Disabled people’s organization to disabled people’s organization: It was a completely different type of chemistry really in the relationship

Background

Evaluation by Norwegian Association of Disabled. Conducted by The Centre for Rehabilitation Studies of Faculty of Health Sciences of Stellenbosch University and the Division of Occupational Therapy, University of Cape Town: Dr Theresa Lorenzo, Ms Siphokazi Gcaza, Mrs Judy McKenzie, Ms Gubela Mji.

A narrative report on an evaluation of the partnership between Disabled Children's Action Group (DICAG), South Africa and Norsk Forbund for Utviklingshemmede (NFU), Norway for the period 1997 - 2004.

The co-operation agreement between NFU and DICAG ended on 31 December 2004. An evaluation of the partnership was planned as an important integrated part of the co-operation, so that both NFU and DICAG could have the possibility of adjusting the course of their work according to the suggestions made by the evaluation.

Purpose/objective

The aims of the evaluation were:

1. To explore the achievements of the DICAG-NFU's partnership since 1997.
2. To determine strategies for sustainability in order to assess DICAG's institutional viability nationally and internationally.

The principal objectives of the evaluation:

1. To review DICAG's development as an organisation and assess the scope and impact of its lobbying and advocacy work since 1997
2. To assess NFU's approach and contribution to the development of organisational structure and content on all levels of DICAG (national, provincial and local).
3. Assess DICAG's long-term capacity and plans of sustainability as an advocacy organisation and make appropriate recommendations for future institutional sustainability.

Methodology

The evaluation was conducted in both a rural and urban setting. There were four methods of data generation, namely: Document review; Key informants interview; In-depth interviews; Focus group discussion.

Key findings

Key findings and recommendations were:
1. A broad-based communication strategy and infrastructure are essential and non-negotiable.
DICAG's leadership and membership need to develop effective strategies for communication so as to avoid perceptions of being dominated, undermined or marginalised. It is also essential that values and beliefs be clearly communicated across the diversity of languages, cultures and impairments.

2. A conceptual framework for the organisation needs to be developed.
While no one would argue that the core to sustainability is effective organisational development and capacity, there are number of levels to such capacity development that need to be explored, analysed and agreed to. A vital component that needs to be considered, clarified and strengthened is the area of youth development. A new lease of life is needed at leadership level and strategic planning of this process would take the organisation forward.

3. Managing boundaries.
There is no doubt that continuous dialogue on issues of diversity and difference will help to address feelings of vulnerability, as members and leadership gain skills in managing boundaries between the emotional, social, physical and political dimensions evoked by disability.

4. Optimal use of human resources.
The complexities of poverty mean that parents and children as human beings are the richest resource at DICAG's disposal. This resource needs to be nurtured individually for the collective good of DICAG, the nation and the African continent. Roles and responsibilities need to be clarified as new branches are developed and new members join.

5. Partnerships and alliances as a key for sustainability and continuity.
Partnerships across the different sectors need to be harnessed. Co-operation between DPO`s and alliances with organisations addressing common issues need to be fostered.

6. Documenting and disseminating experiences for the development of DICAG.
Dialogues related to learning experiences need to be documented and published widely. Partnerships with research organisations and higher education institutions could need to be harnessed.

Recommendations

Please see above.