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PROJECT ACTIVITY REPORT

Project Name: SANDEMA COMMUNITY BASED REHABILITATION PROGRAMME

Project Number: 1581

Reporting Period: JANUARY –DECEMBER 2009

Submitted by: PROJECT COORDINATOR (MAXWELL AKANDEM)

Date of Submission: 15TH JANUARY 2010

1. Important political and socio-economic developments in the project, which have a specific relevance to the implementation of the Project Strategy

1.1. Developments/set backs?The 2010 government budget has established a composite budget under the educational sector to cater for the needs of children with disabilities in regular schools and special schools to enhance their educational pursuits.Another important political and socio-economic development worth mentioning is the distribution of the free school uniform to all schools in the country. Hence, children with disabilities would benefit from the package.In addition, the government Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program is on–going. With regards to its implementation a current total number of 20 PWD’s have benefited from the conditional social cash transfer system meant for extreme poor households who have either no alternative means of meeting their subsistence needs or limited productive capacity.(elderly poor, persons with severe disabilities amongst others).

It is important to note that the government has increased the number of first circle schools to benefit from the capitation grants and school feeding program as part of its pro-poor policies to increase school enrolments in deprived communities to have access to formal education. Under this policy government would absorb school fees and


also provide a meal (lunch) for pupils at Basic school level throughout the country.

The government is currently sampling relevant governmental and non-governmental organizations as well as vibrant organizations of persons with disabilities at regional and district levels to constitute the disability council at each level to facilitate the implementation of the Disability Law (Act 715).

The government has re-packaged its National Youth Employment Program to ensure that people employed under the scheme are transited well into a permanent employment structure within government or private institutions. In view of this package, the project is liaising up with District Assemblies to ensure that persons with disabilities with productive skills are employed to uplift their economic fortunes and standard of living.

1.2. What is your recommendation/strategy to address the

challenge(s)/opportunity (ies)?

The Special Education officer is in strategic position at the Ghana Education Service department to ensure that Children with Disabilities in regular Schools and special schools benefit from the government’s pro-poor policies to enhance their learning and understanding levels.

Issues on the LEAP program, the district implementation committee has appointed one of the program officers as a field enumerator to identify persons with severe disabilities without productive capacity to also benefit from the program.

With regard to the establishment of the regional and district disability councils, the project would be an automatic member because it has gained some substantial amount of recognition as a result of the positive impacts the project has made over the years in the field of disability.


The project is currently compiling list of PWD’s who are with productive skills/requisite qualification for possible employment in 2010 under the National Youth Employment program.

2. Programme Development

2.1. Major general developments in the field of our mandate as per logic of the “CBR Matrix”?2.1.1. Health2.1.2. PROMOTIONAs part of measures to create awareness on health promotion issues, the project in collaboration with the District Health Directorate Team organised five (5) community durbars to sensitize community members, traditional leaders and some vulnerable groups on certain crucial health epidemics. During the health promotional talks the following salient topics were discussed: HINI Pandemic, malaria control measures, environmental sanitation measures, social determinants of health, links between physical health and mental health.

2.1.3. PREVENTIONThe prevention of childhood disability program which focuses on prevention issues has gained its roots firmly within the operational area with all stakeholders playing their respective roles at each interventionary level to prevent disabilities.It is heart-warming to note that during the year, 1000 children received various forms of preventive interventions; these interventions comprise of the school health program/ Ear assessment 395, school eye screening 63 and multi-displinary team screening 542.The rationale behind the multi-displinary team was to create an venue for every single child to be consulted/screened by different medical specialist on a visit. The team consist of the following: Physiotherapist, ophthalmic nurse, audiology technician and psychiatrist. The team visited post-natal/child welfare clinics and some selected basic schools.Another important exercise that took place to facilitate smooth implementation of the prevention program is the general survey and in-depth interview to ascertain the realities on the


ground. A comprehensive report has been documented and series of follow ups made to various communities and homes.In addition, two separate capacity development workshops have been organised for program officers, field volunteers and parents of children with cerebral palsy.Attached is a detailed report on prevention of childhood disability program.

2.1.4 MEDICAL CAREWith respect to medical care, eye work, ear work, orthopaedic and mental health are classified under this sub-component. The detail activities is spelled out below.

Eye work During the period under consideration, the Regional Directorate of Ghana Health Services posted an ophthalmic nurse to the district hospital. This move was initiated by the coordinator of the Bawku Eye department and the leadership of the project. The nurse has since been collaborating well with the project staff to provide quality eye care to the populace within the operational area.

Under the outreach programs, a total number of 82 community outreaches were organized within the catchment area. The outreach activities were carried out in the following communities: Kanjarga, Fumbisi, Seniesi, Doninga, Wiaga, Chuchuliga, Kadema, Mayoro, Chiana, Katiu,Kayoro, Mirigu and Kologo. A total number of 1,831 people were screened and out of this number 250 underwent cataract surgery and have regained their sight and doing well in their respective field of endeavours. The rest of the 1,581 had minor conditions and were treated, however, a few were asked to report periodically for re-examination and observation.

Another important activity worth mentioning under eye work is the establishment of a school health program. During the period a total of 11 primary schools were visited and a total number of 605 children were screened, out of this number 68 had conjunctivivitis 18 had allergies and 35 had minor conditions and 484 had no problem.


EAR WORK (AUDIOLOGY)With respect to ear work the project continued to liaise up with the Bawku hospital audiology unit to provide ear screening to school pupils in 12 first cycle schools in the Builsa, Kassena-Nankane East and West districts. A total number of 937 school children were screened, out of this number 43O had wax, 73 had acute otitis media and 20 had chronic otitis media. However, 392 had no problem. It is important to note that the children who were diagnosed with chronic otitis and acute otitis media received appropriate medication. However, those identified with wax had their ears washed with hydrogen peroxide. During the exercise 12 children had hearing loss/ profound deafness and were referred to special schools and 10had moderate hearing loss and would be transferred to the ear assessment centre for hearing aids early next year.

ORTHOPAEDIC\PHYSIOTHERAPY WORKThe Nsawam and Bawku orthopaedic units have been very serviceable to the project. The two teams during their outreach programme, provided review services to clients in five service points: Chiana, Sandema, Fumbisi, Sirigu and Navrongo.A total of 248 cleints attended the review sessions and 20 were identified for orthopaedic surgery but 17 successfully underwent surgery at the Bawku orthopaedic hospital whereas one complicated hip case also underwent surgery in Dua-nyankwanta hospital bringing the total number of operated cases to 18 for the year. The two teams in their routine rounds referred 34 clients for home based physiotherapy training. However the total number of clients receiving daily range of motion exercises was 154 and out of this number 121 have seen tremendous improvements in their conditions as result of the follow-up trainings.

MENTAL HEALTH WORKIn the field of mental health, a total of 1,165 persons continue to receive counselling and medication services from the community psychiatric nurse, assisted by program officers and community volunteers. Indeed, the field staffs as well as the volunteers have been very proactive in this direction. From the above figure, 542 clients are receiving antiepileptic drugs,


220 receiving antidepressive drugs and 403 receiving antipsychotic drugs.

It is pertinent to note that during the year under review, the mental health clients were privileged to have access to the services of a psychiatrist on quarterly basis throughout the year. This quarterly visitation program was initiated by Basic Needs – Ghana to enhance the quality of medical care.

REHABILITAIONUnder rehabilitation work, 834 clients received various forms of training to enable them re-adjust and to function more effectively in their respective field of endeavours. These clients are receiving training in the following disciplines: orientation and mobility training, daily living skills and home based physiotherapy training.

ASSISTIVE DEVICESA total number of 45 physically impaired clients received different kinds of assistive devices as a measure to correct/ improve upon their functioning levels. The devices include the following: 20 white canes, 5 cerebral palsy chairs, 6 hand splints, 11 calipers/shoes and 3 walkers.

2.1.3.EducationThe educational component of the project has made some positive strides in the following sub structures.

2.1.4 Early Childhood DevelopmentUnder early childhood development, a total number of 15 children within the ages of 0-6 with special needs have been


identified and enrolled into kindergaten/ nursery level to enable them attain formal education in the mainstream schools.

2.1.5 Non-FormalA total number of 39 PWD’s received training in basic skills on numeracy and reading in collaboration with Non Formal Education Division of Ghana Education Service to improve upon their literacy levels and communications skills.

2.1.5 Formal Including Primary374 Children With Disabilities (CWD’s) are in the primary school level, out of this, 224 are in the integrated system whereas 150 are in the special schools to obtain formal education.

2.1.6 Secondary and HigherWith regard to secondary and higher education the project can boast of 53 youngsters who are pursuing secondary and higher education. Out of this 2 are in the training college,3 in university, 2 in polytechnic, 1 in technical institute and 45 in senior secondary high.

2.1.7 Life Long LearningUnder lifelong learning, 24 PWD’s continue to receive home based schooling activities from the special education officer and program officers as well as some volunteers as a measure to improve upon their literacy levels.

2.1.4. Livelihood2.1.5 Skills Development

19 PWD’s are currently undergoing various kinds of skills development training as it were to equip them with sustainable employable skills for future self employment. Out of this number 3 are receiving skill training in Garu CBR centre, 10 undergoing


apprenticeship training in dress making, 4 under hair dressing, and 2 receiving training in craft activities.

2.1.6 Income Generation/Self Employment It is refreshing to note that, during the period under review, 868 PWD’s were engaged in various income generation/ self employment activities to boost their individual economic fortunes and standard of living. These clients are engaged in the following category of economic activities: animal rearing 107, food processing 547 and income generation 214. It is important to note that all were partly supported by the following development partners: CBM, BasicNeeds and Presbyterian World Services and Development of Canada.

2.1.7 Financial Services In the area of financial services, the project within the year linked six (6) self-help groups to the Builsa Community Bank to facilitate financial accessibility to credit and the entire groups have opened bank accounts. Another important development concerning financial services/support that is worth mentioning is financial assistance from other development partners such as BasicNeeds who supported two mental health self-help groups with an amount of Ten thousand seven hundred and fifty Ghana cedis. The Presbyterian World Services and Development supported some PWD’S livelihood and HIV/AIDS activities with Twelve thousand Ghana cedis, Liliane Fonds supported orthopaedic surgery/financial support for youngsters in tertiary institutions with an amount of Six thousand Ghana cedi. ISODEC also assisted the Sandema organisation of persons with disabilities with One thousand seven hundred and fifty Ghana cedis. The Builsa District Assembly has been very supportive in the area of providing financial support to cater for transportation cost of children in special schools.

2.1.8 Employment It is gratifying to note that, during the year, two physically disabled youngsters were employed in government establishments after completing the Teacher Training College and the polytechnic respectively. The polytechnic graduate has been employed as an accountant with Ghana Health Services and the training college graduate also engaged as a professional teacher. Currently they are


living up to expectation in their respective field of engagements and very excited with their present elevations.

2.1.9 Social ProtectionA total number of 20 PWD’s benefited from the Livelihood Enpowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) which is one of the strategies of the National Social Protection Strategy policies of government. Under the Leap program beneficiaries would be receiving a conditional cash transfer on monthly basis to cater for their needs and aspirations.Another social protection strategy which has benefited majority of PWD’s within the operational area is the National Health Insurance Scheme which offers free registration for persons with disabilities within the operational area.In addition, 224 children with disabilities in the regular schools have benefited from the school feeding program and capitation grant which is also a social protection policy in their community schools.

2.2.1 SocialUnder social activities the following strides have been chalked.

Relationship /Marriage and Family: The program officers continued to provide counselling services to family members and PWD’s to enhance peaceful co-existence at family level. It is important to note that, the project has established social support systems at the community and family levels to facilitate positive relationship amongst families and their PWD’s.

In addition during the year six PWD’s got partners and living happily together in their marriages.

Culture Religion and ArtsThe project continued to encourage PWD’s to participate in culture religion and arts activities at all levels as a measure to enhance social integration. It is therefore against this back drop that two OPWD’s in Sandema and seniesi have form a cultural and musical group which has become a source of entertainments for their communities.

Sports Recreation and Leisure.


Under sports the project has established two foot ball teams made up of PWD youngsters in the Builsa and Kassena Nankeni districts. These football teams have been a source of enlightenment to community members whenever they are in the field training and playing football. Access to Justice With regard to access to justice, the program officers, community volunteers and the support of community development committee members, PWD’s are always aided to access justice whenever their rights are being trampled upon.

In the last quarter of the year a piece of land acquired by the DPO’s in Fumbisi was confiscated and resold to another person. The programme officer together with community development committee members took the case to the police and subsequently to the Commission of Human Rights Administration Justice and a new land was allocated to them.

2.1.5. Empowerment

Social Mobilisation:

The project continues to mobilise community members and chiefs in their respective areas of jurisdiction to support current structures of the project such as OPWD’s, CDC’s.During the period, the project mobilise 12 communities to organised community dubars to sensitize community members on certain crucial health issues.


As a result of effective social mobilisation both government and institutions continue to mobilise resources and to mainstream disability issues in their planning process.

Political Participation: A total number of 7 PWD’s are occupying various political positions and contributing towards the decisions making process in their social organisations. Out of the above number 1 PWD in the Chuchuliga community is the current Zonal chairman of the ruling National Democratic Party and 6 other PWD’s are holding key positions as church leaders. Self –Help Groups: Under self help groups, a total number of 5 new self help groups have been formed within the year. These groups include 3 mental Health self help groups and two mother’s club of children with cerebral palsy. This brings the number of self helps groups to 27 in the operational area. These groups continue to receive capacity building training in group dynamics to facilitate them function effectively.

Organisation of People with Disabilities:During the assessment year, a total of 2 new OPWD’s have been formed bringing the total number of OPWD’s to 30 which are currently operating successfully. In addition, OPWD’s received various training packages such as group dynamic, leadership roles, procedures\ guidelines during meetings. It is important to note that during the year one of our development partners Action on Disability and Development organised a two day workshop for the women’s wing of the blind as a measure to build their capacities and to increase their knowledge on the United Nation convention on the rights of people with disabilities.

2.2 Please provide an update regarding the specific programme-related KPOs of the Project (please report against the agreed indicators).

The project case load for the year stands at 2,828 PWD’s

benefiting in various discipilnes. The project identified 582 new clients against 500

planned for the year.


The project recruited 250 new clients as targeted for the year.

The project collaborated with the National Health Insurance scheme to provide eye surgery for 250 clients as against 200 as projected for the year.

1,831 persons were screened as against 1500 for the year. 18 orthopaedic surgical cases received surgery successfully

as against 20 planned for the year 1000 children were screened as against 200 planned for

the year Capacity development workshop organised for 86 parents of

children with disabilities has been achieved according to year plan.

Vacation classes organised for 30 children with disabilities instead of 45 planned for the year.

Capacity development workshop on mental health organised for 71 Community Health nurses and state registered health nurses as against 50 targeted for the year

Seven (7) self-help groups established as against 10 planned for the year

61 PWD’s received training in vocational skills in soap making as against 30 projected for the year

Prevention of childhood disabilities introduced in 21 communities as against 20 plan for the year

164 PWD’s supported with credit to undertake livelihood activities against 60 planned for the year.

20 participants (program officers and field volunteers) received training in prevention of childhood disabilities activities as targeted for the year

15 bicycles purchased for field volunteers as planned for the year

12 programme officers received training in prevention of childhood disabilities interventions

5 sewing machines (2foot and 3 hand sewing machine) purchased and distributed to 5 PWD’s planned for the year.

60 participants consisting Traditional Birth attendants and community health workers received training in prevention of childhood disability interventions.

3 motorcycles purchased for field work instead of 2 as planned for the year


Reconstruction work in Chiana and Fumbisi unit houses accomplished

Educational materials purchased to enhance teaching and learning (writing frames, sorting trays, stylus e.t.c)

One laptop computer purchased for project co-ordinator to facilitate report writing.

10 sewing machine (4 foot and 6 hand sewing machines) were purchased to enable clients engage in apprenticeship training within their communities with support from PWSD

The project also took delivery of 12 hand sewing machines and other assorted dress-making materials from Basicneeds –Ghana to support interested persons with psychosocial disabilities. Currently 9 sewing machines have been distributed out to potential clients.

Project purchased 20 goats and 20 bags of groundnut to support clients to undertake agriculture skills with funds from PWSD.

1.1. Lessons learned, or any other general reflections, if applicable

2.4 If not already addressed under 2.1. Please describe activities in the project in which CBM has been involved regarding cross-cutting matters (e.g. Child Protection, HIV & Disability, mainstream activities, etc.)

HIV\AIDS INTERVENTATIONIn the field of HIV\AIDS intervention the project embarked on two outreach activities in Sandema and Siniesi to sensitize community members on preventive measures to adhere to, in order to avoid contracting the disease. In addition, community members were urged to undertake voluntary counselling and testing which was made available at the durbar grounds through text kits.


In all 350 people attended the durbars and went through the voluntary counselling testing and no one tested positive.

2.6 In case of an emergency situation please give a short overview of the situation and the measures CBM and partners have taken (this overview does not replace the emergency reporting)

It is crucial and necessary to know that towards the close of the year and a week to Christmas the project vehicle was involved in an accident. The accident occurred when the driver and the medical intervention officer were returning from Bawku orthopaedic hospital after casting post operative plaster on a cerebral palsy client who had contractures and early intervention.

On measures taken by cbm and PCG. CBM has since requested for current vehicle invoices to enable them replace the accident vehicle which is already due for replacement to enable the project continue with its work.

In addition, PCG that is the local church under the courtesy of the District minister and the in-charge of the Primary Health Care project periodically assist with their official vehicles to enable the project execute urgent activities that requires a vehicle. Indeed, this is highly commendable and may the Good Lord bless them for their assistance.

3. Alliance Building/Creation of SynergiesPlease report about developments in important networks/platforms in the project, which are key for the implementation of the Project StrategyIn the area of alliances the project holds a membership with four main alliances\ networks that seeks to improve upon the needs of the underprivileged / vulnerable in society. The alliances are namely: National Network for CBR, Northern Network for education, the Network for Disability inclusive organisations and Alliance for mental health and Development.


Specific objectives of these networks/platforms? The Upper East Alliance for Mental Health and

Development organises major stakeholders and rights claimers to celebrate the world mental health day.

The Upper East Alliance for mental health and development also seeks to the mainstream mental health issues into the development planning process. Another objective of the Upper East Mental Health and Development is to advocate for the integration of mental health into public health system.

The Network for disability inclusive organisation is an infant network under the instrumental role of the Presbyterian CBR programme which seeks to ensure that disability issues are mainstreamed in all sectors of the economic.

The Network for Disability inclusive organisation seeks to advocate for the rights of PWD’s. The network would serve as coordination platform for all activities on disabilities in the region.

The Northern Network for Education researches into teacher absenteeism and what measures should be taken to improve upon it.

The Northern network advocates for effective teaching and learning in schools.

The Northern Network serves as a watch dog on implementation of government social protection strategies such as capitation grant, school feeding program, and free school uniform for deprive schools in deprived communities.

Results during reporting period? The project received twelve (12) sewing machines from

Basic Needs through tools for–self reliance. As a result of the alliance the project received credit

support for self -help groups in Sandema and Wiaga communities.

Following the recent establishment of the Network for Disability Inclusive organisations has created an opportunity and positive rapport between the CBR Program and the Regional Co-ordinating Council. Hence


an office accommodation has been allocated for the regional CBR programme.

In addition through the alliance for mental Health and Development the project has access to psychiatrist who comes to the operational area on quarterly basis.

In which way have CBM or our partners contributed?

The Upper Network for disability inclusive society formation was initiated by PCG-CBM Project coordinator in Ghana using resources of CBM for the preliminary organisation.

It also created an opportunity to bring the executive members of the network and the main partner of CBM (Regional Director and CBM Advisor) to interact and find ways of making the Networks sustainable.

In addition, the Network for disability inclusive organisation has also enhanced the mutual relationship between the Anglican projects and Presbyterian projects.

4. Advocacy

4.1. Please report on developments/initiatives in the reporting period to influence the political/policy level and/or external organisational level to promote equal rights of persons with disabilities.The project during the assessment period has been involved in advocacy issues as a measure to make PWD’s assertive and for their legitimate rights using the rights based approach system.

Under advocacy, the project in collaboration with Action on Disability and Development organised a two day advocacy workshop for 25 PWD’s on the United Nation rights on persons with disabilities and the disability act.


Another two day advocacy engagement workshop was organised by Action on Disability and Development for heads of decentralise departments to educate heads of decentralise departments and OPWD’s on disability rights issues. The advocacy workshop also created a platform for departmental heads to consider or factor disability issues in the short, medium and long term planning and on the other hand the workshop also informed the OPWD’s to know the kind of resources\ packages that they can source from these departments.

Again, during the third quarter of the year, the OPWD’s of Sandema embarked on radio sensitization programme to sanitize their peers and the entire community members on negative attitudes and practices that militates against PWD’s.

4.2. In which way have the projects/partners been involved?With regard to project involvement the project co-ordinator and some program officers facilitated as resource persons during the various workshops and radio talk programs.

5. Human Resource Development/Capacity Development

5.1. Major developments/set-backs regarding CBM supported local HR development activities in the region (programme-, project level)?

The project within the period organised capacity development workshops for program officers to build their capacities on prevention of childhood disabilities.

In another development, program officers received training in the current CBR components developed by WHO to enable them deliver up to expectation in accordance with the new guidelines.

The current manpower level of the project stands at 12 and out of this 9 is paid by CBM whereas her partner PCG pays one. The rest are seconded by Ghana Education Service for special education officer and Ghana Health Service for community mental health officer. However during the course of the year the Prevention of


Childhood Disability officer appointment was terminated as a result of abysmal performance.

5.2 Were there any unforeseen developments regarding seconded co-workers over the last 6 months, which had or might have an impact on the agreed objectives? CBM-

In the last six months, the CBM co-worker has been on maternity leave. However, her absence did not prevent the implementation of planned activities. The CBR project Co-ordinator and the staff were able to liaise up with all the specialised medical institutions to provide the needed services for the programme. A six months report regarding activities of the prevention of childhood disability programme has been written and submitted to the programme coordinator for onward submission to CBM. It is fascinating to note that within the last six months of work a total number 1000 children in schools / post natal clinics were screened and various interventions administered.

6. PR and Fundraising

1.1. Were there developments with specific relevance for CBM’s PR work?

1.2. Do you foresee any developments/events in the project, which might be of particular interest for CBM’s PR work?

1.3. Please give a short overview of contacts with e.g. EC delegations, embassies, representatives of foundations, corporations, service clubs or individual CBM supporters that could be of interest.


7. Developments in the Project (if applicable)

Developments/changes in personnel?The project has engaged the services of a university graduate from university for Development Studies as the livelihood development officer, who also performs as field supervisor.

Another development is the termination of the appointment of the prevention of childhood disability officer due to his abysmal work performance. However plans are advance to fill in the vacancy in February when the programme co-ordinator returns from her maternity leave

5.2. Please give an update on HRD/capacity development activities for the Project.

In the area of human resource development the project organised series of training packages for two programme officers to build their capacities on prevention of childhood disability issues. These officers also received various range of training on CBR to build their knowledge base for the task.

In addition, programme officer of the project also received training on current contextual frame work of cbm components to enable them implement their activities in line with WHO new guidelines.

The project organized a two day capacity development workshop for 10 program officers and 20 community volunteers on prevention of childhood disability intervention.

5.3. Please report about unforeseen circumstances jeopardising the implementation of formulated plans.

In the area of unforeseen circumstances which has jeopardised the work and worth mentioning is the involvement of the project vehicle in an accident a week to Christmas. This therefore affected the implementation of the project planned activities for the period.


Another major Issue affecting the implementation of project activities is in the area of how to retain quality staff in the project due to the current low salary of project staff. Hence, the resignation rate of quality staff is high and a drain on the project’s scarce resources especially after investing huge amounts money in building the capacity of the person.

Are there any planned or actual changes regarding the physical facilities to improve the accessibility of the Project? (Please report also against CBM´s accessibility policy)

The project in its quest to ensure equalization of opportunities has been advocating for public\ private institutions to break current architectural barriers to facilitate freedom of movements of PWD’s. In terms of access to social services, the project continues to negotiate with certain service providers to make their services accessible PWD’s. It is therefore against this backdrop that the project has been able to initiate with the Builsa District Assembly and District Mutual Insurance Scheme to offer free registration to PWD’s in the District to enable them access medical care without any hindrance.

5.4. Please give an overview of any other relevant new developments.It is heartwarming to note that during the last month of the year the New Regional Director for Africa, Regional office –West Africa visited the project. He was accompanied by Mr. Paul Caswell National Coordinator /Advisor for CBM supported projects in Nigeria and Mr. John Alo PCG-CBM Co-ordinator/ Advisor for CBM supported projects in Ghana.

The first issue the Regional Director checked was to ensure the correct usage of monitoring documents. On the usage of the monitoring documents, the Project Coordinator briefed him. However, the Regional Director counter checked all the monitoring documents and realized that the documents were under maximum use by respective program officers.


The Regional Director and his team later had a discussion with the entire project staff. The Regional Director urged staff to continue with the good work and charged them to blend both service provision and rights based issues in their execution of work since this would enable them attain the desired goals of quality of life for PWD’s. The Regional Director in his concluding message said he was impressed with the work in Sandema. However, Mr. Paul Caswell advised the staff not to be afraid of the on-going restructuring exercise which demands that each staff should run a component or a program because they shall all receive adequate training to enable them perform in their new responsibilities.

In addition, the Regional Director and his team did not end their visit in the office they proceeded to field to ascertain the realities on the ground. The visit took them to interact with two livelihood support clients engaged in vocational skills enterprise in the market. The second visit took the team to Wiaga to see a cerebral palsy child under range of motion exercises. The last visit was in Sandema where the Regional Director and his team met the OPWD’s and had fruitful interaction with the group.

The project was privileged to have a three core/ technical team from CBM regional office visiting the project to perform various functions. The first technical team member to visit the project was the Mental Health Advisor for West Africa. The mental Health Advisor main aim was to enable him facilitate as a resource person for a two day workshop organised for community health workers and general nurses on how to effectively integrate mental health care into the existing primary health care system and also equip the nurses in current treatment process to enable them provide first aid treatment to people with mental disorders. The second team member to visit the project within the period is the program officer in-charge of the English speaking countries in the West Africa Regional Office. The officer had a three day working period with the project. The discussions were centred on the following issues: the budget for 2009, the budget for 2010, Signatories of project account, field visit to OPWD’s and general personnel issues. The third team member who visited the project was Mr. Paul Caswell CBM Consultant/ National coordinator for CBR in Nigeria. His visit


was to finalise on issues that the program officer and the project leader could not take decisive decisions.

CONCLUSIONThe project is most grateful to God Almighty for His abundance of Grace and Mercy which sailed us through the numerous hurdles in the year.

The implementation of project activities went according to plan even though there were some challenges but with the spirit of tenancy of purpose by the project team these challenges were overcome.

We also wish to express our profound heart-felt gratitude to CBM and PCG for their financial and technical support which has enable us to make a difference in the life’s of many PWD’s and people with psychosocial disabilities in our operational areas.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND JOYOUS NEW YEAR

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