Minutes - June 2005
INEE Working Group on Minimum Standards
for Education in Emergencies (WGMSEE)
Meeting Minutes
May 30 - June 1, 2005, Eschborn, Germany
Present: Pilar Aguilar (UNICEF), Marina Lopez Anselme (RET), Jiovani Arias M (Fundacion dos Mundos), Dr. Rüdiger Blumör (GTZ), Helge Brochmann (NRC), Dr. SB Ekanayake (BEFARe), Zuki Karpinska (CRS -- representing Eric Eversmann), Mitch Kirby (USAID), Fred Ligon (World Education), Elena Locatelli (AVSI), Geeta S. Menon (CARE India), Ken Rhodes (Academy for Educational Development), Martine Storti (French Ministry of Education), Christopher Talbot (UNESCO IIEP), Carl Triplehorn (Save the Children US), John Yuggu Tileyi (Windle Trust), Rebecca Winthrop (IRC), Birgit Villumstad (NCA)
Ex oficio: Allison Anderson and Mary Mendenhall, INEE
Apologies: Hassan Mohamed (CARE USA) and Nemia Temporal (UNHCR)
| Next WGMSEE meeting - 2.5 days during week of 14-18 November 2005 The WGMSEE will try to link this meeting with some field-based activity, such as a regional ToT (Training of Trainers) meeting or national piloting opportunity. |
WGMSEE Goal: Utilize the MSEE to improve education quality and access in emergency, chronic crises and early reconstruction situations by 2007.
Objectives: Advocacy, dissemination and utilization.
The recommendations contained in this report were made by WGMSEE members during the meeting, through work within subgroups (see list below) as well as plenary.
- Operations Group Members Present: Pilar Aguilar, Zuki Karpinska (representing CRS), Martine Storti, Chris Talbot (Chair), Rebecca Winthrop
- Training Group Members Present: Helge Brochmann, S.B. Ekanayake, Geeta S. Menon, John Yuggu Tileyi, Birgit Villumstad (Chair)
- Application and Analysis (formerly Piloting, Monitoring and Evaluation) Group Members Present: Jiovani Arias, Rüdiger Blumör (Vice Chair), Mitch Kirby, Fred Ligon, Elena Locatelli, Marina Lopez Anselme, Ken Rhodes, Carl Triplehorn (Chair)
WGMSEE Operations, Advocacy and Fundraising
Estimated budget for focal point position, outreach and promotion and material production, translation, distribution (2005-2007): $400,000
WGMSEE Advocacy Strategy (2005-2007)
The MSEE Focal Point will update the WGMSEE advocacy strategy document, breaking out priority targets into top, medium and lower tier depending on the level of strategic advocacy needed for buy-in (top tier = need maximum advocacy to obtain buy-in). Below is the summary of the strategic mapping of the Operations Group. The larger document, which includes strategic actions for WGMSEE member(s) and the Focal Point to take, will be sent to the Operations Group and then to the wider WGMSEE for recommendations and edits by 22 July 2005.
All advocacy on behalf of the MSEE begins with an explanation of what education in emergencies is and how quality education is an effective and essential form of protection during emergencies (life saving and life sustaining). Advocacy must also start with an overview of INEE and then move into a discussion about the development, content and implementation of the MSEE.
Below are some of the priority advocacy targets, for whom organizational/network buy-in (to education in emergencies and the MSEE) is extremely important for widespread use and effective advocacy. The focal point will develop an advocacy strategy, working with WGMSEE members to determine the most effective targeted strategy for reaching each organization/network. The Focal Point and/or appropriate WGMSEE members will maintain regular contact for awareness raising, information sharing and collaboration, sending frequent advocacy updates, briefing them in person when possible, and soliciting input and feedback.
- INEE network members (via INEE listserve and website), including INEE WGMSEE and Steering Group member organizations
- Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC)
- UN Division on Inter-Agency guidelines
- UN agencies (not members of the WGMSEE or INEE Steering Group): OCHA, UNDP, UNFPA, Office of the Special Representative of the UNSG on Children and Armed Conflict, UN Special Rapporteur on Education, UNIFEM, WHO, WFP, UNHCHR
- Donor governments
- National governments
- National, regional and global humanitarian and education networks, including Francophone, Arabic, Spanish, Lucaphone networks. For example, InterAction, Voluntary Organizations In Cooperation In International Emergencies (VOICE), The International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA), Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA), ACBAR (Agency Coordinating Body For Afghan Relief), FAWE, Caritas, Action by Churches Together (ACT), Global Campaign for Education, Basic Education Coalition, UNICEF NGO Working Group on Children and Violence (NY), UN-NGO Working Group on Children in Armed Conflict and Displacement (Geneva), UNICEF NGO Working Group on Girls Education (NY)
- Sphere Board /Management Committee (and through them, Sphere users)
- EFA Working Group
- INSPIRE
- Key academic leaders, scholars and university education departments
- Civic/ civilian military personnel in the field (liaise with programs that train on protection and human rights work in these situations)
One particular issue discussed was how to incorporate into the advocacy strategy a plan for more effectively communicating the MSEE with affected populations, securing their ownership and input. Communities were involved in the development of the MSEE, and the WG needs a better strategy to involve local communities in the roll out. The Focal Point, via MSEE regional contact list and INEE listserve, will reappeal to INEE members and regional networks (WG members' field offices) to talk with local community members, especially those with whom they carried out local consultations, about the final MSEE. To aid in this process, Zuki, Jiovani, Elena and John will work together to develop a field-friendly, short set of talking points aimed at the local community and field workers who will be promoting the standards to the local community. This will give more specific guidance for local communities, PTAs, etc., on how to share and promote the MSEE within their communities. The WGMSEE will also keep this in mind while liaising with Save the Children UK on the MSEE poster, which is aimed at teachers and administrators.
INEE WGMSEE Relationship with Sphere
The MSEE Focal Point will continue to keep the Sphere Project Manager updated about INEE and MSEE, asking for that information to be passed onto the Management Committee Board and membership (as appropriate), and to receive updates on the Sphere process. INEE needs to link with Sphere in a way that allows the network to maintain autonomy. The WGMSEE will offer to share with them our tools, information, plans for baseline (exploring possible collaboration) and seek Sphere's endorsement of the MSEE. The Focal Point and an INEE SG or WG member will request to brief the Sphere Management Board at their next meeting, asking about their timeline for revision and exploring the possibilities of a more formal link in the future.
WGMSEE Fundraising
There will be a two-pronged WGMSEE fundraising strategy:
- All WGMSEE members will send a note identifying their donor contacts, including the names of individuals and which particular activities they might be interested in supporting. The goal is to develop a rich list with contacts and their interests.
- Each WGMSEE member should ask their agencies for discretionary funds, in-kind contributions or funds within their own projects /budget lines under their control that might be used for the MSEE implementation process.
The Focal Point will follow-up with members, asking for a response on both issues by June 15th. With the support of the Operations Group, the Focal Point will develop an updated fundraising strategy, identifying donors to approach for the various portions of the MSEE budget, who the WGMSEE contact is for each donor, how and when the approach will be made. This level of detail in the strategy will enable the WG to avoid duplication and overlap. WGMSEE members' input will NOT be used to contact donors directly. If a donor is identified, WGMSEE members will be the ones to determine the contact strategy.
The Focal Point will also draft a MSEE 2005- 2007 standardized proposal and budget, based on the recommendations made by the WGMSEE members at this meeting and pending INEE Secretariat approval of WGMSEE activities. The Focal Point will send a draft of these documents (fundraising strategy, budget and narrative) to the Operations Group by 24 June 2005, incorporate the edits, and send the documents to all WGMSEE members by mid July. The Focal Point will incorporate all final edits by 22 July 2005, sending the final version to all WGMSEE members.
In the meantime, the Focal Point will work with the INEE Secretariat, Operations Group and Steering Group to submit proposals to the Dutch Government and a concept paper to the Human Security Fund.
The Focal Point will also work to incorporate a WGMSEE in-kind contribution line into the MSEE 2003 - 2004 expenditure report, for use in fundraising and advocacy. This is essential in leveraging donor funds in the future. In order to do this, the Operations Group will develop a list of common WGMSEE costs, which the Focal Point will use, following up with WGMSEE members as needed. The Focal Point will share this with the WGMSEE by the end of July.
WGMSEE Administration, including Operations and the Focal Point position
- Following a formal election process, Christopher Talbot, UNESCO IIEP, accepted the nomination to continue as the Chair of the Working Group. He will continue in this position until the next meeting, set for November 2005. The WGMSEE thanked Chris for his continued leadership on the WGMSEE.
- The WGMSEE will operate, as much as possible, by consensus. When that is not possible within a reasonable time frame, decisions will be made by majority vote.
- WGMSEE Operations Group recommends that the contract for a MSEE Focal Point be extended for the duration of the WGMSEE. The budget covers a focal point salary for 2005- 2006, although the funding has only been secured for 2005. Securing this funding for 2006 through April 2007 must be a priority of fundraising. The Focal Point will continue to be encouraged to take initiatives on work on behalf of WGMSEE, with the major issues cleared by the entire WGMSEE
- The Focal Point is part of the INEE Secretariat. She and the Network Coordinator, and staff working with the Coordinator, work together as a team. During the period of Network Coordinator transition, the Focal Point will take on additional responsibilities relating to the operations of the Secretariat, at the request of the Chairs of the Steering Group and the Working Group.
On-going Dissemination and Promotion of the MSEE
- The Focal Point will continue to be responsible for maintaining a database of tracking requests for MSEE copies via the INEE website, and as much as possible, through WGMSEE distribution. WGMSEE members are asked to continue to update the Focal Point on whom they give the MSEE handbook and CD-ROM to, as the distribution numbers and implementation reports can be used in advocacy. In addition, the correct distribution level is needed for the WGMSEE to be able to determine how many copies of other materials are needed as we move forward.
- Handbooks and CD-ROMs will continue to be distributed by the Focal Point and WGMSEE members with the cover letter and evaluation form (Initial Feedback Form on MSEE Use and Impact). WGMSEE members can create a cover letter with their own organization's logo and message on the MSEE for internal (and external) advocacy and distribute this along with these two documents.
- WGMSEE members are requested to continue their (internal and external) collection of the Initial Feedback Form on MSEE Use and Impact. The Focal Point will summarize the feedback that is particularly relevant to the promotion, training and piloting, M&E;activities of the WGMSEE and share it with the group every three months. The Focal Point is requested to continue collecting evaluations and, with the information, developing updates on use and promotion of the MSEE and continue updating INEE members via the INEE MSEE BLOG, the MSEE web pages and the listserve. In addition, the Focal Point should utilize the data and case study examples from the feedback forms to create one-page, double-sided summary of use and promotion for advocacy (draft by 27 June 2005).
- The Operations Group will work with the INEE Steering Group and INEE Secretariat to create a promotional package of INEE and MSEE materials (establish branding criteria for publications/logo/colours, etc.)
- The Operations Group will develop an Adoption Strategies Checklist, establishing the necessary steps that each type of organization should take for adoption of the MSEE to aid internal advocacy / institutionalization and send to WGMSEE members for their input. The final checklist will be incorporated into WGMSEE advocacy strategy and distributed to INEE members over the listserve and posted on the website.
- INEE and the WGMSEE will prioritize immediate funding for the translation (and production) costs of all MSEE materials into Arabic, French and Spanish.
- The WGMSEE is very appreciative of Save the Children UK's efforts to develop a poster for MSEE advocacy rollout and training, aimed at teachers and administrators. The Operations Group will liaise with Save the Children UK to discuss the WGMSEE's suggestions concerning format and content.
WGMSEE Training
Estimated Budget (2005- 2007): $200,000
Objective: Oversee the development of training materials and implement an effective standardized process for training on the minimum standards, building upon the regional networks created during the development of the minimum standards.
The Training Group will facilitate the development of and oversee the implementation of:
- Training Materials: PowerPoint with talking points and modular training materials.
- Training Process: An effective standardized process for training on the minimum standards, building upon the regional networks created during the development of the minimum standards.
- Training Tracking: Databases for (1) keeping track of what training is taking place where, when, with whom and for whom and for (2) follow-up training and/or on-going support for trainers.
Activity: Oversee development of Training Materials: PowerPoint with talking points and modular training materials
- A consultant will be contracted for a period of 3 months. For this, the Training Group has drafted a Terms of Reference. The process of contracting is as follows: WG members suggest names and send CVs to Focal Point by June 10. The Focal Point, Chair of WG and Chair of Training group will develop a short list, interview and select the consultant by the end of June.
- The Chair of Training group will manage the consultant - the formal management may be agreed upon later depending on where the consultant is located and what is most feasible in terms of managing and reporting on funding.
- The WGMSEE has secured a commitment from CARE USA through the USAID EQUIPS process for $15,000 for the training consultant. The WGMSEE will budget $30,000 for 3 months work, and thus must prioritize another $15,000 for this immediately.
- The consultant will work closely with and will send drafts to the Training Group chair, who in turn shares with the rest of the Training Group and compiles and passes on responses from Training Group members to the consultant.
- The consultant will work July - September to develop the materials. A well worked through draft of the training materials will be shared with WG members and INEE members through web site. The final draft will be approved by the WG.
- The Focal Point will collect a list of WGMSEE members' suggestions for training materials (in addition to Sphere and ARC) that the consultant should look to while developing the MSEE materials.
- The training materials should be presented in hard copy and CD and posted on the INEE website, and all training materials should be translated into the same languages as the MS Handbook - Spanish, French and Arabic
- The materials should comprise a flexible, module based training, similar to and compatible with the Sphere training materials, that can be utilized to give a two-hour to a five-day training, with the aim of a two to three day training. They should include case studies and be flexible enough to train diverse stakeholders. For instance, policy makers could utilize the half-day (or day training), while field workers and trainers would utilize a longer, three- to five-day training.
- The priority is getting the training materials out -- even if they are not in final printed form, they should be used at regional ToTs.
- The materials should be piloted before they are printed and used at the first regional ToT training, possibly in South Sudan in October in connection with a South Sudan Education Secretariat meeting, in Indonesia or other possible locations -- see list of possible hosts and locations as identified by WGMSEE members. WGMSEE members will follow-up with their organizations (and partners) on these and other possibilities for piloting. Ideally, the Trainer, Material Development Consultant and Focal Point will participate in a training pilot in October in order to revise and finalize the training and materials.
| Possible National Training Materials Piloting (October 2005) Asia
Africa
Middle East, North Africa and Europe
Latin America
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Activity: Training Process: An effective standardized process for training on the minimum standards, building upon the regional networks created during the development of the minimum standards.
- A cadre of trainers should be trained in each region. The Training Group will develop the nomination process and criteria for selection of participants at the regional ToTs. The following should be included as criteria: willingness to form national piloting committee, participants from regional consultations, commitment from place of work to release the person to conduct training / trainers must give X percentage of time (TBD) to training afterwards, and previous training skills.
- In order to ensure that the right category of person is trained, need organizations, at a high level, to nominate lead trainer for the Training of Trainers (ToT). Within this, delegates to the regional consultations should be encouraged to be trained as a ToT but this should also include new delegates. The nominees will need to be screened to ensure the right level of trainer, and both advocates and field trainers need to be involved. This is a voluntary cadre of trainers, so it is up to member organizations to take this on and incorporate training into their staff's ToRs. Maybe some organizations will need travel costs covered, but this will be minimum.
- The training materials should be self-explanatory to give an option for interested people to facilitate trainings
- A consultant or a training institution will be contracted for the position of lead trainer for a minimum of 35 days to carry out ToT in 4 regions. For this, the Training Group has drafted a Terms of Reference. Ideally the same person can carry out the ToT in Spanish in Latin America. If not, the WGMSEE will need to hire an additional trainer for this ToT.
- The training materials should be tried out/piloted before sent for printing (see list of possible locations and hosts above)
- Three levels of training:
- Using self explanatory material, anyone can use it
- WGMSEE members all must carry out training within organizations
- Regionally trained cadre of trainers
- The WGMSEE goal is to hold four ToTs between November 2005 - February 2006. In order to be ready for the first regional ToT in November, the WGMSEE must set dates and locations NOW so that a 'call for nominations' can be sent over the INEE listserve and to MSEE contacts once finalized by the Training Group. The planning and organization process would be similar to that of the regional consultation process in the MSEE development stage - the Focal Point and WGMSEE members hosting would work to consolidate a regional organizing committee (ROC) and begin liaising with hosts and ROCs on logistics planning, identifying participants and giving them enough advance warning to be able to plan for the travel, etc. Each ToT will take a minimum of four months to plan.
- Based on the MSEE regional consultation process for the development of the standards, WGMSEE members are asked to volunteer to host or co-host regional ToT meetings. The country office of the hosting organization is responsible for the logistics of the training, including identifying and securing the venue, providing administrative support (identify hotels for participants to stay in, help with visa and airport logistics and handle the logistics (travel, per diem, hotel) of participants from local communities who are being sponsored by the WGMSEE). The MSEE Focal Point will work in collaboration with the administrative support of the ToT-hosting agency, liaising with participants and ROCs on the logistics and content. The funding for these regional ToT's will be raised by the wider WGMSEE, with regional funding explored.
- Due to tight timing, the WGMSEE will move forward with identifying the regional ToTs regardless of the national case study sites chosen by the Analysis and Application group. However, it is preferable if there is overlap. In addition, it would be ideal for the Application and Analysis consultant (see section below) to go to at least one regional ToT.
- A standardised reporting form will be developed for trainers to submit after a training. The Focal Point will follow up/comment/ encourage the trainer based on the report. The Focal Point will keep record of comments on the materials and shares with the Training Group.
Below are possible hosts and locations as identified by you at the meeting. WGMSEE members will follow-up with their organizations (and with partners) on these and other possibilities for hosting, including what dates between November 2005- February 2006 would be possible. The Focal Point will compile all of the responses received by June 20th and send an update to the WGMSEE, determining if we need further brainstorming and identification.
| Possible Regional Training of Trainer locations and hosting Asia
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Activity: Training Tracking: Develop databases for (a) keeping track of what training is taking place where, when, with whom and for whom, and (b) follow-up training and/or on-going support for trainers.
- Standardised reporting form will be submitted after each training. The WGMSEE Application Group will need to give input on the form
- The focal point will maintain a database of trainings/trained people
Important issues still to be decided by the Training Group
- Can WG members serve as mentors for application in pilot countries? This issue should be decided in consultation with the Application and Analysis Group.
- Should the ToT develop national committees for adoption of MS country-wise?
- How many at each regional training, 30?
- Some reward or incentive for trainers, if not payment (possibly a certificate)
WGMSEE Application and Analysis (formerly Piloting, Monitoring and Evaluation)
Estimated Budget (2005- 2007): $200,000-300,000
The primary responsibility of the WGMSEE Application and Analysis Group (AA Group) is to oversee a research plan to assess the use of the MSEE and facilitate their revision. This research plan would focus on changes in awareness, application and compliance of the MSEE, as well as their effects on educational access and quality. The research would cover the implementation of MSEE in areas of acute and chronic emergencies, as well as early reconstruction. This research would be used as a foundation for the revision process and further MSEE advocacy. As a guiding principle the WGMSEE seeks the full capacity of INEE membership in the development, implementation and revision of the MSEE. (See S.O.W. for the AA Working Group).
Objective 1: Facilitate the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the MSEE by June 2007
Working through a consultant, the AA Group would develop a research plan for evaluating the impact of the MSEE. The full range of educational stakeholders would be included in the evaluation including donors, governmental authorities (reconstruction bodies, ministries officials), schools and children. The result of the evaluation would be a single product to support the MSEE and as a resource for advocacy. The AA Group would provide regular feedback on this to the MSEE Focal Point to facilitate coordination with SPHERE.
As a first step, the AA Group would identify a consultant to develop (1) common performance measurements,1 (2) develop complementary tools using the indicators for a 3-tier research methodology, and (3) synthesize the results. At the most comprehensive level, the consultant and AA Group facilitate a minimum of three Country Case Studies. These Case Studies, for which the consultant would be responsible, would include the implementation of a baseline and endline. In each Case Study, this baseline would be followed by an INEE member conducting a comprehensive campaign, training and advocacy. The member would not be expected to implement all aspects of the MSEE. The baseline would cover all aspects of education covered in the MSEE (including ECD, non-formal education, and education for adults and youth). Within this light, the Case Studies would be broader than the common performance measures. An endline would be conducted at a later time.
1. The term 'performance measurements' was carefully chosen so as not to be confused with the 'indicators' within the MSEE.
The common performance measures would also be applied to two additional levels of research. As a second level of evaluation, INEE members would be given the opportunity to undertake Pilot Studies of the MSEE on their programs. A tool would be developed to support these activities. A more simplified tool would be developed for internal Self-Evaluations specifically targeted to smaller INEE members (similar to the initial feedback form being utilized now). This tool and methodology for this would be available over the web and included in MSEE trainings, along with discussion of the other three levels of research.
Qualitative information from the baseline, case studies, member piloting and member evaluations would be compiled by August 2006 for use in the revision process.
Activities
- Finalize the Consultancy ToR by June 17 and submit to the WGMSEE. WGMSEE Focal Persons: Marina Lopez Anselme and Ken Rhodes
- Identify a consultant to undertake common indicators and research by June/July 2005 to start in August. WGMSEE Focal Persons: Mitch Kirby, Rudiger Blumor, Marina Lopez Anselme
- The consultant would report to the Chair and Vice Chair of the AA Group. WGMSEE Focal persons: Marina Lopez Anselme and Ken Rhodes
- Develop an advisory group to support the evaluation process by June/July. WGMSEE Focal persons: Ken Rhodes.
- The AA Group will finalize a ToR for the consultant and draft a ToR and plan of action for establishing a research consultancy advisory group to support the work of the consultant and ensure (where possible) that the end results are compatible and/or draw upon member monitoring systems. It is envisioned that this advisory group would be composed INEE members from academia and those with specific monitoring and evaluation experience.
- Establish three sub-groups to monitor and compile (1) the Case Studies, (2) Member Pilot Studies, and (3) Member Evaluations.
- Facilitate with the consultant the compilation results and development of a single report by February 2007.
- Develop a process of peer review (not as in-depth as peer review process during MSEE development - AA Group will define this in greater detail).
- The AA Group would submit a draft report for review by April 2007 to WGMSEE and advisory group by April 2007. The final report would be submitted to the INEE Steering Group by the end of June 2007.
Objective 2: Support the MSEE training and advocacy working groups to develop and implement complementary performance measures
As a complementary activity, AA Group members and consultant will liaise with the Operations and Training Groups to evaluate the overall impact of the MSEE, developing indicators for evaluating the training and advocacy/promotion. These would be collaboratively vetted by the AA Group and the consultant for inclusion in final report.
Activities
- Offer services of the consultant advisory group to support the development of performance indicators and on-gong monitoring and the establishment of a database of progress of advocacy and training. AA Group, through the consultancy advisory group, would monitor progress.
Objective 3: Develop a process for revising MSEE for implementation January 2006
As results become available from the consultancy-led research and the WGMSEE Training and Operations Groups, the AA Group will develop a plan for the revision of standards to be submitted to the overall WGMSEE for approval and submission to the INEE Steering Group and membership. The AA Group recognizes that this is a larger WGMSEE process and will fall outside the remit of the AA Group.
Activities
- The AA Group would, in consultation with consultant, WGMSEE Training and Operations Groups, and INEE membership, provide feedback on sections that need revision based upon its use, effectiveness, relevance and process of dissemination.
- Develop a plan for revision including potential consultations and dates for revision and potential other areas of discussion, such roll-out of the new-and-improved standards. This revision would use a similar format and members of the original consultations would be involved. This process would be informed by the SPHERE's experiences of this process.
Objectives 4: Review and suggest areas for future research, such as an economic analysis of the implementation of MSEE
The AA Group will review proposals for research about the minimum standards and suggest possible areas of future research, such as a comparative economic analysis of the cost of implementing the MSEE. In this way, the AA Group will act as a clearing house for such proposals, referring them to WGMSEE members, the consultant and the consultant advisory group. With approval from the overall WGMSEE, the AA Group would commission additional research to be conducted, liaising with WGMSEE members in regard to ownership of research done on behalf of INEE.
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