I arrived in Zagreb on Monday, 10 June 1996. There I was briefed by Gonzalo Retamal and we proceeded to Sarajevo on Wednesday, June 12.
Once in Sarajevo I met the staff at both UNESCO and UNICEF Sarajevo and began the research section of the work.
For the first week Gonzalo Retamal also worked in Sarajevo, both jointly with myself and on his own projects.
The offices of both UNESCO and UNICEF were very helpful. UNESCO provided a computer, accommodation and a vehicle (when necessary). UNICEF provided office accommodation, telephone, etc.
I visited the Mine Action Centre, which is the focus for Mine Awareness in the country, Norwegian People's Aid who are working in Mine Clearance and Mine Awareness and CIMIC with Captain J. Voice. All these people were very helpful and supportive.
The team referred to in my Terms of Reference, Amphibia, is a private company and while they act as a resource team, they were not a team to work together with me to create a package. They had a separate contract with UNICEF and there was considerable overlap between what I was being asked to do and what they had been asked to do. This was overcome by working together but it took some time to establish rapport.
All the papers produced have been attached:
· Teachers Manual
· The contents list for the Pupil's Workbook
· Ideas for Games (with a list of scenarios for the artist to illustrate)
· Proposal for Training the Trainers
· Ideas for Video Spots
· Proposal Mine Awareness Education Roadshow (including timeline and
budget)
The report from the members of Amphibia at the final meeting indicated that they feel comfortable with the direction of the package and with the guidance they have received.
There was insufficient time for the level of interaction and rapport I would like to have had. Even if the full month had been possible, it would still have only achieved what I achieved. It would be better (next time) to bring in a person who could undertake the whole process: writing, co-ordination of the individual experts, supervision of the artists and the production, responsibility to "sell" the package where necessary, and to lead the team of national trainers to implement it in schools.
While the inter-agency approach is to be applauded, there was a level of miscommunication and potential for misunderstanding that could have jeopardised the entire project. If more than one agency/organisation is involved, everyone must have all the facts well in advance.
Amphibia did not know I was coming nor what my role was. The UNICEF contacts did not know my ToR or of my arrival (until the day or so before) and UNESCO was not sure who was responsible for what. Although these problems were solved they took time and there was a level at which I worked under an unnecessary disadvantage.
To avoid situations such as these in the future, I would suggest a formal meeting (i.e. with minutes recorded) so that all those involved have the same information at the same time. It seems an unnecessary waste of time and money to hire a consultant to solve this level of problem.
A small run of the kits should be produced in English (for PR purposes), or if that is not possible, all the text should be stored in English so that each of the contributors (donors) knows what is being taught and how it is being taught.
I am happy with the concept of the packageboth with what has been produced so far and the promise of what will be produced in terms of quality and the technical level. I hope that I will have the opportunity to see the final version of the package.
My very sincere thanks to all those with whom I worked; the help, advice and support has been excellent and I am very grateful. Thank you for the opportunity.