The BGDAN is founded by five partners associations namely Tikuret Le Gumuz Hizb Lemat Mahiber
(TLGHLM), Benishangul Rehabilitation and Development Association (BRDA), Boro-Shinasha
Development Association (Boro-SDA), Assosa Environmental Protection Association (AEPA) and
Education for Development Association (EFDA). However membership is open for other organizations
those fulfil the registration criteria of BGDAN. Up today seven new organizations are on process for
membership.
The origin of BGDAN traced back to 2008 when six associations namely Tikuret Le Gumuz
Hizb Lemat Mahiber(TLGHLM), Benishangul Rehabilitation and Development Association(BRDA), Boro-
Shinasha Development Association (Boro-SDA), Mao-Komo Development Association(MKDA); Education
for Development Association (EFDA) and Assosa Environmental Protection Association (AEPA) agreed to
form a certain partnership to be named Benishangul Gumuz Development Associations Partnership
(BGDAP).
Since December 2009 the partnership has implemented a project entitled “Strengthening the
Capacity of Benishangul Gumuz Development Associations Partnership (BGDAP) and mobilizing
members to promote peace in the Region” with a financial support from the European Commission Civil
Society Fund in Ethiopia. The project is a 24 months project and has been coordinated by TLGHLM.
The six partner association MKDA dropped out from the partnership due to its inability to
reregister by the Charities and Societies Agency according to the new Charities and Societies
proclamation No.621/2009.
In the process of implementing the BGDAP project the five implementing partner associations
made intensive discussions and consultations with each other and with other relevant bodies. In the end
the partners agreed to advance the partnership to a legally instituted and registered regional network to
be named BGDAN. After an agreement had been reached the partners started to work on the technical
aspects of registering the network. For this reason, the partners arranged experience sharing forum to
similar networks in Hawassa /SENNPS/ and Addis Ababa from 30May to 6 June 2011. Finally, BGDAN
registered as the Ethiopian Resident Charity Network by the Ethiopian Federal Democratic Republic
Charities and Societies Agency on 19 Aug. 2011 with Registration No.2429. BGDAN is established to
foster collaborative efforts of state and non-state actors in Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State for
sustainable development.
VISION, MISSION, VALUES AND OBJECTIVES
VISION
BGDAN envisions seeing an empowered, dynamic and effective Network contributing to the
alleviation of poverty and enhancing sustainable development in Benishangul Gumuz Regional State.
MISSION STATEMENT
To promote facilitate the contribution of members to the regional development through improved
networking and cooperation among state, non-state actors and the private sectors.
VALUES
The core values of BGDAN are to foster the collaboration of non-state actors and offer accessible and
appropriate information to all her stakeholders include:
1.
Accountability and transparency
2.
Teamwork and commitment
3.
Provide efficient, reliable and equitable services to members
4.
Excellence and professionalism
5.
Integrity and Mutual Respect
6.
Non-Discriminatory and Gender Equity
OBJECTIVES
The overall objective of BGDAN is to “foster collaborative efforts of state and non-state actors in
Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State for sustainable development”.
Strategic objectives:
.
Supports, facilitates and organizes opportunities for cooperation and exchange of experience
among members, between members and stakeholders.
.
Promotes collaboration and smooth relations between members and the regional governmental
and with other segments of the NGO community at different levels,
.
Strengthens capacities of members to assure their sustained contribution to the development
endeavours of the region,
.
Represents and advocate for the interests of members and build the image its members
.
Facilities members access to development funds, knowledge, skills and best practices
.
Engages in research works for policy input
PAST PERFORMANCE OF BGDAN (Formerly BGDAP)
Although it is an infant network, BGDAN has accomplished a great number of activities and has success
stories in the regions
The major activities performed and performances achieved include:
Objective 1: Strengthen the technical capacity of Benishangul-Gumuz Development Associations
Partnership and other NGOs/CSOs to emerge as effective and credible actors in the regional
development.
i. Establishment of the BGDAP/BGDAN Coordinating Office and procurements of office
Equipments including vehicles and motorbikes:
? staffing
Established A central coordination office with Executive Director, Project Officer, Finance Officer, VSO
Volunteer - Management Advisor, and three supportive staff.
The coordination office benefits primary the 5 Development Associations and multi-stakeholders
including government organizations, and other civil society organizations.
? Procurement of the office equipment, car and motorbikes.
The procurement and delivery of the office equipment and other materials was effected. The materials
include three motorbikes and one vehicle which have been distributed for the partner associations.
ii. Organizational Management training: this training held in Kamashi, Metekel and Assosa zones
between June-August 2010. Totally 58 attendants 48(82.76% male) and staff 10 (17.24% female)
from each partner Association including staff, board members and members participated in five
critical and other essential areas in project management that included human, financial, time,
material and communication and information management. Other areas included organizational
structure and management, groups’ dynamics, leadership and reports skills. The partners have
mainstreamed EU administrative financial, narrative and monitoring standards and procedures,
and timely quarterly and annual reporting.
iii. Participatory Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Resource Mobilization.
Imparted skills to 25 (18 male and 7 female) project staff, partners Association members and other
NGOs within the region and CSOs. The training held for four days from 8-11 Nov. 2011.It focused on
4
project identification, data collection, analysis, design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and
resource mobilization using different participatory tools. Other outputs included production of
Practitioners’ Manual “Participatory Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation and Resources Mobilization
and five members have requested for support in writing proposals.
Objective 2: Strengthen interaction between Development Associations, their members, and with
other non-state actors and the regional government.
i. Inception Regional Workshop – The launching of BGDAP that created awareness about the
BGDAP partnership and project intent, objectives, expected outputs and benefits to the public. The
launching convened on March 23, 2010, drew 40 multi sectoral 40 (39 male and 1 female)
representatives from the regional state government, Woreda officials, international agents and civil
society organizations. It fostered collaboration and networking among various stakeholders, thus
creating an enabling environment for unified smooth implementation of the project.
ii. Regional and Woreda Experience Sharing Forums: During the period of December 2009 –
February 2010, two biannual regional and twenty five quarterly Woreda experience sharing forums in
different locations. The Biannual Experience Sharing forums conducted at Assosa town while the
Woreda Experiences sharing held at five locations namely in Bambasi, Bulen , Homosha, Kamashi and
Gelgel Bels towns ( in Assosa, Metekel, &Kamashi, zones) The varied and rich experiences increased
knowledge and skills on various aspects of the best practices amongst member organizations, civil
society organizations and other stakeholders. Case studies included successful advocacy for the
elimination of Harmful Practices in Gure Kebele, Homesha Zone, and the importance and adaptability
to using different forms of family planning methods in Kamashi zone.
The forums increased and improved vertical and horizontal collaboration and networking amongst
stakeholders including partner association members, relevant Woreda and Kebele leaders and other
stakeholders.
Regional Experience sharing Forum Participants
iii. Publication, Documentation and dissemination of information using different methods
Documentation and dissemination of information such as reports, best practices have run throughout
the project activities. The methods used were: production and dissemination of 1,500 biannual BGDAP
Lisane Lemat newsletters in English, and at least each partners Association produced and disseminated
500 brochures, leaflets and bulletins.
The low cost newsletters and other material production informed and shared information on best
practices, updated on the project progress, challenges, plans, and other current development issues
within and outside the region. There is improved interaction between the development Associations,
government, member organizations, and non-state actors at different levels.
iv. Member survey:
The Partner Associations in collaboration with field coordinators and branch offices designed
member survey questionnaires and checklist, and conducted interviews, focused groups
discussions to assess membership issues, concerns, and interest for effective implementation of
association activities
Apart of the preparation process, the partner Associations and the Coordination office in
consultation with the field coordinators designed and adapted a standardized format (survey
questionnaire) and agreed on checklists used for data collection and analysis during the 2nd
quarter (March – May 2010). The sampling strategy was at least 50 disaggregated members from
each of the five Association operational areas. The respondents however, varied from 25 to 30
and the tools used for data collection were questionnaire, focused group discussions, and plenary
sessions to assess membership issues, concerns, and interest for effective implementation of
association activities.
The baseline information reveals similar issues, challenges and recommendations pertaining to
membership registrations, sustenance and causes of members’ limited participation in
Association activities are cross cutting in all the four organizations. The member survey helped
the partner associations to know their membership status and to design mechanisms to increase
and sustain their members.
v. Annual Review Meetings: There were two types of Annual Review Meeting. The one was conducted by the individual partner
associations and the other one is a Joint annual Review meeting.
The Individual Annual Review Meetings were organized and facilitated by the five individual
Associations. The meetings enabled the members to review the progress of the implemented activities,
achievements, challenges, mitigation measures. The open dialogue and focused group discussions
created a sense of ownership and confidence amongst the members regardless of their religious, ethnic,
education and sex differences.
The Joint Annual meeting held in January 2011 and attended by 70 participants male 59 and Female 11.
In the annual review meeting each partner association share to the participants their vision, mission,
objectives, achievements, success stories, challenges, ways of mitigations for the challenges, future
plans. The participants also forwarded their comments that help to promote the associations.
vi. Assessed &shared findings on Strategic Pertinent Issues Affecting regional development Conducted a series of assessments, and made recommendation on strategic key issues affecting regional
development, which included Combating Harmful Traditional Practices (HTPs), Regional Adaptation to
Climate Change Impact and GO-NGO partnerships. The findings catalyzed a series of regional
government-NSA dialogues, reaching a consensus on strategic interventions in workshops and during
the NGO/CSO Exchange and Public Exhibition. The deliberations including recommendations on HTPs,
climate change, and GO-NGO relations as well as NGO/CSOs Profiles and Resource mapping Directory
were published and circulated.
The purposes of the Consultative studies and consequent workshops are to
. Increase information and knowledge on the prevailing, causes, agnitude and effects of HTPs
on individuals and regional development
.Enhance knowledge on progress made, shortcomings and strategic interventions by different
actors; and future priority areas of interventions in combating HTPs to improve the welfare of
the society in the region . Improved understanding on the climate change impacts and strategic adaption interventions in
social, economic, livelihoods, and health resources etc for informed decisions by decision makers,
planners and other agents for informed decisions. . Develop a standardized, manageable framework (database) of NGO/CSOs Profile and Resource
Mapping Directory to include categorizes, thematic areas of intervention, geographical distribution,
beneficiaries; type, availability and accessibility to resources. .. Generate recommendations for promoting networking, and partnership development among
NGOs/CSOs and government for collaborative endeavors and sharing of best practices . Improve access to different resources through a flexible, easily upgraded and adjustable BGDAN
database.
. Enhance skills of BGDAN staff in management and upgrading of BGDAN resource database.
The consultative studies were conducted by competent and qualified experts with the coordination of
BGDAN and the technical support and follow up of the partner associations from the end of Aug. to the
beginning of Oct. 2011. The subsequent regional consultative workshops were organized Which were
attained by participants from various stakeholders including the BGRS Bureaus & Offices; International,
National &Local Non- governmental Organizations; Civil Society Organizations (CSOs); Community Based
Organizations (CBOs); Faith Based Institutions; prominent individuals; the Benishangul Gumuz
Development Associations Network(BGDAN) members and other concerned organs for three days
from 12-14 Oct. 2011.
vii. NGO/CSOs Exchange and Public Exhibition
The Network in solidarity with other stakeholders organized a three day (26-28 October, 2011)
NGOs/CSOs Exchange and Public Exhibition event that attracted 34 national, international and local
stakeholders. The three days event NGOS and other NSAS displayed and explained their engagement in
and contribution to sustainable development in BGRS.
The key outputs of the NGO/NSA Exchange and Public Exhibition:
. His Excellence, the President of the Benishangul Gumuz Regional State was the Chief Walker and
officially opened the NGO/CSOs Public Exhibition.
. Key regional development actors were able to see the diversity and level of support provided by the
NGOs/CSOs in the region and comprehension of challenges and gaps needed to become more
effective for delivery of services. . NGOs/CSOs demonstrated and displayed different environmental and user friendly technologies,
and best practices have contributed to sustainable regional development.
. Increased visibility of BGDAN, improved networking, collaboration and attraction of supporters and
members for the Network. . An avenue that enabled the Network to moblize public understanding and solicit support for the
work of NGOs/CSOs as regional development partners. . Video coverage of the event highlighting the guest of honor and all the NGOs & NSA displays, . GO-NGO dialogues on pertinent issues that affect regional development, The BGDAN arranged a
public debate that held between the NGOs/ CSOs BOFED
. awarding of certificates to the Exhibitors and also to the best performers
. Fund Raising Dinner that is attended by the Public officials including His Excellency the Vice
President and other Bureau Heads, regional, national and international NGOs/CSOs representatives.
. Production and distribution of 500 t-shirts and other fliers with EU and BGDAN logos . Promoted BGDAN efficiency in mobilizing and managing different stakeholders’ activities in the
region.
vii. Establishment of BGDAN website
The Network is in the process of establishing a website that will regularly provide updates on
implemented activities, current news, opportunities, workshops, resources and events; and will have
links to national and international information resources and events. Through the survey and feedback
forms available on the BGDAN website BGDAN, information collection from different sources, repacking
and dissemination will be enhanced.
Objective 3: Formalization of an operational Regional network of NGO/CSOs
Over the last two decades NGOs/CSOs and NSA in BGRS have collectively emerged as key partners and
partners with government in the regional development. There is however, only a loose conglomerate
institutional mechnaisms that serve as platform collaboration, interaction and sharing of experience
among non-state actors, government and other stakeholders.
Recent developments and project reviews clear shows that the NGO/CSOs networks are much needed
to facilitate and serve as bridges for collaboration, interaction and sharing of experience between nonstate
actors, government and other stakeholders at different levels. Organized consultation and
planning sessions that led to the transformation of BGDAP into a self-standing regional NGO/CSO
network—Benishangul Gumuz Development Association Network (BGDAN). BGDAN was established
with the vision to contribute to the alleviation of poverty and enhancing sustainable development in
Benishangul Gumuz Regional State through improved networking and cooperation among state, nonstate
actors and the private sector
BGDAN ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Administrative Structure
BGDAN’s constitution, powers and operations are clearly spelt out in the Articles of Association. The
internal organization of BGDAN is defined by its Article of Association and reflected in its organizational
structure that comprises the General Assembly (GA), the Board of Directors (BD) and the Secretariat.
The GA comprise ten members two from each five founder partners, and is the highest decision making
organ of the Network The Board comprises five Executive Directors drawn from member organizations
(Tikuret Le Gumuz Hizb Lemat Mahiber (TLGHLM), Boro -Shinasha Development Association (Boro-SDA),
Assosa Environmental Protection Association (AEPA), Benishangul Rehabilitation Development
Association (BRDA) and Education for Development Association. The Board is accountable to the
General assembly
The Secretariat composed of competent and a multidisciplinary professional is headed by the Executive
Director who is charged with the responsibility of translating policies and programs and implment
specific activities.
OPERATIONAL AREAS of BGDAN
BGDAN is a regional network so it works throughout the whole regions of Benishangul Gumuz Regional
State.
CONTACT ADDRESS
BENISHANGUL GUMUZ DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATIONS NETWORK (BGDAN)
Telephone: +251-577750933 P.O. Box 349 Email: bgdanet@gmail. Com Contact Person: Mr. Sisay Getachew
Ethiopia, Assosa
Physical Address
Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, Assosa Town, On the Way to Police Commission (St. Gebreal
Church), Near To Zemnawi Hotel
