Special edition on the RATN sponsored youth programme. This was delayed due to challenges on this project
4. CONNECT Staff kept aware of current issues that affect their profession / - Increased dissemination of current information / Defered to 2012. To be tackled from 2 angles:
1.HINAR Internet based journals which CONNECT has subscribed to. Subject areas are on Psychology, Sociology, Community Development, and Community Health. Challenges in accessing these have been internet connectivity, and computer hardware challenges.
2. Librarian’s research topic on 2011 studies were in line with this objective. Thus significant improvement alone these lines are expected.
Publications
The first issue of CONNECTions, Systemic Family Therapy Journal was published. A total of six family therapists contributed articles which centered on research carried out and their personal experiences working with clients facing various social adversities.
CLINIC, FURTHER EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
This report presents highlights of activities and operations conducted by the Clinic, Further Education and Research Department team during the year 2011. Each departmental subunit is presented separately looking at the objectives and the achievements made. The report concludes by presenting some of the challenges experienced during implementation process.
CLINIC
Family Therapy Services.
Objective.
The CONNECT Clinic had the following set objective:
By the end of 2011 the Clinic would have provided counselling and family therapy services to 300 clients (individuals, groups or families) experiencing a wide variety of social problems.
Achievements.
Statistical information presented in table 1 below show numbers of clients who accessed therapy services at the Clinic.
Table1: Summary of client inflow during 2011.
PERIOD / SEX / AGES / ETHNICITY / TOTALMALE / FEMALE / CHILDREN / ADULTS / BLACKS / WHITES / ASIANS / MIXED
Quarter 1 / 23 / 23 / 4/4 / 38 / 41 / 0 / 0 / 5 / 46
Quarter 2 / 23 / 25 / 7/1 / 40 / 46 / 1 / 0 / 1 / 48
Quarter 3 / 27 / 29 / 4/2 / 50 / 54 / 1 / 0 / 1 / 56
Quarter 4 / 15 / 30 / 3/3 / 39 / 44 / 1 / 0 / 0 / 45
Totals / 88 / 107 / 18/10 / 167 / 185 / 3 / 0 / 7 / 195
The 195 clients who accessed family therapy represent 65% of the target as the 300 clients could not be achieved. A comparison of clients who accessed services at the Clinic between 2010 and 2011 is as shown below.