EDRC
“Fund Against Violation of Law”s
“Institute of Democracy and Human Rights”
“Support to Communities” NGO
Total Quality Management Assistance NGO
Systems quality analysis and evaluation model (own project, not Oxfam supported)
SCO 1 Projects for 2003-2004
CSPN
Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Self Governance and HealthCare in frames of PRSP
REPORT on the “WAYS OF POVERTY ERADICATION IN ARMENIA” Seminar

EDRC

One of the projects implemented by Economic Development Research Center NGO (EDRC) is “Policy Choice for Poverty Reduction”. EDRC pursues the goal to assist the Government of Armenia and the expert groups working on the PRSP through proposing alternatives for policy targeting and development. The proposals are based on broad macro and micro-economic analyses and researches performed in this area by economists-experts who have working experience in the Government, the Central Bank and International Organizations.

As outcomes of the Project, research paper “Growth with Equity” is released, as well as economic policy development and decision making models and forecasting models are built.

Based on the results of the researches, EDRC proposes to review the economic policy targeting in Armenia and the priorities of public expenditures programs, as well as to implement active policy directed at overcoming structural obstacles in the economy (issues of economic freedom and competition, corruption, institutional and infrastructure imperfection). Development of human capital, efficient labor market regulation, proportional regional development and efficient management of price variables should become the main directions of the poverty reduction policy.

This project supported by Oxfam GB attempted to ensure participation and involvement of the society in the process of public policy making.

The key conclusions of the study are:
Economic growth is not enough for poverty eradication in Armenia. The key focus of economic policy should be the improvement of income distribution, which implies explicit redistribution policy. Sustainable economic growth should be considered as an additional key source of poverty reduction.

Until recently, the opinion that economic growth is able to overcome poverty was dominant and was expressed in the policies of a number of transition countries, especially in the policy programs recommended by international financial organizations. However, a number of studies have proven that growth does not always facilitate poverty reduction. Years of economic growth in Armenia come to support this alternative view, as the distribution of income became worse in the period of growth.

Parallel to rather high pace of economic growth in Armenia during recent years, income distribution has polarized, causing an increase in poverty. Further more, according to our estimates, economic growth may limit the potential of poverty reduction in the future. This is explained by the fact that due to high level of business concentration, economic growth is limiting the potential usage of available resources by other economic agents, particularly poor, which are not involved in current economic activity. Therefore policies should support economic growth driven by equal opportunities, which will contribute to poverty reduction. It should be noted that the improvement of income distribution and redistribution function of the state is also important in terms of sustainability of growth.
To avoid long-term and persistent poverty and to overcome the current poverty in Armenia challenges in development of human capital, economic freedom and equal opportunities must be addressed.

In this respect policy should be aimed at improvement of governance, fight against corruption and protectionism, investment in human capital.
The current economic policy is not focused on poverty reduction issues. The forecast of income distribution presented in IPRSR is not realistic, which questions the efficiency of measures presented in this document.

Armenian Budget Analysis Project

Implementation of the “Armenian Budget Analyses” Project has started since July 2002 with the joint initiative of “Economic Development and Research Center” NGO and Oxfam (GB) Armenian branch. Beginning from October 2002, Department for International Development of GB, has provided assistance to the implementation of the Project.

ABA Project is directed at overcoming the problems of vulnerable layers of society and poverty reduction through improvement of the governance system and policies and institutional development of the society. “Armenian Budget Analyses” Project pursues the goal of increasing participation of the society and the poor, in particular, in the processes of public governance by ensuring their transparency and accountability.
Prioritizing the role of state budget (and community budgets) and extra-budgetary funds, as well as development of open and participatory society in respect to the poverty reduction, EDRC has initiated this Project, which is very timely, especially in the light of PRSP processes in Armenia.
Budgetary process (including budget formulation, execution, reporting and audit) has direct or indirect impact on well being of the citizens and development of the enterprises in the country. These influences have various forms and mechanisms. For example, State budget reflects fiscal policy implemented by the government, which has a direct impact on economic growth, employment, inflation, interest rates and other key macroeconomic indicators of the country. State budget also incorporates provisions of social policy of the government, which account for development of human capital and social insurance level, investment policy, sectorial and territorial development strategies, etc. in the country. The latter reflect principles of productive capital, establishment of economic and other infrastructures and distribution. On the other hand, budget incorporates government policies of tax and customs, state debt accumulation, compulsory payments and financing of different state expenditure programs. Thus, budget reflects the way and mechanisms through which authorities influence different spheres of public life.
Implementation of the ABA project will enable to identify whether the Central Government and local governments in Armenia formulate and execute pro-poor budgets, which protect interests of the poor (largest group of population) and facilitate poverty reduction. The Project should create bases for enhancement of public participation in the budgetary and policy-making processes, at the same time ensuring improvements of policymaking and policy implementation. The outputs of the project are presented at http://www.edrc.am/project.html?cat_id=49 web page.

“Fund Against Violation of Law”s

“Civil Centers in Syunik Marz”
Project implemented by “Fund Against Violation of Law” Sponsored by Oxfam GB

The main objectives of the project were development of civil society organisations (CSO) in Syunik marz, one of the largest regions in Armenia, and facilitation of two-way information flow between the region and the centre, through and for the effective implementation of Poverty Reduction Strategy Program (PRSP) in Armenia.

As the Government of RA in contrast to the expectations had not approved the full-fledged PRSP by the time the project was launched, it was difficult to carry out monitoring activities for PRSP, and the focus of the project has been put on building capacities for civic initiative and monitoring activities in general. In particular, increase in the level of civic activity in community life, dialogue and cooperation between state structures and local organised groups, and increase in the level of social and legal protection, as well as access to information about current programs (particularly PRSP) and opportunities were the main issues which the project aimed to achieve.

Several activities were conducted for these purposes. First of all, Civil Center was established in Sisian in order to have a focal point for project activities which would also serve as a resource centre for local organisations. Educational and awareness-raising activities, such as trainings and seminars for local NGOs and other civil organisations on capacity building and project-related topics, as well as media programs were done, post-boxes for suggestions and grievances installed, consultations held for local population on legal and social issues, thematic discussions and hearings organised, and active human resources of communities mobilised for searching own solutions for community problems. In the course of the project, contacts with community authorities, relevant state bodies were sustained and actions necessary for advocacy of certain cases of mass violations taken place.

Due to the project, the importance of the voices of the poor has been emphasized in the communities and the general perception of their role as well as their own initiative has been improved. The provision of legal consultations in places contributed to the improvement of awareness of rights and development of communication between people and authorities, which indirectly influenced the life of the poor. Besides, the project has developed positive expectations among the population, which had a helpful role in the creation of positive psychological environment in places.

Communication with community leaders has contributed to the development of positive attitudes toward cooperation with civil society organisations. On the other hand, some changes in the vision of population related to the possibility of bringing up own initiatives and their voices to upper levels have been achieved. In general, the shift toward civic consciousness has been gradually achieved, and there is concrete evidence in the changes regarding particularly community authorities revealing information that should be open according to law and involvement of people in making decisions affecting their community. At the same time, there revealed problems and constraints needed to be overcome in order to have more effective results in the work of civil society organisations and in the area of overcoming poverty. The project has shown a high need for developing activities in remote towns and villages, which will create basis for action on local level and drive for enthusiasm and active participation. Generally, the impact on the life of poor men and women is expected now to develop in long-term perspective as there is a need to improve mechanisms for implementing and monitoring PRSP in places. Together with other organisations of Civil Society Partnership Network, the organisation contributes its efforts to implementing further activities in this area.

“Institute of Democracy and Human Rights”s

“Public Participation and Monitoring in PRSP Implementation” Project

The purpose of the project was to study the public opinion, especially that of the poor and socially vulnerable segments of the population, and to develop proposals and recommendations on its basis in order to enhance their participation in the PRSP elaboration process and to protect the right of poor women and men to have their voices heard.

The penultimate draft of the published PRSP still had numerous shortcomings, namely the inconsistency between the poverty reduction goal and the poverty definition incorporated in the Paper, the poverty indicators, and the uncertainties of priorities in classifying poor segments and reducing poverty, as well as in other categories. In the recent published versions of the PRSP (May and July 2003), the aforementioned deficiencies had grown to be more severe than before. Despite that in a structural sense, the PRSP has undergone significant improvement, its substantive part has become more exposed to risks than before. The issue is that the priorities underlined in the last draft of the PRSP overlook what we find to be a pivotal concern in terms of reducing poverty, i.e. that of equal opportunities. Our assertions about the need to prioritize equal opportunities is consistent with the fifth main objective of OXFAM, i.e. the Right to Equity, because our survey showed that the poor and socially vulnerable segments of the population believe that the main cause of poverty in Armenia is the unfair situation arising out of the inequalities of opportunities to explore, develop, and realize the human abilities.

In this situation, as the Poverty Reduction Strategy in Armenia declares economic growth to be an absolute, and effectively sole priority, poverty reduction altogether is jeopardized.

One of the causes of these uncertainties is that in defining poverty and determining ways of overcoming it, policy-makers have often failed to consider, or have been unaware of, the position of the poor concerning these issues and their vision of how to overcome the present obstacles. Therefore, the preparatory stage of the survey has focused on studying the opinion of the primary beneficiaries of the During the survey, for the first time ever, an attempt has been made in Armenia at assessing the level of poverty with the participation of the poor segments of the population. Geographic, natural, climatic, accessibility/inaccessibility of communications, large-medium-sized-small, and urban/rural differences have been taken into account.

During the survey, for the first time ever, an attempt has been made in Armenia at assessing the level of poverty with the participation of the poor segments of the population. Geographic, natural, climatic, accessibility/inaccessibility of communications, large-medium-sized-small, and urban/rural differences have been taken into account.

The survey was carried out using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods.

In the implementation of the survey, a new principle was introduced into the policy of carrying out the PRSP participatory process, i.e. that of surveying the opinion of the poor in order to mobilize them into the PRSP elaboration process;

As a matter, this research project was aimed at not only carrying out the survey, but also realizing the right of the PRSP beneficiaries, i.e. the poor, to have their voices heard in order to influence the development of measures to overcome the issues affecting them;

Decisive importance was attached to opinions of the poor in defining poverty, developing assessment criteria, formulating priorities in the poverty elimination process, and affecting policy change in the PRSP implementation stage, and to collaboration with civil society organizations aimed at overcoming the systemic causes of poverty (especially the network of OXFAM partners) and a synchronized policy in the participation, social monitoring, and assessment of PRSP elaboration and implementation.

“Support to Communities” NGO

Targets:

To promote the increase of social and healthcare protection level of communities
To contribute to development of the Primary Health Care (PHC) in communities
To assist healthcare organization and contribute to the development of communities

Beneficiaries of the Project

“Support to Communities”, Charity Public Organization, hereinafter referred to as “the Organization”, and the Primary Health Care Project carried out jointly with communities can provide services to the following members of community and below stated cases:
Regularly making contributions to the Resolving Drug Fund (RDF) of communities;
Socially most unsecured families suggested by the community (not more than 10% from the total number of direct beneficiaries of the Project);
In any case of life hazards.
The above-mentioned families are considered the immediate beneficiaries of the Project.

Service-rendering Procedure

In case of facing any health problem(s) or complaints connected thereto, the beneficiaries of the Project can apply to the health post/ambulatory of the relevant community or to the health center/polyclinic servicing the given community, where after medical examination they are prescribed appropriate treatment and medicines, and provided with medical consultations by a specialist of the health post/medical center as envisaged by the project. All the above-mentioned actions are provided free of charge.

Contribution

Contributions are accepted and registered in RDF cash-box register by the Treasurer (Community Treasurer) offered by community (see Job Description of the Community Treasurer). Contributions accumulated in the cash-box are entered into the bank account opened by RDF at the end of each month to replenish the used drug stock as well as to solve the problems of primary health care of the community. The Treasurer provides the contributors with individual books to make notes on contributions. In the future, based on the individual book, the PHC Project beneficiaries will make use of the Project. Any individual, organization, etc. can make contributions. The size of contribution is not limited. The contributor can be considered the beneficiary and receive primary health care if s/he made contribution within the range of following terms and amounts:

Lump sum contribution of AMD 1500
The Beneficiary can be provided with primary health care in the given community or in the ambulatory servicing the community.

Commencement of PHC Project on quarterly basis is foreseen in September 2001.

5.Medicines and Medical Care

Medicines supplied by the Organization under the Project are planned to provide primary health care in the given community. Medicines are handed over to the Health Post/Ambulatory of the community for providing the beneficiaries with service as well as to the health center/polyclinic to serve the beneficiaries of several communities of the region. The beneficiaries visiting their regional medical center/Polyclinic from other communities can be provided with medical care under PHC Project only in case of availability of the book confirming contributions.

Recording of medicines: According to the Acceptance Acts, the medicines are delivered to the duly authorized nurse or doctor of the Health Post/Ambulatory of the community in the manner and terms established by the Project (see PHC Project community organizer’s Job Description). The authorized person of the medical establishment bears responsibility for the inventory provided by the Project.

The expenses incurred from drug procurement are registered by the nurse or doctor in the relevant register, which should contain the following data: the name, individual book number of the beneficiary, the date of applying to the nurse/ doctor, diagnosis, prescribed medication/ name of the medicine and its quantity and beneficiary’s signature.

The assortment of medicines and their quantity is planned by the nurse or doctor providing medical care to the community within the limits of the amount specified for the following quarter for which an order shall be made and approved by the responsible person of the organization. Based on the order, the community is provided with quarterly demand of the medicines.

At the end of each quarter the authorized persons, in the manner and terms established by the PHC Project, shall submit report on drug movement, beneficiaries serviced and contributions received.

Control over the Project

The Project is controlled by responsible employees of the “Support to Communities” Charity Public Organization and by the managers of the branches and community observers in communities.

The Project is financed by GTZ and OXFAM.

Total Quality Management Assistance NGO

Systems quality analysis and evaluation model (own project, not Oxfam supported)

1. Introduction

Different spheres of human vital functions allow using so called “quality” category for evaluation and analysis of economic, social levels of the life of population, which is determined as a degree, through which integrity of inherent characteristics meets the set-forth requirements. Such approach is widely used for identification of different countries, regions and certain districts according to classification of some indices of life quality.

Considering each program as a documentary system for the planning of the activities representing integrity of interconnected and interfered elements, it is suggested to apply the principles of the model containing “procedural” approach of quality management and maintenance to evaluate and analyze quality management and maintenance, which ensure the management continuity through the connection [combination] of individual processes in the framework of procedures system, as well as through their interconnection and interference.

Healthcare system, as well as systems representing any other sphere can serve an object for monitoring.

At any system it would be required to analyze and evaluate the level of determination of those procedures, which are necessary for quality management system and possibility of their application at all sub-levels of the system;
the sequence and interference of such procedures;
standards and methods, which are necessary both for implementation of such procedures, and for the provision of the efficiency to be ensured during their management;
the availability of the provided [secured] resources and information, which are necessary to foster such procedures and would be required during monitoring;
the provided possibility for monitoring, measurement and analysis of such procedures;
the undertaken measures, which are necessary for the achievement of the planned outputs expected from such procedures and their regular improvement.

2. Qualifying standards put forward to the documents stipulated by the quality management and maintenance model

It would be required to clarify if the documents envisaged for the provision of management and quality maintenance of any specific system operations include:

documented announcements on the quality-oriented policy and purposes;
documented procedures;
documents necessary for work planning, implementing procedures and exercising control over them;
registrations [records] done/executed in the established manner.

The required documents should be verified.

To identify the required means of verifications it would be necessary to work out well-documented procedure, which should envisage: checking the correctness of documents before their issuance;
analyzing and updating the documents according to their urgency, and their re-approval;
providing for identification of the amendments to the documents and current review status;
providing for the storage of documents in a clearly and simply identified way;
verifying the process of identification and distribution of incoming documents.

Records should be done and provided at working condition to prove the effectiveness of the operations of quality control system and compliance with the set-forth requirements. They should be clear and simple for identification and restoration. A well-documented procedure should be elaborated to identify the records, and decide upon the control [verification] mechanisms required at a time of determining the dates for storing, securing, restoring and writing them out.

3. The Responsibility of the Managerial Staff Envisaged by the of Quality Management and Maintenance Model

The Managerial staff in charge of each system should ensure the provision of appropriate evidence for adopting relevant obligations regarding elaboration and introduction of quality management and maintenance system, as well as to secure regular improvement of quality through the following mechanisms:
consumers requirements, as well as keeping all sub-levels of the branch well-aware of the importance of fulfilling the legislative and mandatory requirements; elaboration of quality-oriented policy;
ensuring elaboration of quality-oriented targets;
watching the management to perform steady-going analysis;

providing the necessary resources.

The responsible management should provide for the identification and implementation of the requirements put forward by consumers to make them feeling satisfied.

The top management would be required to provide the following conditions so that the quality-targeted policy can:
comply with the set-forth purposes within the given branch;
include obligations to comply with these requirements and permanently enhance the efficiency of quality management system;
create bases for setting and analyzing goals in the sphere of quality;
be brought to the notice of all sub-levels involved into this sphere and made understandable;
be analyzed according to its suitability [adequacy].

The top management should ensure that:
the goals set for the sphere of quality provision be established at all relevant levels of the branch;
the quality targets be measurable and concerted [coordinated] with quality-targeted policy;
the creation and development of quality management system be thoroughly planned;
the integrity of quality management system be followed during planning and introducing changes thereto.

4. Responsibility, authority and information exchange

Top management of any system must ensure that responsibilities and authorities be established at all sub-levels, and be brought to their notice.

5. Internal information exchange

Top management must ensure that appropriate information exchange procedures be elaborated, which would include the issues dealing with the efficiency of quality management system.

6. Analysis by the management

Top management by the planned regularity should analyze the quality management system of the organization to ensure its regular adequacy and efficiency. Such analysis must cover the evaluation of possibilities to improve the quality management system and urgency of changes/amendments to be introduced thereto. Besides, it should include the evaluation of the above parameters in quality-targeted policy and its objectives.

The records made by the management on such analysis should be kept at working condition.

6.1. Input analysis data

The input analysis data by the management should include the following information:
the audit results;
feedback with the consumers;
operation of processes and product /work, service/ adequacy;
status of preventing and remedial actions;
further actions arisen from the previous analysis of the management;
changes/amendments, which might affect the quality management system;
improvement-directed instructions

6.1 . Output analysis data

The output analysis data by the management should include all decisions and actions, which relate to: enhancement of the quality management in the system and the efficiency of its processes; improvement of works /services/ according to the requirements of consumers; demand in resources.

7. Resources management

7.1 Resources provision

Top management in any system should determine and provide the resources, which are necessary for:
keeping the quality provision system in working condition, as well as improving regularly its efficiency;
enhancing satisfaction of the consumers by covering their demands.

7.2 Human resources

The staff, which provides for the work quality, should be aware and adequate by its educational background, competency, skillfulness and experience.

7.3 Awareness, familiarity and teaching

The following factors in the system should be provided to:
determine the required competency of the staff impacting the work quality;
ensure teaching or other actions to be undertaken to meet these requirements;
evaluate the efficiency of undertaken measures;
ensure the staff awareness on the importance of its activity aimed at attaining the quality goals;
keep in working condition the appropriate records pertaining to education, competency, skilfulness and experience.

7.4 Substructure

The substructure required achieving correspondence /adequacy/ to the requirements put forward to product /work, service/, must be clearly identified, provided and kept in working condition.
Such substructure can include:
a) buildings, working areas /sites/ and relevant working tools and facilities;
b) equipment for procedural operations (both technical and project facilities);
c) supporting service (e.g. transportation, communication).

7.5. Working environment

The organization must create and manage necessary working environment needed to achieve compliance with the requirements set for the product.

8. Consumer-related procedures

The items below are required to be determined and identified in the system, which cover specifically:
a) the requirements indicated by consumers, including the ones related to the service and work as well as the activities following the provided services;
b) the requirements not indicated by consumers but specified or supposed to be made for their application;
c) product /work and service/ related legislative and obligatory requirements;
d) any additional system related requirements.

9. Product-related requirements analysis

All product /work, service/ related requirements must be analysed in the system. The analysis must be completed before taking the responsibility of providing services to consumers (e.g. taking part in tenders, receiving contracts or orders, accepting changes to the orders and contracts). The analysis must ensure:
specifying product /work, service/ related requirements;
coordinating contract or order requirements differing from the previously formulated ones;
fulfilling the specified requirements;

The records on results of the analysis and results from further activities arisen from such analysis are to be kept in working condition.

If product-related requirements have undergone any changes, the organization must arrange verification of the relevant documents, and the interested staff must be notified on the changed requirements appropriately.

10. Relations with consumers

The organization must define and fulfil efficient measures directed towards maintaining relations with consumers and dealing with:
product /work, service/ related data supply;
inquiries, orders and contracts, including amendments;
consumer-originated reciprocal relation, including complaints from them;

13. Work completion and services provision

13.1. Controlling the process of providing work completion and services

The provision of production and servicing process in the system must be arranged and realized in controllable conditions. The controllable conditions, if they are found expedient, must include:
data supply descriptive of product /work, service/ characteristics;
work-related instructions;
application of the required equipment;
availability and application of controlling and measuring equipment;
monitoring and making measurements /where needed/;
measures and operations following product /work, service/ implementation and provision.

13.2. Approval of operations pertaining to work implementation and provision

All operations related to work implementation and provision, the results of which are impossible to be collated/compared through consistent monitoring and measuring /where required/, must be verified and approved in the system. Among those are all the operations, the defects of which become evident only after the work implementation has begun and the services have been provided.

The verification and approval must ensure the ability of those operations to achieve the outlined results.

The system should identify measures directed at the stated operations, including, if applicable:
certain criteria for analysing and verifying the operations;
appropriate equipment and staff qualifying verification;
exercising definite methods and procedures;
requirements pertaining to records taking;
re-verification.

14. Measurement, analysis, improvement

System must practice and identify monitoring, measuring, analysing and improving activities required for:
proving the compliance of products /work, service/;
proving the system quality control and provision correspondence;
system quality control efficiency and its steady improvement.
It must include the decision of applicable, as well as statistical methods and areas of specific use.

15. Monitoring and measuring

15.1. Consumer satisfaction

The system must carry out monitoring related to the compliance of the organization to consumers’ demands and serve as an instance of quality control application.

15.2. Internal audits

The system must implement internal audits operations at predetermined intervals meant to define:
to what extent the system corresponds to the outlined measures and the quality control system requirements designated by the government;
whether the system operates efficiently and is being kept in working condition.

The audits framework must be designed taking into account the status and significance of audited operations and quarters, as well as the results of the preceding audit. The audit criteria, specific areas of use, methods and frequency must be specified. Audit selection and audit execution must ensure the objectiveness and impartiality of the auditing process. Auditors are not allowed to conduct audit on their own work.

The requirements and responsibility for keeping in working condition the audit planning and conducting, as well as reports and records related to audit results, must be determined and reflected in documentary procedures.

The management responsible for the particular controlled activities must ensure that urgent operations are undertaken to eliminate the disclosed discrepancies and the causes originating them. Further actions must embrace combination of the undertaken measures and reports on the results therefrom.

15.3. Monitoring and measuring of operations

The system must apply system procedures monitoring and, where expedient, measuring methods. These methods should display the ability to achieve the predetermined results of the operations. In the event that the predetermined results have not been achieved, corrections and correcting activities, being considered rational, must be implemented, to ensure correspondence to product /work, service/ requirements.

15.4. Monitoring and measuring of the completed work and provided services

The system must carry out a monitoring and measure the characteristics of the completed operations in order to check the maintenance of the appropriate requirements. Proofs of correspondence to the determined criteria must be kept in working condition. The name of the authorized officer having carried out monitoring and measuring has to be indicated in the records.

Neither work must be done nor any service provided before the completion of all the measures that have been determined, if otherwise stated by the corresponding authorized officer.

16. Supervising inadequate work

The system has to ensure that the work that is inadequate to the requirements be identified and supervised so as to prevent undesirable results.

The issues of discrepancy must be arranged according to the following methods: operations have to be implemented to annul the disclosed discrepancy; operations have to be implemented to prevent its preliminary expected usage or application.

Records concerning the character of discrepancies and the measures taken, including permissions received for concessions, must be kept.

Having been corrected, the discrepancies must be subjected to re-collating to display correspondence to the set-forth requirements.

In case a discrepancy is disclosed after work has been carried out or service provided, then certain actions must be undertaken which are appropriate for the results of discrepancy or its possible results.

17. Data analysis

The system has to identify, collect and analyse system quality control principles, relevant data indicating their practicality and efficiency, as well as figure out in what specific area a steady improvement of quality control system efficiency is likely to be achieved. The data have to contain information obtained as a result of monitoring and measuring, as well as information from other relevant sources.

Data analysis has to ensure information concerning the following:
A/ consumer satisfaction;
B/ work requirements adequacy;
C/ possibility of implementation of operations and product /work, service/ characteristics and tendencies, including prevention oriented operations.

18. Improvement

18.1. Steady/regular improvement

The system must continually increase the efficiency of quality management by means of quality-targeted policy and objectives, audits and data analysis, correcting and preventing activities, as well as through usage of the analysis results produced by the management.

18. Correcting operations

The system must undertake correcting activities to eliminate discrepancy-originating factors. Such activities are intended to prevent their re-occurrence. The correcting actions must correspond to the consequences of the disclosed discrepancies.

Documented /paperwork based/ procedure should be determined and elaborated, which is believed to define the requirement concerning:
discrepancy analysis (including complaints from consumers);
determination of the factors causing these discrepancies;
indispensability of operations evaluation intended to avoid repeated discrepancies;
defining and fulfilling relevant operations;
recording results of undertaken operations;
analyzing undertaken correcting operations;

18.3 Preventing actions

To prevent the occurrence of possible discrepancies the organization must identify certain actions to eliminate the causes thereto.
A documented /paperwork based/ procedure must be elaborated, which would enable to determine requirements pertaining to:
possible discrepancies and definition of their causes;
indispensability of operations evaluation intended to prevent occurrence of discrepancies;
determining and completing relevant steps;
recording results of steps undertaken;
analysing the preventing steps undertaken.

SCO 1 Projects for 2003-2004

Project – “Foundation of the agricultural food producers’ Association of Kapan district (marz)”

Implementing partner – local NGO “Kapan Entrepreneurship Development Center”

The project is meant to promote the development of farms: via non-governmental organization formed for protection of farmers’ rights as a juridical body to assist in improvement of farmers’ professional and marketing knowledge, provide information and consultations, support farmers to get revolving means, establish trading organization to prop up in production, processing and marketing of agricultural products, endorse the development of farms of vulnerable groups / handicaps, single mothers, pensioners, promote an active participation of women in development of farms, encourage the participation of farmers in elaboration and implementation of tax-budgeting and credit policy for small and medium enterprises of agro-production sector.
It is foreseen to create a revolving fund for involvement and effective use of rotary resources in farms.
Components are: establishment of non-governmental union supporting development of farms, organization of training to improve professional and marketing knowledge of farmers, providing information and consultations, establishment of revolving fund, establishment of Trade Company, active participation of farmers in elaboration and implementation of RA agricultural policy. Impact: about 200 farmers will become the members of the newly established NGO during the project year. The positive image of the organization will be formed along with the expansion of its activities. The organization with its qualitative and quantitative indicators will be acknowledged by state, non-governmental and civil bodies.

Budget - $26090 total, $21989 Oxfam requested. Duration – 01 July 2003 – 01 July 2004.


~ Project – “Development of Applied Arts”

Implementing partner – local NGO “Hask-96”

The project is to reduce vulnerability, particularly among lone mothers, women headed households, to develop functional arts, to keep carpet and rug weaving traditions. The project contributes to gender equity.
Project is intended to develop a business-oriented self-sustainable handicrafts production, to enhance the self-confidence and decision-making ability of women within the household, to increase the role of the women on family and community levels, to create a prospect for beneficiaries to get access to market, to monitor and analyze the existing local and international markets.
This project is the continuation of “Marketing program” and “Applied arts development program”, implemented during the last 8 months, and is scaling up.
Components: monitoring and analysis of the existing local and international markets, development and updating of the Web Page, providing new samples of carpets and rugs according to demand of the market, organizing the training and education for the existing and newly employed workers on weaving technologies and new designs, trainings on carpet weaving for the beneficiaries of “Kamk & Korov” NGO, for the women involved - organize 2 trainings on gender-equity problems.
Impact: socially and economically debarred group of beneficiaries will gain access to markets, the beneficiaries will have an opportunity to be integrated into society and will be less reliant on aid, beneficiaries will help to secure their rights at community level; prevention of men’s forced migration to get employment abroad.

Budget: $51740 total, $23660 Oxfam requested.
Duration: 01 July 2003 – 01 July 2004.


~ Project – New women of Armenian country

Implementing partners – local NGO “Democracy Today”

The overarching goal of the project is creation of sustainable agricultural livelihoods in communities contributing to reduction of vulnerability of women, creation of a new environment in communities that will recognize equal contribution of women and men in community building and development and mainstream gender equality through social and economic policy of communities, where women would master necessary leadership skills and knowledge to run from a small family business.
Components: to mainstream gender equality through social and economic policy of the community to invest in overall policy changes towards women, to provide women with necessary knowledge and skills to increase the effectiveness of women leaders and women's groups in community, to encourage development of networks and coalitions between NGOs, informal women’s groups and decision-makers in local and national institutions, and among the participating women leaders, their organizations, and other women's organizations in Armenia that would jointly lobby their interests and policies at various levels, awarding beneficiaries with start up funds.

Impact: good mastering of knowledge provided through trainings and success of running the projects with start up funds, contribution to gender mainstreaming and equity in community, changes in the roles that women have in community and family, policy changes on level of country, 20 successful projects, future partners’ creation for micro credit programs.

Budget - $36325, among which $ 35305 – Oxfam required.
Duration is 1 year, with starting day unfixed.

CSPN

Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Self Governance and HealthCare in frames of PRSP.

The project is being implemented by Civil Society Partnership Network .The key organizations involved in the monitoring are: Fund Against Violation of Law, Institute for Democracy and Human Rights, NGOs Union of Shirak marz, and Support To Communities.
The goal of the project is to raise the effectiveness of the programmes outlined in the Country Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper and to improve the level of accountability and transparency of governance through participatory monitoring institutions development targeting Local self-governance and Primary Health Care.
The project is conducted in 12 communities in 4 marzes in Armenia.

Proposal Cover Sheet

Name of Proposing Organization	Oxfam GB with Civil Society Partnership Network
Project Title	Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Self-Governance and Healthcare in frames of PRSP
Project Sector	SCO4
Project Duration	1 year
Project Location	Tavush, Shirak, Vayots Dzor, and Syunik marzes, Armenias.
Contact Person (name, title)	Arman Navasardyan, CSP Network Secretary.
Proposing Organisation’s Address	Ghazar Parpetsi str, 20, apt. 4, 375002, Yerevanm Armenia.
(Town, street, phone, fax and e-mail)	$192,903
Novib Budget Requested	$ 32,190
Total Project Budget	$225,093

Background and Justification

In the Republic of Armenia where there is no prior experience of public involvement in policy making and people's opportunities to move out of poverty are hindered by their systematic exclusion from public decision-making processes. There is a need for action to develop public accountability for decisions about the major policies and use of public resources affecting people's lives. The proposed programme seeks to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the PRSP process initiated since 1999 to reduce the poverty in the country through joint efforts of the government, international donors and the civil society.

The PRSP process presented a unique opportunity for Civil Society organizations in the country to influence the pro-poor national policy development agenda. Since 2000 Oxfam GB in Armenia has committed itself to supporting the civil society and the government of Armenia to develop the Poverty Reduction Strategy document through its contribution both in terms of lessons learnt from experience of evidence-based program work, clear advocacy messages derived from this as well as through facilitating civil society participation and engagement at a wider level.

These initiatives widened space for NGO participation in developing government policies, ensured civic mobilization and engagement and initiated modeling new types of alliances between civil society and the government, between grassroots organizations and think tanks, etc. The program focused on making the participatory process meaningful and constructive through promoting dialogue and positive co-operation between the various components of the civil society as well as between civil society and authorities.

In order to take the momentum forward through further engagement with the PRSP process not only until the stage of its design but also in monitoring its implementation through continued participation of civil society in public decision making. In 2002, Oxfam partners consisting of 13 local NGOs came together with a joint initiative and established the Civil Society Partnership Network.

The main goal of the Network was to establish and capacitate a strong alliance of NGOs concerned with the problem of overcoming poverty and through a network to monitor the implementation of policies that affect poor people.

The research done by Civil Society Partnership Network (CSPN) revealed that though the level of participation in the development of the PRSP is high at the level of Non-Governmental Organizations, poor people’s voices have not been adequately represented in the process to date and their awareness and involvement in the PRSP is low. This creates an environment where the PRSP may fail to be pro-poor both in its conceptualization and in its implementation, leaving poor communities as passive recipients of externally created ‘solutions’.

For the effective implementation of the PRSP, wide participation of Civil Society is needed to ensure that it does in fact deliver improvements in the lives of poor women and men in Armenia, particularly in the regions, where there is limited information and resources.

The experience of CSPN members has provided many lessons and an opportunity to estimate the present needs in the area of civil society and community development. One of the needs revealed in the process of work with NGOs was raising effectiveness of their activities in terms of impact on communities and especially on the poor through participatory monitoring and evaluation institutions (PME) development.

The problem relates to directing community development programs towards influencing the PRSP so that the PRSP in turn could change to reflect stated needs.

Goal of the project

The overall goal of the project is to raise the effectiveness of programmes outlined in the PRSP and to improve the level of accountability and transparency of governance through participatory monitoring institutions development targeting two state structures: local self governance and Primary Health Care.

Objectives

Objective 1
Poverty reduction policies are developed, implemented and monitored through participation of vibrant and diverse civil society that is capacitated to openly and independently engage in policy dialogue and public oversight.

Objective 2
An information-analytical database is created as a basis for support programs, and educational, information, consultative, technical support through Civil Centres to local CSOs, that demonstrates the effectiveness of their awareness-raising activities, discloses and disseminates accessible and user friendly information and resources, giving the possibility to reveal the directions of main activities which are of most importance for communities, and that increases the economic and social literacy and participation in processes of decision-making.

Activities

Objective 1 Activities:

Preparatory phase:
• Team meeting, signing contracts
• Hiring office space, acquiring necessary materials, working out and composing questionnaires
• Investigations of target groups, revealing of choosing objects
• Organize investigation activities and visits to each community
• Meetings with the community leaders and population
• Selection of NGOs involved in implementation of quantitative monitoring

Phase 1
Stakeholder groups at the Marz level will be created which will monitor the implementation and impact of central and local government projects.
• Qualitative research to perform a preliminary assessment of 12 communities’ Health posts- first month
• Selection of local stakeholders from cities and villages —first month
• Creating civic education programs for Marz stakeholders—first month
• Conducting institutionalized training (i.e. training under a special civic education curriculum) aimed at developing the civic culture and participatory governance skills of 12 local government bodies and 12 community council members
• Organizing institutionalized training courses for 4000 poor and less-provided young women and men in selected communities in order to develop their civic culture and participatory governance skills
• Creating social monitoring and implementation centres in the regional centres and their branches in villages ensuring continuity of the participatory governance process in communities.
• Self-organization and functioning of centers through networking, guided and coordinated by Local NGOs/Network members implementing the project—third month

Phase 2
Assessment and monitoring will be performed, and stakeholders will be trained in civic education and mobilized in the monitoring process with the aim of strengthening their capacity in this field:
• Finalizing assessment and monitoring indicators and implementation methods; the development of indicators and methods will be carried out by an independent expert, and will be approved by CSPN
• Developing an assessment and monitoring skills training course, which will be carried out by means of CSPN collaboration
• Training local stakeholders in assessment and monitoring skills—to be carried out during the 3rd-4th and 7th months of project implementation
• Carrying out participatory (with the participation of the poor) monitoring and assessment of triennial local government programs and central governmental programs (especially in primary healthcare) in four communities in each selected Marzes (regions)
• Developing a database necessary for participatory governance, including assessment and monitoring, in the regional centres (to contain government decrees, laws, legislative amendments, and other necessary materials)—to be carried out throughout the project.

Phase 3
During this stage the local stations will be strengthened. Rural stakeholders will be consolidated around Marz stations, and networking will take place among them. To achieve this, the following work will be carried out:
• Participatory analysis of monitoring and assessment materials and developing recommendations through workshops in selected Marzes.
• Raising publicity of the monitoring and assessment work on the public television channel with the participation of the public
• Final consolidated meeting with all the stakeholders at regional level in Marzes.

Objective 2 Activities:

Information, consultation, and technical assistance, provided by Centres, will be directed both to NGOs and active members of communities. Information assistance will be performed through installation of announcement boards and delivery of all available information about courses, grant programs, news regarding NGOs, communities, as well as some legal norms, which will prove to be necessary for dissemination. The publications and media programs will also be related to legal norms and findings of the project, as well as provide resource materials on project themes

Phase 1
• Arrangement of Centres: enhancement of resources, finding locations and equipment
• Developing and maintenance of database necessary for participatory governance, including assessment and monitoring, in the centers (to contain government decrees, laws, legislative amendments, and other necessary materials)

Phase 2
• Installation of IRTEK database of legal norms, which will be available for NGOs
• Establishment of Internet to ensure access to database
• Gathering, summarizing, analysis and inputting monitoring and documentation info (reports, timetables, materials, letters)
• Implementing technical assistance of database

Phase 3
• Dissemination of information through mass media
• Publish analytical-informational report

Gender Mainstreaming

The nature, causes and impact of poverty are different for men and women, this is mainly due to the gender-based inequality in access to and control of economic, human and social assets. Gender study of poverty shows that women are more exposed to poverty and therefore gender needs to be addressed and documented across the various dimensions of poverty.

In order to achieve poverty reduction targets, PRSP must address the gender dimensions of poverty including promoting women's rights and women's participation and commit to other responsive development.

According to official statistics, 60% of poor people are women in Armenia. This is not completely attributable to the absence of heads of households, which increases the vulnerability to falling below the poverty line. The main reason is lack of equal opportunities between men and women, unpaid home-working and prioritization of government expenditures to address gender inequalities.

The Armenian PRSP draft version of May 2003 is not gender or human rights mainstreamed, despite civil society comments, and criticism.

Hence the program will seek to achieve:

• Government policies are informed by the perspectives of poor and vulnerable people and improved by an understanding of the gender dimensions of poverty
• Developing the monitoring skills of poor and less-provided girls and women in communities and mobilizing them in the process of public monitoring of the PRSP
• Using the training to develop the ability of impoverished girls and women to express and defend their opinions and to have the will and conscience to become stakeholders in public monitoring, and enabling them to become monitoring stakeholders
• Overcoming traditional community and family stereotypes concerning the role of women and men, and enhancing the social role of women at the community and family levels
• Setting gender balance within project implementation staff (at least 50% women).
• Setting gender balance within invited and chosen experts and research personnel (at least 50% women)
• Setting gender balance within project beneficiaries (at least 50% women).
It's also planned to draw some special attention to gender during implementation of qualitative monitoring, while choosing focus groups and conducting interviews, especially in area of Health Care, stressing the vitality of women's and children's health and reproductive health issues for having healthy generation, improvement population's health conditions and consequently poverty reduction.

Monitoring and Evaluation

CSP Network will constantly monitor the project. The indicators for monitoring are to be developed together with partner organizations. Periodic meetings will be held in CSPN for reporting and sharing the results/experience of implementing organizations.

Staff will carry out monitoring of training and conduct a survey. The evaluation of project results will be done at the end of the project.

The database itself will serve as a basis for evaluation. Reports and feedback from beneficiaries will become a basis for internal and donor evaluations. Project evaluation criteria will be developed by means of collaboration and consensus between representatives of CSP Network, local government leadership, community council members, poor segments of communities, especially young women and men, and local NGOs. Project evaluation will be conducted in two stages. In the first stage, the project beneficiaries will perform the evaluation, such as:

1. Poor members of the community, namely young women and men;
2. Local government representatives, and
3. Local NGOs.

In the second stage, final evaluation will be carried out by a committee made up of representatives of Oxfam GB and the organizations that are in the Network. The evaluation will be carried out on the basis of reports submitted by the three organizations carrying out the project.

• Drawing out a working model for community project, which will give an opportunity to use community resources more effectively and increase activities’ results providing methodical assistance to the communities concerning their issues.
• Evaluation of the project’s effectiveness.
• Organizing preliminary activities for working out the project’s analytical-informational report.
• Composing and publication of analytical-informational report.

The report will include the main issues that were discussed during the project, training and analytical activities and also problems of the communities.

Beneficiaries’ involvement in the project

Considering the fact that PRSP is the first precedence of civic participation, the involvement of beneficiaries in the project is crucial. The project goal, which is ” participatory monitoring and evaluation” highlights the paramount significance and this is the best way of making their voices heard by motivating and providing actual opportunities to exercise their right to express themselves and have an impact on decisions at different levels: community or national policy making.

Throughout the implementation of the program the beneficiaries will be engaged in different activities starting from the training up to direct implementation of the monitoring and evaluation.

The activities aimed at increased civic consciousness/participation in remote communities and the project are designed so that active involvement is ensured not only among local NGOs but also active members of the communities: including preliminary assessments/interviews and data input and presentations. Efforts will be made to include as much as possible interested members if communities in public discussions/meetings.

It is noticeable that the NGO sector is not adequately developed in the remote areas, so one of the objectives of the project to increase the capacity of civil society in the regions and the project will enhance and serve as a driving force for regional NGOs in providing maximum space for their involvement in monitoring and evaluation and creating a conducive environment for their institutional development.

Number of Beneficiaries

The number of direct beneficiaries will be 7,000 out of which 55% (3850) will be women and 45 % (2150) will be me

The number of indirect beneficiaries will be 300,000 out of which 60% (180,000) will be women and 40% (120,000) men including 25 local NGOs in the regions.

Project Impact

• The organisational and institutional development of CSOs representing socially excluded groups and the effectiveness of their awareness-raising activities will lead to less discrimination against them and to an understanding of the rights, responsibilities and aspirations of their constituencies.
• Developing an assessment/monitoring conscience and well-perceived civil needs for participation in local and central governance and assessment/monitoring of governance projects for the poor and vulnerable social segments of communities;
• Developing skills and capacities for participation in local and central governance and assessment/monitoring of governance projects for the poor and vulnerable social segments of communities;
• Readiness of local government bodies to collaborate with poor and vulnerable social segments of communities;
• Established stakeholders and institutional links for social collaboration in communities;
• Triennial local government program and central government program (primary healthcare) participatory assessment and monitoring reporting, feedback, and recommendations;
• Established databases in communities
• Participatory governance in communities on the basis of local social resources, including sustainable grounds for assessment/monitoring.

The impact of the project is also: creation of database on the basis of monitoring results; formation of two Civil Centres with stable locations and functions, a web site with information resources for larger auditorium, design of specific assistance projects, and capacitated and qualified human resources experienced in area of participatory monitoring.

As far as wider strata of the population is concerned, the project is expected to have several benefits:

1. Improvement of regional NGOs’ skills and capacities through increased effective work in rural communities
2. Promotion of collaboration between various CSOs in regions through mobilization of community resources/potential and formation of organized groups.
3. Improvement of work of local self-governance bodies (LSGB) and extending participation of community members in community management
4. Development of collaboration between LSGB, state structures, CSOs and community population
5. Decentralization of PRSP programmes on the level of community
6. Approbation of monitoring package of CSPN

The indicators for the project’s main outputs are: availability of database, two civil centers in Sisian and Kapan, and the website. Round tables and discussions will ensure active participation of civil society in all stages of PRSP and favor formation of positive public opinion and healthy society. The effects of the project will be measured through the following quantitative and qualitative indicators:

1. Number of involved NGOs and NGOs that gained monitoring skills
2. Number of organized groups created/developed in communities
3. Number of community members involved in monitoring
4. Number and scope of projects initiated due to the information obtained in the framework of the project
5. Number and scope of issues addressed and issues that reached a positive solution
6. Scope and quality of skills gained by NGOs
7. Change in the level of community development
8. Improvement of the work of CSOs and LSGB towards overcoming poverty
9. Change in the level of participation in communities
10. Increased collaboration between state and civil society
11. Number, scope and content of corrections in PRSP due to the results found within the project

In general, the growing acceptance and reputation of CSPN could also serve as an indicator of success of the overall project initiated by CSPN.

Changes in Policies, Practices, Ideas and Beliefs

• State officials consider pro-poor policy recommendations/findings evolved from monitoring and evaluation imposed by Civil Society Partnership Network and its stakeholders
• The effectiveness of projects/programmes implemented by PRSP is increased and the PRSP update is based on the Civil Society recommendations
• The level of government transparency and accountability is increased (project serves as a model for good practice)
• Institutional development level and representation of Civil Society institutions is improved through participatory monitoring and evaluation
• Civil Society (institutionally) and ordinary people are able to change the attitudes and behaviors of local authorities, national decision-makers and the private sector, grassroots organizations are mobilized to monitor PRSP implementation
• Government policy-makers are informed of the perspectives of the poor
• Public and governmental attitudes become intolerant to institutional corruption, public has increased ownership and control over information and local resources
• Civil society is openly engaged in policy dialogue and social partnership
• Strong and vibrant civil society as an important precondition for poverty reduction
• Poor women obtain power making institutions of governance right for women through combating societal barriers of women's participation in decision-making processes

Assumptions and Risks

For the successful implementation of the project several conditions are needed to meet:
1. Stable political and economic environment
2. Willingness of PRSP Working Group to cooperate
3. Willingness of communities’ authorities to cooperate
4. Interest and willingness to collaborate on the side of skilful local NGOs
5. Relative stability in the legal field
There are several risks that could serve as obstacles for the project:

• Inertness and resistance to changes, in particular conditioned by dependence on state structures
• Low level of legal culture
• In the Marzes, especially in rural areas, it is possible that during the season farmers will be busy with agricultural activities and will, therefore, be less active than anticipated;
• The leadership of rural communities may underestimate the importance of public participation;
• The lack of understanding of the importance of social monitoring on the part of community members and leadership in Marzes, especially in rural communities, may lower the motivation of community members and community leadership; and
• Community leadership may perceive the monitoring project as an attempt to get involved in their affairs, which could create additional difficulties in the actual monitoring stage.

To avoid such risks, it is planned:

• To choose, for the project implementation, villages in which mayors perceive the importance of social collaboration;
• To choose, as beneficiaries from communities, conscious and proactive individuals, which will be achieved by means of a two-stage selection process. This type of selection will help mobilize individuals, who will understand the importance of social monitoring and will consciously try to develop their skills and to act as multipliers in the community by undertaking a social role; and
• To consider beneficiary feedback in determining dates for carrying out various activities, so that agricultural work and project measures do not either coincide in terms of time, or disturb one another.

Project Sustainability

The government’s PRSP project is a long-term project and it requires sustainable process of activities. It is obvious that in implementation phase the project will also need to ensure society’s participation and awareness of0 these processes, to fulfill monitoring and evaluation of results.

CSPN will be the owner of and responsible for the monitoring of results gained through the project. It is expected that due to the project CSPN will gain skills and experience as well as reputation, which will provide for the sustainability of CSPN functioning. Another guarantee of CSPN sustainability will be the website launched and the monitoring and evaluation database resources in the public domain.

Besides, local NGOs and actors will develop capacities for monitoring and other type of civil society activities (assistance, advocacy, awareness-raising). The Centres will function on a long-term basis and thus there will be sustainable resource centers in the regions. It is also expected that the positive relations developed between CSPN, local NGOs, communities, and state structures, will be long-term and provide basis for further activities of CSP Network and NGOs in the area. The socio-cultural sustainability will be acquired due to the changes in moral environment in communities and state-dependant mentality in long-term vision. The development of local CSOs and capacities will contribute to expansion of participation in communities and increasing voices of community members in the decision- making processes and policies affecting them.

In long-term basis, the project will bring to the process of resolving issues addressed in PRSP through impact on revising and disaggregating PRSP. It is very important to continue implementing the above-mentioned activities in other communities, involving wide strata of society ensuring their active participation in solution of communities’ problems.

Management and Staffing

Oxfam GB, and IDHR, FAVL, NGOU in Shirak region will manage the project. Each of these organizations will report to Oxfam GB Armenia. IDHR, the “Fund Against Violations of Law”, and the “Union of NGOs of Shirak” will conduct ongoing consultative meetings in order to collaborate and exchange experiences. Representatives of beneficiaries of projects carried out by Oxfam GB, IDHR, the “Fund Against Violations of Law”, and the “Union of NGOs of Shirak” may take part in these meetings.

A computer specialist will assist activities during the project. He/she will arrange materials necessary for round tables, will prepare information sheets and other material for publication. He/she will participate in meeting/discussions in communities, in composing analytical-informational report and community effective model.

A healthcare expert will be studying the existing laws and legal norms on Primary Health Care, working out questionnaires in health, analyzing results and evaluation of outputs. He/she will participate in meeting/discussions, trainings, composing works of database and analytical report.

The local Self Governance expert will be studying the existing laws and legal norms on local self-Governance (on drinking and irrigation water), working out questionnaires in health, analyzing results and evaluation of outputs. He/she will participate in meeting/discussions, trainings, composing works of database and analytical report.

Interviewers – will visit the communities, organizing meetings and questioning the population. They will participate in the activities of monitoring, evaluation and analyzing.

The project staff will be made up of existing and external human resources.

The management of the project is described by the following scheme: Oxfam GB - CSPN - Civil Centres.

The property acquired within the framework of the project will belong to CSPN; however, in future when it will be possible for Centres to act independently, technical resources installed in the Centres will be delivered to the management of Centres. The financial sustainability will be sustained due to the property acquired.

Participants

Active participants of the project are CSPN members, local NGOs, four communities of each of 4 Marzes involved in qualitative monitoring, and twelve communities of Syunik involved in quantitative monitoring.

The local NGOs participating in monitoring activities will be selected in accordance with the following terms:

• NGO has been involved in training conducted by CSPN members (there are around 25 NGOs which have participated in Syunik)
• NGO has produced a paper on issues of importance to communities describing possible ways to solve them
• NGO has experience of project implementation
• The staff have relevant skills
• At least half of the staff is female

The communities involved in qualitative monitoring have already been selected on the basis of the following criteria: size (medium), poverty level, distance from Marz-centre and regional centre, prior NGO experience of working there and level of activity of community members.

The communities involved in quantitative monitoring will be selected similarly in discussion with agreement of the monitoring expert.

From CSPN members, close collaboration will be sustained between Oxfam GB, FAVL, IDHR, NGOU, and STC. Besides, FAVL will continue collaboration with experts on local self-governance from Community Financiers’ Union (CFU), which has been FAVL partner in previous projects.

R E P O R T

On the “WAYS OF POVERTY ERADICATION IN ARMENIA” Seminar

Organized by the “Institute for Democracy and Human Rights” (IDHR) Non-Governmental Organization with the support of the Armenia office of OXFAM and in collaboration with the Social League

From February 5 to 9, 2001, a seminar entitled “Ways of Poverty Eradication in Armenia” took place in the Institute for Democracy and Human Rights (IDHR) Center. The topic of the seminar was a very current and urgent one, because the Government of Armenia (in particular, the Ministry of Finance and Economy, together with other ministries and agencies) had developed the “Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper” (IPRSP) with the support of the World Bank (WB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IPRSP had not been presented to the public before this seminar, and this was the first event in its kind initiated by a non-governmental organization.
The selection of the participants of the seminar was targeted: they were members of the Social League (the Social League comprises about 60 non-governmental organizations with a social orientation). Representatives of the standing committees of the National Assembly, political parties, other NGOs, government and local self-government bodies, the mass media, and international organizations were invited to participate in the discussions of the seminar and to present the position of their organization .
During the preparations for this seminar, meetings and discussions were held with representatives of government and non-governmental structures, as well as international organizations that had participated in the IPRSP activities. As a result of the said meetings and discussions, the reporters were selected, the topics of the seminar were clarified, and the agenda was elaborated. Afterwards, there were joint efforts involving the reporters, the purpose of which was to prepare materials that served as a basis for developing handouts (attached). The successful organization and implementation of the seminar was greatly facilitated by the obtainment and distribution of the IPRSP to the participants of the seminar, as well as an interview of one of the authors of the IPRSP conducted by the IDHR, involving an independent expert, in advance of the seminar. The materials of the seminar were published in the IDHR newsletter “Tesaket” /Opinion/ two days before the seminar and were provided to the participants of the seminar, as well. The activities of the seminar were organized in a way that during the first session of the day, the topic was presented by means of round table discussions, and during the second session, the issues raised by the experts were discussed: during these discussions, the participants of the seminar would get together with the invitees from other interested institutions.
The following issues were included in the agenda of the seminar and presented to the participants:
1. Assessment of the poverty phenomenon: developments in the socio-political system in the world during the last 20 years
The experts presented the poverty phenomenon from both the perspective of socio-political developments, and in terms of international political developments during the period of the last 20 years. Taken their common features, poor countries were presented in four groups. The first group, which was characterized by deep poverty with large volumes, comprised of countries of Southern Asia and African countries to the South of Sahara. The second group included the rest of the countries in Latin America and Asia. The third group comprised of the CIS countries, and the fourth one included former Socialist countries of Eastern and Central Europe. A detailed and comparative analysis of the similarities and differences of the poverty phenomenon in countries of different sub-groups was carried out. Elements of poverty indices were presented. A conclusion was drawn that the combination of poverty reduction with the reduction of income poverty shows a higher efficiency of the battle against poverty. Some commented that if re-distribution processes in society are based on democratic principles, then the eradication of income poverty might lead to the elimination of poverty as a chronic social phenomenon. The conclusion was that the issue of poverty elimination could be realistically resolved if the priorities of international policy are changed and if democratic approaches are adopted during the utilization of the world’s human and material resources, instead of using the factor of poverty to dictate the will of developed countries on to poor countries. The adoption of such will and morality by the international community will allow for the elaboration of a poverty elimination strategy.
It was emphasized that the strategy aimed against poverty should be targeted at the eradication of poverty, rather than its reduction. Consequently, the poverty elimination process ought to develop in phases: parallel to poverty reduction, it should be targeted at increasing the education level, the political culture and role of the public, improving the level of human rights protection, and democratizing political systems. Without solving these problems, it will be impossible either to increase the efficiency of utilization of human and other resources or to develop mechanisms for fair re-distribution of material, spiritual, cultural, and moral values generated as a result of the rational utilization of the aforementioned resources.
2. Assessment of the poverty phenomenon: developments in the socio-political system of Armenia during the last 10 years
The experts mentioned that in Armenia, the process of poverty started from the very first years of independence, and it was chaotic up until 1994, because the loss of wealth of the population took place in the dimension of personal property. However, it became structural after privatization: its new characteristic feature was the massive alienation of the public from the process of re-distribution of economic assets. As a result of this, the majority of the public lost its capacity to produce. One of the experts presenting the topic pointed out that according to statistics, an increase of investments and household revenues has been reported in Armenia starting from the second half of the ‘90s. However, from a social perspective, the pace of deterioration in the generation of revenues for majority of the public has been increasing. According to the assessment of the expert, this reported increase in revenues cannot facilitate the reduction of poverty, because group authorities have deprived the broad public of the opportunity to become subject to economic cooperation. The experts mentioned that Armenia’s policy in the area of poverty has a serious peculiarity: poverty programs are aimed at poverty reduction, rather than poverty eradication. They pointed out that in about 75% of poor countries, poverty programs are on poverty assessment; in 2/3 of these countries, they concern poverty reduction, and only in less than 1/3 of these countries have poverty eradication programs been developed. This indicates that in many of the poor countries, the elimination of poverty is not a priority of the society, which would be set forth and faced by the authorities.
The experts appraised the quality of Armenia’s human resources highly and mentioned that the creation of appropriate conditions for displaying and implementing the human resources of Armenia is a way of poverty eradication. This could be realized only if the political system were democratized. They mentioned that poverty eradication programs should focus more on social activity to create active mechanisms for establishing social supervision over the mechanical system of power.
3. To combat poverty: alternative approaches and strategies, as well as transnational networks
The experts reviewed the forms and expositions of poverty at the global level, and a detailed description of the global practice was presented. In particular, global processes were interesting: the impact of globalization on the phenomenon of poverty was analyzed. A detailed and comprehensive description of the threats and opportunities related to Armenia’s becoming integrated in global processes was presented. The experts mainly focused on the roles of the state and the civil society in the process of developing and implementing a poverty reduction strategy. To prove alternative ideologies and strategies, success stories of poverty reduction in countries of Eastern Asia were presented. The experts emphasized the role of non-governmental organizations, with a focus on targeting their programs towards policies and functions that cause poverty. They considered the influence of these programs on poverty symptoms insufficient.
4. To eradicate poverty: the “Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper”: present public policy and alternatives
Two of the working days of the seminar were devoted to this topic. Active discussions took place during these two days. At the beginning, the Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper developed by the Government of Armenia was presented in detail. Copies of the paper had been distributed to the participants of the seminar. The representative of the Government mentioned that this document is not final, and that they intend to develop a Comprehensive Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper, which would include the main elements of the Interim Paper. The representative of the Government presented the measures stipulated by the Interim Paper and divided them into three groups:
1. Measures aimed at economic growth;
2. Civil service reforms and battling corruption; and
3. Policy in social infrastructures such as education, culture, health, and so on.
The representative of the Government added that the IMF intends to support the Government of Armenia in the implementation of the Poverty Reduction Program by means of lending 90 million US dollars over a period of three years, which must be repaid after ten years, at the interest rate of 0.5% per annum.
One of the independent experts speaking on this topic mentioned that any program that is intended for implementation must necessarily have a section on resources. This is absent in the current Program, and it endangers its implementation. There is not a system of mechanisms and institutions that would provide for processes of democratization. The independent experts accepted the announcement of the representative of the Government that the document is still not final and that a comprehensive paper will be elaborated; they mentioned that this is a mistaken concept, and that it is inappropriate to create a timetable of specific measures and then use it to develop a strategy. In other words, one may not develop a timetable of specific measures without clarifying the principles and concepts related to poverty reduction.
Having analyzed the IPRSP in detail, the representatives of non-governmental structures and the independent experts expressed the same opinions, stating the following:

• The democratic principles of the bottom-up flow of ideas and the implementation of monitoring has not been applied;
• Transparency, participation, and accountability have not been ensured in the process of preparation; and
• The paper is not based on detailed and all-inclusive studies.

At the end of the seminar, a broad session was organized with a more comprehensive range of participants. The Minister of Social Security of the Republic of Armenia, as well as representatives of the National Assembly, political parties, international organizations, and the mass media joined the participants of the seminar. Speeches on the topic of the seminar were given. At the end, the formula elaborated by the participants of the seminar was read out: it was presented in the form of a document comprising the conclusions and recommendations of the seminar, which was adopted by the participants. It was decided that copies of the document be distributed to interested individuals and institutions.
One must note that in each session of the seminar, the activities of the session in question were assessed by means of special questionnaires. It is a contenting fact that the responses to these questions and the conclusive evaluation of the seminar exceeded the expectations of the organizers. The assessment of the usefulness of the materials that were presented, the organization of the seminar, and the attainment of the goals of the seminar was between 4.9 and 5.2, using a scale of 6.
This is not a one-time measure; it has already become an ongoing process, which has included a number of actions: obtaining the paper from the Government, distributing 1,500 copies of the paper, discussing it, developing proposals, influencing and monitoring the decision-making process. The press (Novoye Vremya weekly) wrote about the activities of the seminar. A special show was broadcasted on the seminar (the “Bari Luys” show lasting 45 minutes) by TV and by the national radio. The conclusions of the seminar have been distributed to 800 addressees, including government and non-governmental structures (throughout the whole country), academic and international institutions and individuals. At the moment, much reaction is being heard from local self-government bodies, trade unions, and higher academic institutions. This is why we intend to create a committee that would study these reactions and proposals and deliver them to the PRSP Coordinating Board.
• We would like to thank the British OXFAM non-governmental organization for its interest and concern in organizing discussions on topics like this one. We hope that this activity definitely be continued and receive feedback from all of the public.