Evaluation of the Awareness Building Campaign (ABC) in Namibia

Background

The Norwegian Federation of Organisations of Disabled People (FFO) carried out their first awareness campaign in Malawi (1999-2001) in collaboration with the Federation of Disabled Peoples Organisations in Malawi (FEDOMA) and the Southern African Federation of Disabled People (SAFOD) in order to sensitise the community on various disability issues. The campaign proved to be an effective instrument in changing attitudes. FFO and SAFOD decided to support other countries in the region in implementing an awareness building campaign (ABC) similar to the one held in Malawi. This evaluation documents the campaign in Namibia, conducted by the National Federation of People with Disabilities in Namibia (NFPDN).

Purpose/objective

To assess the impact of the campaign on attitudes towards people with disabilities and disability issues:
- at the national decision making level, targeting key individuals and institutions,
- among community leaders and professionals,
- among the general public in target areas.

Methodology

Formative evaluation based on qualitative interview data

Key findings

NFPDN succeeded in communicating the message that people with disabilities can support themselves and represent themselves, and must be encouraged to do this. The campaign has succeeded to spread this message through the media through meetings with stakeholders and to people with disabilities themselves. It is highly probable that the CBR-programme that was implemented in the -90ties has contributed to the 'right' ideological attitudes as well.
The NFPDN's close contact with other, foreign, user organisations has been important for the implementation of the campaign. In particular SAFOD and FFO have been important partners in deliberating over disability issues as well as in discussing strategies for the activities.

Strengths noted by the evaluators:
? NFPDN made plans and implemented most of the activities.
? The most important activity each year, the launching was a success.
? Meetings with local authorities were arranged in each region every year.
? TV, radio and newspaper had coverage of the activities every year.
? During the two last years, some of the representatives in the board had active roles in the campaign.
? The ABC seems to have spread a change in the understanding and attitudes of people with disabilities - going from charity to independence. This is considered an important ideological contribution.
? ABC has given the local activities a nation-wide perspective.
? There has been some contact with local chiefs. The chiefs seem to sense that disability is a political matter, and that it is important for them to have an updated understanding.
? There has been good communication with the supportive and funding organizations, SAFOD and FFO.
? The follow-up from the supporting organizations has been appreciated both by the NFPDN and representatives from the authorities.

Recommendations

? NFPDN should:
o strengthen the contact and influence on journalists, headmasters and teachers.
o Continue to implement the planned activities that was not launched during the campaign period.
o Involve the member organisations more actively in the activities of NFPDN.
o Continue to work for domestic funding of the activities of NFPDN and for other disability related activities.