The experienced humanitarian worker reminds us, however, that this does not mean that the country lacks problems. «It is a sign that Zimbabwe does not have major conflict related displacements. But, there are still internally displaced people (IDPs) in Zimbabwe with real humanitarian needs that have fallen through the gaps of the humanitarian assistance over the last decade,” says Walker, as she prepares the final close down of a program that has focused on facilitating durable solutions for IDPs in two provinces in Eastern Zimbabwe.
Difficult start
The start-up of the NRC program in Zimbabwe was not easy, Walker recalls. “We have had some difficult times in our relationship with the Government, especially in the early stages. Once our program was accepted and trusted, our biggest challenge was finding the resources to do everything we felt needed to be done and to reach all the displaced communities we identified. Advocacy was, at times, a challenge, but by being sensitive to the environment and being prepared to take a low key approach and gradually built trust, we were able to record some advocacy successes.
”The NRC program in Zimbabwe has focused on supporting resettlement communities, mobile vulnerable groups and returnees from irregular migration to build a durable solution. Overall, the country program has reached over 40,000 direct beneficiaries in the four districts of operation and indirectly benefitted over 200,000 people in the broader communities.
Grateful and proud
NRC Zimbabwe has gradually moved from direct implementation by NRC, to building the capacity of government stakeholders and civil society to facilitate long-term solutions. The people assisted by NRC say they will miss the orange dressed workers.
“We have received universal thanks and acknowledgement that NRC has made a difference. In each district they expressed the opinion that the way NRC has worked was exemplary and they asked other organisations to replicate our approaches. In particular, the community directed and led development. Many beneficiaries also expressed their sadness that we are closing but many also said that they can now support themselves and take community development forward on their own,” says Walker.
Innovative program
When asked what she is most proud of achieving during her years in Zimbabwe, Walker answers: “That must be to have been able to implement an innovative and integrated program. This has been recognized within Zimbabwe and within NRC to be of high quality and having genuine impact. Community Based Planning (CBP) has been our flagship project. Winning the Ockenden Prize in February 2014 recognised how the program has used this innovative approach to gain access and recognition for previously unacknowledged internally displaced people and has built self reliance and holistic programming,” says Walker. She adds that the advocacy work has also been important, as advocacy in Zimbabwe needs to be carefully managed to avoid sensitivities. “NRC has successfully advocated at every level and supported provincial forums chaired by the Government where internally displaced issues were openly discussed.”
NRC-family
The NRC-staff in Zimbabwe have spent the last weeks summarising the work they have conducted in the country and written reports so that the knowledge and the experience from the country program is not forgotten. “At our final staff meeting, all the Zimbabwe team felt that NRC is one of the best organisations they have worked for. This is partly because of the impact of the work itself and the sense of achievement in building a truly innovative program. But also, the family feeling in the organisation and the strong team spirit were appreciated and the listening culture. We would all like to thank our colleagues for the support and encouragement.”Lynn Walker would have liked to help even more people, but as she cleans out her office in Harare it is the colleagues she will miss the most. “The incredible team; hard working, committed, highly skilled and great fun to work with.”
Facts:
Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has been working in Zimbabwe for nearly 5 years. The NRC Head Office has been in Harare and NRC has had 3 field offices (Chipinge, Chiredzi and Mutare). The following core competencies/thematic areas were implemented by NRC in districts of operation between 2011 and 2014:
1. Community Based Planning
2. Education
3. Food Security and Livelihoods
4. Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
5. Shelter
NRC has been working with local partners, to offer non-formal “catch –up education” for children aged 12 to 18 who have dropped out of formal schooling or failed to transition from primary to secondary schooling.
The project also aimed to facilitate the return of these children to formal schooling and, hence, also work with communities and households to address the causal factors for drop out and non-retention, including financial and social barriers.
NRC has supported community gardens with the construction of boreholes to improve access to water for both livelihoods activities and domestic use.
Community Based Planning (CBP) has formed the foundation for NRC’s program since 2011. CBP is a process which empowers communities, including vulnerable groups, to actively participate in development interventions that are relevant to them and to influence resource allocation. The process facilitates reconciliation of groups which previously were in conflict over resources and finds a durable solution for the community.