Integrated
Atoll Development Project
Training of National Trainers on
Participatory Island Profiling
And Development Planning
20 - 26 June 1991
Tarawa,
Republic of Kiribati
Prepared
by:
Community
Development Specialist/ Trainer
UNDP –
OPS Integrated Atoll Development Project (IADP)
Suva,
Fiji
July
1991
1.0 Activities
Undertaken. The
following activities were undertaken as planned during the mission to Kiribati
for the period 20 June to 08 July:
1.1
Training of National Trainers on Participatory
Island Profiling and Development Planning.
A total of 33 participants went through two training modules in 42 hours of workshops and inputs from 20 – 26 June. The participants were mostly members of the Rural Working Group, the technical staff on rural development from the various agencies which backstop the Development Coordination Committee composed of department secretaries.
The training focused on imparting skills in facilitating the various workshops and delivering the inputs required to implement the revised dosing and the newly-drafted Facilitator’s Guide for the Participatory Island Profiling and Development Planning (PIPDP) workshop.
The inputs and workshops on other skills (how to assess training needs; how to formulate objectives; how to implement and evaluate training designs) as planned for in the design for the training of the National Core Team of Trainers (NCTT) were reduced to allow more time for the actual preparation, delivery and assessment of specific PIPDP sessions based on Facilitator’s Guide.
Methodology: The participants were grouped into teams starting on Day 1 to simulate the actual task environment. Each team was composed of representatives from the various sectors and NGOs participating in the PIPDP.
Each team was assigned a specific session to work on, with initial hours spent on studying the guidelines for the session. The team translated the inputs and workshop guidelines into I-Kiribati, prepared the visual aids required and presented the simulated session in class.
The class noted how each team implemented the session based on the Facilitator’s Guide. Discussions were held on how to improve either the content or the presentation. Direct inputs from the CDS/T were provided based on the deficiencies noted jointly by the class and the trainer.
All sessions were conducted in I-Kiribati. A translator/interpreter was provided the CDS/T.
Closing Programme: As provided for in the NCTT training design, the participants themselves planned and implemented the closing programme as additional exercise to reinforce pertinent skills refined during the training. Kiribati President Iremia Tabai accepted the invitation to speak during the closing programme. Representatives from the Cabinet, Parliament and the diplomatic community also attended the activity.
The projection of the training as a major national activity further bolstered the enthusiasm of agencies in joining PIPDP activities in the outer islands. At the end of training, the composition of inter-agency training teams for the conduct of the PIPDP workshop in the outer islands was finalized with the various departments concerned. Their assignment for the conduct of the PIPDP would mark the first time that broad-based multisectoral teams have been mobilized for the planning of outer islands development.
The New Zealand High Commissioner announced during the closing programme his government’s willingness to fund the travel costs of the NCTT to the outer islands.
1.2
Implementation of the Revised PIPDP Training Design and
Facilitator’s Guide in Makin Island.
A total of 8 participants from the various ministries joined the training team for Makin. Each session was assessed based on actual implementation experience. Changes on certain sections of the Facilitator’s Guide were recommended by the team. It was decided that an assessment be conducted with the CDS/T after the team has completed the PIPDP workshops in two other islands, Butaritari and Marakei. The added experience was considered important in making sure about the changes suggested by the team.
Specific revisions suggested by the team are contained in Annex A.
On training management, it was noted by the team that attendance in socials hosted by the various maneaba groups significantly reduced the time allotted for team meetings. Data gathering on certain sections of the profile, notably on land tenure, culture and history was not systematically undertaken by the team members concerned. It was pointed out that since these topics were not included in any workshop session, other tasks gained priority. The suggestion was to include discussion of these topics in the profiling sessions. Likewise, the taking of pictures for the profiles and plans was not carried out as planned.
Specific pointers were given individual trainers based on deficiencies noted by the CDS/T.
1.3
Consultation on the Formulation of a Work Programme for
Post-PIPDP Activities.
Separate consultative meetings were undertaken with the Rural Planner and the Chief of the Community Development Division with the end in view of identifying post-PIPDP activities. It was agreed that a joint meeting between the RPU and CDD, as well as the Rural Working Group, be undertaken to formulate a common work programme.
It was agreed that the following main points be considered in arriving at such a programme:
- the roles of government entities vis-à-vis the existing maneaba system or any functional system for community cooperation and consultation;
- the existing pattern of community activities directed to maintaining normal subsistence and livelihood, as well as local cultural and social bonds;
- the need to evolve a sustainable system for plan implementation and management which improves upon, rather than disrupts, indigenous institutional arrangements.
The island community of Makin offers an interesting case in point which can yield valuable insights on how to integrate development approaches into the web of community life;
- The entire island community is divided into four divisions, each with a maneaba system linked to the Unimane. Both the Catholics and the Protestants follow the same divisions in their organizational structure. The Village Welfare Group operates through the same divisions in mobilizing support for health-related activities.
- The members of the Island Council represent each of the four divisions. If they wan support for government projects, they mobilize the people through these divisions. The Unimane presides overall meetings in each division maneaba.
- Community activities basically fall under two categories: those required for subsistence or livelihood, a mixture actually of survival-type activities and income generation, and the social and cultural activities in each maneaba rooted in tradition and religion. These activities are carried out with regularity through the extended family system and the various maneabas. Each village has evolved an elaborate system for generating decisions and implementation of activities.
- Development initiatives by government ad other entities end up in competition for resources and time with these community activities. Like other islands, Makin is littered with the remains of projects which have failed to sustain community interests for them to be part of normal daily routine, e.g. housing schemes by SCF; water projects; handicraft for women; maintenance of tractor and other agricultural machineries, etc.
- During the workshop, the participants openly complained that during the recent fishery survey, the people were not adequately informed on the objectives and methodology with the result that the data gathered were inaccurate. The work group on fisheries and agriculture corrected the figures.
- Both the Island council President and the Island Clerk were at a loss to articulate their respective roles in project implementation and management. They perceived their role as essentially implementing directives coming from the central government which basically cover administrative matters.
- There was no regular monitoring and reporting on the progress of development projects implemented in the island.
2.0 Future
Activities
In consultation with the Rural Planner and the Chief of the MHAD Community Development Division, the following activities have been identified for our technical assistance and support:
2.1 Assessment of the PIPDP outputs in three islands (Makin, Butaritari and Marakei) and the implementation of the Facilitator’s Guide in relation to these outputs with the objective to further enrich the Guide with methodologies or content of greater pertinence to the Kiribati situation;
2.2 An in-depth study of the maneaba system and its full involvement in a sustainable development management scheme for post-PIPDP activities;
2.3 Formulation of comprehensive guidelines and/or work programme for plan implementation and management.
2.4 Conduct of training for the IDC, Island Clerks, treasurers, Island Community Workers, as well as key leaders of indigenous institutions towards evolving systematically the integration of development approaches and programmes into existing patterns of “community-ness.”
2.5 Preparation of a rural development programme under the UNDP Country IPF.
ANNEX A
Suggested Revisions to
the PIPDP Facilitator’s Guide
Session 1: Opening Programme
- Discuss preparation for the activity not only with the Island Council President, but also with the Island Clerk.
- Team finds it difficult to reject invitations for nightly socials in the maneabas ad from some families or individuals, such as the MP (“You can’t escape from local customs,” remarked Edwin.) There are those who feel this potion in the Guide is still valid. In some islands, negotiations can be undertaken in advance to limit the socials hosted by the community for the team.
- Team recommends that the distribution of the participant’s profile be optional. Some participants may resent questions on their background, e.g. educational attainment, civil status, etc.
- A Day 0 is suggested for the holding of the Opening Programme in the afternoon or early evening before Day 1.
- Assign recorder for this Session to keep track of what the guests (Unimane, Pastor, Island Council President) have said for possible use during the workshop.
Session No. 2 – Defining
Development
- Start grouping participants according to sectors at this point to prevent confusion and to build teamwork as early as possible. Stress the role of the group as both for mutual learning and for producing the outputs.
- Incorporate more local examples to show the island as part the greater entity, e.g. the coconut blossoms as part of the tree; the pandanus “kernel,” as part of the fruit, etc.
- Include brief note on the need to react to the workshop outputs by giving simple comparisons, e.g. similarities and differences. Team forgot to do this vital input in Makin.
Session No. 3 – Orientation
on the Workshop Methodology
- Handled well in Makin. Use of visual aid excellent. Input in accordance with the Guide.
- No changes recommended for this session.
Session No. 4 – Preparing
the Island Development Profile
- No need to distribute the list of work group members. Delete this section on work grouping.
- Likewise, delete sections on the display of workshop outputs, etc. The SF takes care of summarizing the main points from the workshop outputs.
- Study the possibility of including a work group on culture, history and the environment. This group, like the other sectors, can be assigned planning tasks later. Note: The soil erosion problem in Makin was not identified by any existing work group. Ideas on the cover, greater participation of indigenous institutions, the cultural aspect of planned change, etc. can be assigned to this group.
Session No. 5 – Analyzing
Key Problems
- Selection of the key problem can be done by the participants themselves, not by the team. Participants find criterion #3 difficult to apply (Resource requirements of the problem). Criterion changed to: Willingness of the community to tackle the problem.
- Under Reporting/discussion of Workshop Outputs, stress link of problems to setting up of goals; also stress link of causes to strategy formulation.
- Revise the Input Guide to make it consistent with the proposed change, i.e. the participants, not the team, will select the key problem per sector.
Session No. 6 – Setting
Goals and Selecting Strategies to Achieve Goals
- Participants find it difficult to apply the criteria on the selection of strategies.
- Simplify session. It can end with statement on the major goal per sector and a list of strategies (project ideas) to achieve the goal.
Session No. 7 –
Identifying Projects
- Team to present status of current projects in the island.
- Participants to select priority projects per sector.
- Participants to choose the project the community can immediately implement per sector.
- Team to prepare profiles of other projects identified by the community.
- The suggestion is to combine this session with Session so that from project selection, the participants can proceed immediately to using the format.
Session No. 8 – Preparing
the 1-Year Community Action Plan
- Format for 1-year action plan was also used to specific community activities in relation to other projects, e.g. those which extend beyond one year.
- Stress need for trainers to provide inputs and thus provide technical guidance to the participants.
- Revise the Guide to reflect the fact that the participants themselves will come up with the Draft 1-Year Action Plan.
Session No. 9 –
Organizing for Plan Implementation
- Explore the use of local resource persons to talk about why certain projects fail or succeed; on the roles of local institutions, etc.
- Study possibility of having a workshop on the strengths and weaknesses of local institutions for a more systematic facilitation of outputs.
Session No. 10 – Closing Programme
- Implemented as planned. Excellent. In fact, a village maneaba hosting it, and the participants reporting to the community on what they have learned, is just perfect.
- The Guide should stress the need for recording the proceedings. One SR should be appointed for recording from among the team members.
ANNEX B
List of Participants
Training of the National
Core Team of Trainers on Participatory Island Profiling and Development
Planning
1. Mr. Tianuare Taeuea*
Heath Inspector
Ministry of Health
2. Ms. Kokeaki R. Koae*
Rural Development Planner
MHAD
3. Ms. Kamwea Atauea*
Acting Assistant Secretary
MHAD
4. Mr. Teauoki Tonako*
Assistant Energy Planner
Ministry of Works and Energy
5. Mr. Tuen Iotia*
Construction Specialist
Ministry of Works and Energy
6. Mr. Neri Tiaeke
Senior Sanitary Inspector
Ministry of Health
7. Mr. Edwin Baraniko*
Agricultural Officer
Ministry of Natural Resource Development
8. Mr. Alexander Teabo*
Assistant Rural Planner
MHAD
9. Mr. Tiaon T. Kabaua
Assistant Civil Engineer
Ministry of Works and Energy
10. Mr. Itaea Riteri
Accountant
Development Bank of Kiribati
11. Ms.Tererei Abete
Environmental Officer
MHAD
12. Ms. Katarina Beroi
Assistant Human Resources Planner
Public Service Division
13. Ms. Tie Teewa
Nursing Officer
Ministry of Health
14. Ms. Ruta Tiriata
Programme and Training Officer
Save the Children USA
15. Ms. Ruiti Uriano
Bookkeeper
Foundation for the Peoples of the South Pacific (FSP)
16. Ms. Tinia Biribo
FSP Programme Coordinator
17. Ms. Mamarau Rinkan
Field Assistant
FSP
18. Ms. Teeira Atam
Employee
MHAD Community Development Division
19. Ms. Taate Botara
Island Clerk
North Tarawa
20. Ms. Tongafiji Cross
Nurse
Ocean Island
21. Ms. Kairabu Kamoriki
AMAK Coordinator
22. Ms. Tooti Tekinaiti
Fisheries Officer
MNRD
23. Ms. Teboranga Tioti
Employee
MNRD
24. Ms. Mareta Teken
Project Supervision Officer
Development Bank of Kiribati
25. Ms. Tietana T. Kabuta
Community Worker
MHAD
26. Mr. Rutete Ioteba
Energy Planner
Ministry of Works and Energy
27. Mr. Taboia Metutera*
Acting Water Engineer
Ministry of Works and Energy
28. Mr. Tetea Kakau
Rural Water Superintendent
Ministry of Works and Energy
29. Mr. Taabai Namai
Field Assistant
FSP
30. Mr. Elliot Ali
Planning Officer
Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning
31. Mr. Burentia Uaiea
Assistant Agricultural Officer
MNRD
32. Mr. Titon Maerere
Senior construction Superintendent
Ministry of Works and Energy
33. Mr. Takaeang Reiti
Assistant Fisheries Officer
MNRD
34. Mr. Teurakai Ukenio
Social Worker
MHAD
35. Mr. Timau Tira
Senior Education Officer
Ministry of Education
36. Mr. Etera Teangana
Rural Development Worker
South Pacific Commission
37. Mr. Martin Tofinga
Assistant Industry Officer
Ministry of Trade, Industry and Labor
* Trainers that conducted the Workshop in Makin and Butari-tari.