CEDA-SL - TOBELL Project in Pujehun

Community Empowerment & Development Agency-(CEDA-SL)

46 Dambala Road, Southern Province, Bo.

General information

Partner organisation: Community Empowerment and Development Agency Sierra Leone – (CEDA – S/L)
Project title: Save Lives, Alleviate Suffering and Support Recovery in Response to the Ebola Outbreak in Sierra Leone
Reporting period: July to September 2015
Donor: German Federal Foreign Office (FFO)
Budget of the project (total)- Le 65,965,000 ($ 13,743)
Name of report writer: Mohamed E. Jalloh (Executive Director CEDA –S/L)

Context monitoring: (½ pages)

(Describe significant events and changes in the context that have occurred in the reporting period and might have an effect on the projects implementation. Fe. War, civil unrest, natural disaster, epidemic, elections, new laws, new report that came out,...)

The project was implemented during the peak of the rainy season and coincided with the time when school pupils were on holidays. As this was unexpected, project activities that were initially school based were done at community level, with the consent of project partners. However, the project did meet its target as these activities were repeated when schools re-opened in September. During the training at community level, parents, children not attending school and other key community members were in attendance. This significantly increased behaviours in terms of prevention of Ebola and other diseases preventable through hand washing.

Risk assessment monitoring:

(Fill in the table below, using the project’s risk assessment as a basis)

No	Risk/issue	Level (low-medium-high)		Mitigation and control measures applied during reporting period	Mitigation measures planned for next reporting period
No	Risk/issue	Previous	Current		Mitigation measures planned for next reporting period
1	Commitment of Community Mobilisers to do effective work in the schools and communities.	Low	High	Regular monitoring and supervision by project and partner staff enhanced their commitment.
2	Complacency may be high in community and not practicing the preventive measures.	Medium	High	Emphasis was being laid on compliance and other positive health behaviours during the training exercises.
3	Cooperation from the school authorities	Medium	High	Cooperation from the school authorities was ensured during consultative meeting with stakeholders.

Results monitoring: (Describe progress in relation to the agreed results and indicators)

Overall Objective (Project Goal)
Save lives, alleviate suffering and support recovery in response to the Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone
Specific Objective	Indicators		Target	Actual result (cumulative)	% of completion
Increase adoption of healthy behaviors by community members that prevent Ebola and non-Ebola transmission through transparent, participative community engagement	Increase in number of children from 160 schools in Pujehun adopting and maintaining good healthy behaviours that will prevent Ebola and non-Ebola related disease/infections.		25,000	22,500	90
Short evaluation of progress and monitoring tools used (1/4 page per indicator) (Explain briefly the numbers in the table above: were targets reached or not? Why or why not? Indicate as well how you got these numbers? What monitoring activities did you conduct to get these numbers) Target was achieved as most of the children were on holiday as peoples’ movements were restricted because of the epidemic. School rolls were provided by the various school authorities, who were also in attendance.
Result 1	Indicators		Target	Actual result (cumulative)	% of completion
Children are empowered and trained to become actively involved in prevention of transmissible diseases and promotion of healthy behaviours that prevent Ebola and Non-Ebola diseases, and become agents for change among households and communities in Pujehun district.	1	# of stakeholders meetings	10	10	100
	2	# of multisector meetings with Education and Child Protection representatives from Save the Children	2	2	100
	3	# of ToT on "hand-washing and health promotion for children" for Community Mobilizers	3	3	100
	4	# of community mobilizers trained during the ToT	40	40	100
	5	# of radio panel discussions	10	10	100
	6	# of schools receiving training during August & September 2015	160	160	100
	7	# of students reached by the trainings	25,000	22,500	90
	8	# of IEC materials distributed for peer support among children	500	480	96
Short evaluation of progress and monitoring tools used (1/4 page per indicator) (Explain briefly the numbers in the table above: were targets reached or not? Why or why not? Indicate as well how you got these numbers? What monitoring activities did you conduct to get these numbers) Indicator 1: Target was reached because one meeting was conducted per chiefdom and 10 chiefdoms were targeted. Participants list was used as the monitoring tool. Indicator 2: Target was reached; both meetings took place before the inception of the project. Attendance list was used as the monitoring tool. Indicator 3: Target was reached; three 1-day training was to be facilitated in 3 different locations. All three trainings were conducted in Pjehun, Zimmi and Potoru. Trainees converged at those locations, which made it possible for the set target to be achieved. Training reports and attendance lists were used as the monitoring tool. Indicator 4: Target was reached; as per indicator 3, a total of 40 community mobilisers were trained during the ToT. Attendance lists was used as the monitoring tool. Indicator 5: Target was reached; preparations were already done in earnest. Record of discussion and panellist list were used to monitoring activity. Indicator 6: Target was reached; as all the children were on holiday as people movements were restricted because of the epidemic. School rolls were provided by the various school authorities, who were also in attendance. Indicator 7: Target was reached; as all the children were on holiday as people movements were restricted because of the epidemic. School rolls were provided by the various school authorities, who were also in attendance. Indicator 8: Target was reached; school rolls were provided by the various school authorities, who were also in attendance. Distribution list was used to monitor activity.
Description of activities related to this result and its indicators (1/2 page per activity) (List all the activities that were planned for this reporting period and then describe in detail what you actually did, indicating type of activity, frequency of activity, number of participants (segregated by gender and age), methodologies used,... Explain why certain activities were not implemented and add activities you did that were not planned) A 1.1 Multi-sectoral meeting with Education and Child Protection from Save the Children to produce tools and methodology for training of community mobilizers, and develop training module for facilitation at schools This activity was done twice in the third and fourth week of June, 2015. CEDA staff (3 male and 2 females) met with SCI staff (3 males and 1 female), including Education (1 male, 1 female) and DHMT (1 male, 1 female) at the Pujehun branch office to discuss on partnership and to put in place all necessary arrangement for the implementation of the project. In the second meeting, a 1-day training was conducted in the form of a presentation by SCI staff on the “Child Safeguarding Policy” and also on the methodology and use of the training manuals for mobilizers. A1.2: Stakeholders meeting to create awareness, participation and support for project implementation in 10 Chiefdoms (20 participants in each meeting) Ten (10) stakeholders meetings were conducted (1 per chiefdom), after consultative meeetings with community elders, in 10 chiefdoms (Kpanga kabonde: 9 males, 11 females, Kpanga krim: 12 males, 8 females), Kpaka: 11 males, 9 females, Sowa: 13 males, 7 females, Barri: 12 males, 8 females, Pejeh: 11 males, 9 females, Gallinesperi: 11 males, 9 females, Malen: 16 males, 4 females, Makpele: 15 males, 5 females, and Sorogbeima: 14 males, 6 females) targeted for the project implementation. During these meetings, the overall objective of the project was explained to the community. In order for us to get this target, all 10 chiefdoms were visited individually. Awareness was created and participants pledged their support for the project. A1.3 Identification of community mobilizers During the stakeholders meeting in the 10 chiefdoms, community elders were requested to recommend four (4) people within the chiefdom to be trained as community mobilizers based on our criteria. Some of the criteria were as follows: must reside in that chiefdom, must be able to read and write, must be an adult, and must be willing to volunteer. These criteria were discussed with them before the selection. In total, 40 (35 males and 5 females) community mobilisers were identified. A 1.4 Conduct a three 1-day TOT trainings for 40 Community Mobilizers on Ebola and Non Ebola disease prevention and practice to sensitize schools and communities (good healthy behaviour and practices) On the 19^th , 20^th and 21 of August 2015, one-day training for forty (40) community mobilizers (4 per chiefdom) was conducted for ten (10) chiefdoms in Pujehun, Zimmi and Potoru towns respectively on “Hand washing and Health promotion on Ebola and non-Ebola related diseases. During the trainings, the mobilizers were taught how to teach school pupils “Hand washing” and other hygienic practices in the bid to prevent Ebola and non-Ebola diseases infection. The training was facilitated by CEDA and DHMT staff. After the training, IPC materials and flyers were distributed to the mobilizers to be used in their cascading training of the school pupils. A1.5 *Facilitation by community mobilizers of training module "hand-washing and health promotion for children"* in 160 primary and junior secondary schools This activity was done during the months of August and September. As these months coincide with peak of the rainy season, schools were closed. As such, the community mobilisers targeted the pupils in their summer schools in their communities. However, this activity continued up to the end of September when the pupils returned to formal schooling. In each schools and communities visited by the mobilizers, they record the total number of pupil enrolled and the number targeted based on gender on the form given to them. Using this method, the work of the mobilizers was assessed. A total of 24,750 (90%) pupils in 160 schools were reached during the sensitisation and training by community mobilisers. This was achieved through analysis of the data forms that were given to the community mobilizers. This activity was monitored by staff of CEDA and SCI. A1.6 Conduct radio panel discussion (10) on Ebola and Non-Ebola related cases** Ten (10) radio panel discussions were conducted on Ebola and non-related cases in the district radio station “WANJEI 101.1. This program was normally aired at 8:00 p.m to 9:00 p.m followed by a phone in programme to know the exact number of pupils who were listening based on gender. This was a program designed for schools pupils to learn through the media and to use them as a behavioural change agent to reach their parents at their homes. Recorded voices of the pupils and lesson learn during the sensitization of the community mobilizers were played during our discussion for those that were not present to learn. There were selected panellists based on the topics of discussion. Panellists were as follows: Mr. Charles -Focal person from SCI, Councillor Fortune- Health Committee Chairman, Pujehun District Council and Staff from CEDA. During the period of sensitization, the voices of the pupils were recorded. These voices were aired during our discussion.
Result: 2	Indicators		Target	Actual result (cumulative)	% of completion
Clear results/impacts identified from the intervention that could be replicated in all SC operational areas.	1	# of baseline survey forms completed and sent to SC
	2	# of follow up survey forms collected and sent to SC

Short evaluation of progress and monitoring tools used (1/4 page per indicator) (Explain briefly the numbers in the table above: were targets reached or not? Why or why not? Indicate as well how you got these numbers? What monitoring activities did you conduct to get these numbers) stakeholder holders meeting Indicator 1: Indicator 2:
Description of activities related to this result and its indicators (1/2 page per activity) (List all the activities that were planned for this reporting period and then describe in detail what you actually did, indicating type of activity, frequency of activity, number of participants (segregated by gender and age), methodologies used,... Explain why certain activities were not implemented and add activities you did that were not planned)

Challenges and mitigation strategies (1 page)

(Describe the challenges that you faced to manage the project, conduct the activities and/or reach the results and indicate for each one what strategies you put or suggest to put in place to try to solve the difficulties)

The project was implemented at the peak of the raining season, crossing the moa river to chiefdoms like Makpele and Sorogbeima Chiefdoms was challenging. However, we took the long journey of going through Kenema in the East to access the Chiefdoms. Since there was no provision in the project for raingears, CEDA did provide them to the staff who implemented the project. Bad road network was also challenging we have to use XL motor bikes to navigate our way, though at a cost – fuel and maintenance inflated.

Evaluation of the project strategy

Effectiveness and impact of the project strategy (1/2 page)

(Describe how the results of the project contribute to reaching its goal. Indicate other possible strategies or activities you might have identified that could help reaching the goal)

Positive aspects of the project strategy (1/2 page)

(List and briefly describe the aspects of the project that work well, obtain the results and have an impact)

The empowerment of school children in order to become health promoters at community level worked well and has sustainable impact. During project implementation, panellist in the various radio discussions encouraged parents to support their children by engaging in conversations about the activities of the project. The parents did listen to their children; because in an assessment of children’s capacity of promoting change, community members confessed having unanimously agreed to adhere to the by-laws related to hygienic practices – desisting from open defaecation by constructing household latrines, hand washing at critical times.

Limitations of the project strategy (1/2 page)

The limitation of the project is the duration of the implementation. The project duration was very short, coupled with too many activities. For instance, activity such as the research component (baseline) was not accomplished.

In addition, the time (during the rains) of project implementation was not appropriate, considering the nature of the road network to the operational areas.

Cross-cutting issues (1/2 page)

(Describe how you address cross-cutting issues such as gender, child-participation, diversity, environment, HIV/Aids,... while implementing the activities of the project?)

During project implementation, project staff were recruited on a gender-balance basis, child-centered, as they were considered as the agents of change. The project had no impact on the environment and was implemented in partnership with school authorities, community health workers in the various PHUs and CHCs and the communities to enhance Ebola and non-Ebola diseases (including HIV/AIDS) prevention messages to reach all targeted beneficiaries.

Suggestions for improvements (1/2 page)

(List and describe any suggestions you might have to improve any aspect of the project)

Since the project implementation period was short with some activities not accomplished, so that the

full impact of the strategy was not assessed in order to inform policy, we strongly recommend an

extension of the project into another phase so that the project will go to completion, with the survey

post intervention. This will surely be useful for this project to serve as an informative case study.

If the project is going to be considered for an extension into another phase, then let it be done during

the dry season and when schools are in session.

Sustainability (½ page)

(Describe how sustainability of the project’s results will be guaranteed, how the benefits of the project will continue after the project’s end)

The empowerment of school children in order to become health promoters at community level worked well and has sustainable impact. Knowledge acquired by the children is expected to remain with then as they grow up and then pass it on to subsequent generations. During project implementation, panellist in the various radio discussions encouraged parents to support their children by engaging in conversations about the activities of the project. The parents did listen to their children; the result of which was the enactment of by-laws related to hygienic practices – desisting from open defeacation by constructing household latrines, hand washing at critical times. This behavioural change is expected to continue after the project ends. To enhance sustainability of these changed behaviour, CEDA project staff and the community mobilisers consented to take the lead in enforcing adherence to the community by-laws through periodic monitoring.

Financial monitoring:

Financial statement in relation to resource utilisation (1 page)

(Fill in the tables on the basis of the detailed financial report you have to annex to this report)

	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Total (Cumulative Budget/ Expenditure)
Budget	56,368,000.00
Expenditure	66,285,000.00
Variances	9,917,000.00

List, describe and explain major variances in any of the budget lines:

Budget line	Amount Variance	Explanation
Salaries for Support Staff	Nil	No variance
Office running costs and supplies	Nil	No variance
Cross cutting costs, Staff salaries and other cost	Nil	No variance
Conduct 10 Stakeholders meeting to create awareness, participation and support	Nil	No variance
Conduct three I day training for 40 Community mobilizers/peer educators at 3 zones	Nil	No variance
Facilitation by community mobilizers of training module for children in primary schools	Nil	No variance
Conduct 10 radio discussion on Ebola prevention, early health seeking behaviours	Nil	No variance
Follow up assessment on impact of empowerment of Children at household level	Nil	No variance
Conduct end of project review	Nil	No variance

Considerations on cost-effectiveness (1/2 page)

(Comment if the budget is reasonable and sufficient to reach the results of the project. Indicate difficulties as well as suggestions for more effective use of resources).

A comparison with the budget shows that on average all funds were spent. For the fact that, some activities, particularly in the area of surveys to assess project impact, were not accomplished, is an indication that the project budget was not sufficient. Overall attempts were made throughout to maintain most efficient use of funds by taking cognizance of activities that have either been under- or over-budgeted for.

Budget proposal for the next period (1/4 page)

(Indicate the budget that you will request for the next period and explain if this should be different from the agreed budget).

This is not relevant

Lessons learned and recommendations (1/2 page)

(Indicate what you have learned from the implementation of the project and how you can use this to improve your actions in the future).

The empowerment of school children through peer education in order to become health promoters at community level and supportive monitoring and supervision of the communities (through the community mobilisers) worked very well. To sustain the latter strategy, an internally generated source of income, such as the village savings and loan scheme (VS&L) could be introduced as a source of motivation.

Case studies (optional) (1/2 page)

(If you have a short story on how the project changed something in the life of one of the beneficiaries, please add it here indicating name, location, date and a photo as well)

During qualitative interviews with various communities and Schools, the main benefits from the project were reduced deaths of School children and Community People.

“In the past there has not been any hygiene education in our Schools”, said by Kadiatu Bockarie RC Primary School Sahun Village Maline Chiefdom, “But with the intervention of this project hand washing is now part of us especially during critical times after toilet and before eating. Our teachers too are now strongly monitoring our hygiene behaviour in the School this is good for our health and to prevent Ebola in our School and Community.

As a result of the IEC, we observe that more Children were now adhering to hygiene practices in the Schools.

“We have seen Children willingly washing their hands after toilet and during lunch before eating this has not been the case before now. We thank Save the Children and CEDA for their sensitization”, said Miss Augusta Amara, UMC Potoru.

They attributed these changes to the intensive health information, education and counselling provided by the trained Mobilizers and staff of CEDA.

Other information (optional) (1/2 page)

(Describe the relevant activities, trainings, meetings you have participated in and how you have worked with other partners related to this project)

Annexes (list the annexes you attach to this report: financial report, training reports, participants lists, monitoring reports,...) pictures, financial report

Data of pupils reached with the sensitisation activities
Financial report
Photo/ pictorial evidenced
Participant data