New Year 2012 Greetings!

Dear Friends,

In every new year, those involved in development work have the opportunity to make things even better. The combined efforts of people and organizations directed to the common good can make accomplishments possible despite challenges along the way.

In 2012, we in AWCF wish the best for our partner co-operatives and agencies. With renewed fervor, let us make each day count as we continue helping improve the lives of women and men in our communities, nations, and regions.

Happy New Year!

from the Asian Women in Co-operative Development Forum

Gender focal persons of Philippine co-ops hold seminar

Business Development Center for Co-ops: A Quick Look

This video version is in Tagalog (language of the Philippines). Another video with English subtitles is also available on this channel. This video is produced by the National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO) (Philippines) under the "Information Technology for Southeast Asian Co-operatives (it@coops) Project" (2004-2007), a joint project of the Asian Women in Co-operative Development Forum (AWCF) and InWEnt (Capacity Building International, Germany), with support from BMZ (German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development). The it@coops Project was implemented in three AWCF members: NATCCO, the Forum for Indonesian Co-operatives Movement (FORMASI Indonesia), and the Credit Union League of Thailand (CULT).

The it@coops Project stressed IT's importance in empowering people, especially women, in rural areas. Because co-ops abound in rural areas, and knowing that women compose half or more than half of many co-ops' total membership, the Project supported the capacity-building activities of co-ops such as by training staff in IT and in the establishment of co-ops' business development centers (BDCs). The BDCs are meant to help co-op members who are engaged in business, particularly women who are, by nature, entrepreneurs. Thus the Project emphasized that IT can bring increased economic and even social empowerment to co-ops and their members.

AWCF-FK exchange staff's experiences, so far-2010-2011

Being uprooted from one’s own homeland to live in another country (in Asia in this instance) and interact with people of another culture for 10 months can be quite a challenge. Seven co-op personnel are doing just that and facing the challenge from 2010 to 2011 as they participate in the third round of AWCF-Fredskorpset (FK) Norway’s “Capacity-building for Gender and Co-operatives in Asia” Project. The Project started in 2008, where co-op personnel are deployed to AWCF member-organizations in Asia in a staff exchange activity designed to boost human resource capacity in co-op and gender development.

Of the seven participants in the third round, there are three Filipinos, two Thais, an Indonesian, and a Malaysian who are all demonstrating the reciprocal model of doing volunteer work while exchanging knowledge and skills through learning and teaching as part of their office and/or community activities. Here is a look at the AWCF-FK Project participants' major achievements, so far, for this period:

Ms Lilibeth Liguden—FORMASI Indonesia, Indonesia
Ms Lilibeth Liguden assigned to the Forum for Indonesian Co-operatives Movement (FORMASI Indonesia)-Indonesia as Business Development Officer (BDO) initially learned about the programs and services of her host-organization through a meeting with her supervisor. To deepen her understanding of FORMASI Indonesia’s work and to facilitate the establishment of a business development center (BDC) for its business initiatives, Ms Liguden conducted exposure visits, attended co-op meetings and activities, accomplished a needs assessment, and facilitated a BDC orientation for 12 FORMASI Indonesia member-organizations and their partner-co-ops. She also studied Bahasa, Indonesia’s formal language, to facilitate her communication with the locals.

Ms Liguden also had the chance to share her knowledge and experience when she took part in a strategic planning workshop for 10 member-organizations of FORMASI Indonesia, which is a network of non-government organizations (NGOs) and co-ops. Ms Liguden further shared her particular expertise and experience on transformative leadership (TL), co-ops, facilitation skills, and biogas technology through activities she had conducted like a project proposal preparation training and TL training for the FORMASI Indonesia network.

Ms Pakialakshmi d/o Maniam—AWCF Philippines office
Ms Pakialakshmi d/o Maniam, Communication Specialist assigned to AWCF Philippines office, learned about documentation, publications, and methodology on compiling documents by coming up with documentation/proceedings of AWCF-initiated meetings and training events that she had attended. Ms Pakialakshmi familiarized herself with the AWCF library’s catalog system and documents, and also visited different learning institutions and co-ops to study document inventory and cataloguing. Thus she provided herself with ideas in setting up a research and documentation center. She also helped AWCF in the preparation of a gender equality (GE) comic book.

In her reflection, Ms Pakialakshmi said that the exposure she had gained from these activities develop more her self-confidence, increased her gender-sensitivity, and improved her presentation skills through the use of audiovisual presentations and the Powerpoint software. She also attended learning classes for basic Tagalog language, which is spoken in her assigned location.

Ms Piranrut Thoykham—SEDOC, Cambodia
Ms Piranrut Thoykham deployed as Credit Union Promotion Specialist to the Socio-Economic Development Organization of Cambodia (SEDOC)-Cambodia, had familiarized herself with SEDOC and FK activities by attending a basic orientation on SEDOC, participating in the seventh sub-regional network meeting of FK, attending meetings with SEDOC’s international project partners, and conducting study visits to SEDOC’s partner credit unions (CUs). Ms Piranrut aimed at improving her relationship with SEDOC staff and also her communication skills by learning and conversing with them in Khmer and English. At times, she also taught them, in turn, the Thai language.

Ms Piranrut also taught the SEDOC staff some accounting systems and procedures; and how to promote, set up, and manage CUs using her learning and experience in the Credit Union League of Thailand (CULT), her homebase. She was instrumental in consolidating 50 savings groups under SEDOC’s supervision into 12 CUs, for a more efficient and effective delivery of SEDOC operations and services.

Mr. Somantri—CUPC, Malaysia
Meanwhile in Malaysia’s Credit Union Promotion Club (CUPC), exchange participant Mr. Somantri was deployed as Information Technology (IT) Specialist. He observed and studied the use and implementation of CUPC’s latest management information system (MIS) known as FMIS (financial management information system) software. He shared this knowledge with the CUPC staff. He also assisted them in recording the members’ data in the FMIS. Mr. Somantri likewise provided IT technical support to the staff of KKP (Koperasi Kredit Pekerja-Pekerja, one of the two organizations that form CUPC) through computer repair and maintenance (hardware); use of different computer software; and the revival and enhancement of KKP’s website. He regularly attended KKP’s weekly meetings to update himself of KKP activities while deepening his relationship with the other staff members.

Ms Janjila Nuansri—AWCF Philippines office
Ms Janjila Nuansri, assigned in AWCF Philippines office as Credit Union Promotion Officer, has really improved her English writing and conversational skills as manifested in her written reports and as attested to by her supervisors and peers. Ms Janjila’s visit to different primary co-ops in the northern and central areas of Luzon island in the country gave her learnings on co-op enterprises and business development. Her four-week visit each to two NATCCO (National Confederation of Cooperatives)-affiliated primary co-ops exposed her to local culture; work experience with other co-ops; and an appreciation of Philippine co-ops’ branching operations or the co-ops’ ability to offer housing, co-op mart, hotel and training facilities, and other services other than what is usually offered by Thailand CUs, which are savings and credit operations.

Ms Janjila also kept herself busy by attending training conducts that enhanced her knowledge on gender, including gender equality (GE). Likewise, she improved her research and documentation skills through the reports and presentations she had done in relation to her FK tasks. She also assisted AWCF staff in preparing training materials and a GE comic book; and in designing covers for different project reports.

Ms Mary Dilanie Llarenas—CAEV, Vietnam
Ms Mary Dilanie Llarenas was deployed to CAEV (Center for Agricultural Extension Volunteers-Vietnam) as Project Development and Documentation Officer. Ms Llarenas was able to learn about CAEV’s operations, programs, and services through an initial orientation meeting with her supervisor. She followed up her orientation with exposure studies done in selected partner communities/pilot areas, and attendance in project meetings where she learned more about and observed CAEV’s program implementation. CAEV promotes improved agricultural development in Vietnam with assistance from expert technicians and community resource people, and also through the co-op model of poverty alleviation especially among agricultural communities.

Ms Llarenas attended classes on basic Vietnamese language, conducted a project proposal writing training for CAEV staff, and mentored CAEV staff on basic conversational English to further boost their use of this language.

Ms Charisse Anne Fernandez—CULT, Thailand
Ms Charisse Anne Fernandez was deployed as International Relations (IR) Officer to CULT. She increased her knowledge and perspective on CULT’s programs, services, and policies by attending CULT’s basic orientation. She participated in CULT’s numerous organizational activities, and visited different CUs to know more about CULT’s program implementation and also the relationship between CULT and the different CUs. She also attended a basic Thai language course to help her better communicate with her fellow staff, and also to help her increase appreciation of Thailand’s rich and colorful culture and people.

Ms Fernandez’s deployment in CULT also enabled her to conduct English writing courses for its IR department and other departments; enhance its lending brochures (English version); and assist in its media visits, press conferences, and on-air program.

AWCF-FK project has back-to-back activities

This May 2011 was a busy period for participants of the “Capacity-building for Gender and Co-operatives in Asia” Project, implemented by AWCF and the Fredskorpset (FK) Norway among AWCF’s member-organizations in Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Philippines. The five-year Project began in 2008 where human resource is developed as personnel from AWCF’s member-organizations take part as exchange participants in batches, with the different organizations acting as their hosts or Project partners. Exchange participants stay with their host-organizations for 10 months.

As 2010-2011 is the third year of Project implementation, all stakeholders were immersed this May in preparing reports and presentations for their two major meetings: the “Third Phase Review Meeting” and “Fourth Phase Partners Planning Workshop.”

The first meeting
The first meeting was held in Quezon City, Philippines on May 17, 2011, starting off with welcome messages from AWCF’s Chairperson Ms Kruewan Chonlanai and Executive Director Ms Salome Ganibe; and FK Regional Representative Asia Mr. Sacha Jotisalikorn. AWCF Program Coordinator Ms Angelita Valdez facilitated the orientation on the meeting. Representatives of the Project partners gave project updates through Powerpoint and audiovisual presentations. The presentations shared the learnings of the exchange participants in their respective host-organizations, and also emphasized the impact and results of the exchange activity in relation to the objectives of the different AWCF member-organizations.

To corroborate the Project updates, actual testimonies of FK third batch exchange participants were given, particularly from Ms Pakialakshmi d/o Maniam (from Malaysia) and Ms Janjila Nuansri (from Thailand). The meeting ended with the presentation of the issues and challenges besetting the Project partners, and the recommendations to address these concerns. Among the concerns expressed by the Project partners were the visa processing requirements in Indonesia, matching between their current needs and expectations and the tasks of the exchange participants whom they host, and detailed documentation to assess the contribution of the exchange participants to the attainment of organizational objectives.

The second meeting
The second meeting for the AWCF-FK Project was held May 18-20, 2011, also in Quezon City. Two more representatives from each AWCF member attended this meeting that set off preparations for the Project’s fourth phase to begin later this year. The meeting’s participants worked together with the AWCF Secretariat and FK to develop three documents that will guide the AWCF-FK 2011-2012 Project activities. These documents are the substance of the Project, the partnership agreement, and the budget calculations.

This meeting’s main highlight was the identification of five positions to be involved in the exchange Project’s fourth round, namely, a Credit Union Technical Officer (from Cambodia to be assigned in Thailand), a Business Development Officer (from Philippines to Indonesia), a Research and Documentation Specialist (from Philippines to Malaysia), an Extension Programmer and Researcher (from Vietnam to Philippines), and an Information Officer (from Philippines to Thailand).

The meeting ended with the signing of the partnership agreement for the Project’s fourth round of exchange.

AWCF joins FK activities: Phase 3 of project underway

The AWCF network joined two major activities of Fredskorpset (FK) Norway from September 29 to October 20, 2010, aimed at developing the capacity of FK partner-organizations. AWCF took part in the activities in the belief that young professionals play an important role in the development of any organization. AWCF has been implementing since 2008 the “Capacity-Building for Gender and Co-operatives in Asia” Project funded by the “South-South Exchange Programme” of FK. The Project, which is an exchange activity among staff of AWCF member-organizations, is now on its third phase to be held from October 2010 to August 2011.

The first FK activity was the “Homecoming Seminar (Debriefing)” held September 29-30, 2010 in Rajamangala Pavilion Beach Resort, Songkhla province, Thailand. AWCF was represented by eight participants from the exchange Project’s phase 2, and six representatives from the Project’s partner-organizations in the AWCF network. In the Seminar, AWCF and other FK project participants and partners from CAI (Clean Air Initiatives), Asia and POURAKHI conducted a project review that included a presentation of partners’ and participants’ experiences, learning, and challenges; and a sharing among the previous and new project participants (for phase 3).

The Seminar was followed by the “16th Fredskorpset Preparatory Course” held September 30-October 20, 2010 in the Prince of Songkhla University (PSU), Hat Yai Campus, Songkhla. In this activity, AWCF partner representatives were joined by seven participants for phase 3, representing Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand. The Course was a prelude to the participants’ 10-month deployment to their host-organizations. The Course aimed at letting participants be introduced to FK and its vision; be prepared for living and working in Asian countries; be provided with information regarding development issues in the Asian region; and be enabled to learn through collaboration and peer discussion.

To help achieve the Course goals, the participants and their respective partner representatives attended a participants-partners meeting to clarify matters concerning the Project, the participants’ agreement, and the results-based reporting. They also participated in the indoor teambuilding activities that had hoped to foster camaraderie with the other FK partner representatives.

The next activities were the exchange participants’ attendance to lecture sessions on development topics like poverty alleviation, participatory approach in community development, and gender responsiveness. Other sessions were personality awareness such as personality and self-understanding; effective cross-cultural communication practices; and conflict management and resolution. To enhance the participants’ video-making skills, there was a digital story preparation activity. And to facilitate their understanding of the Asian countries’ culture, there was a country information presentation. Adaptability with Thailand’s culture and customs was also enhanced through the socio-cultural visits and two-day homestay with selected families in the provinces of Trang (Buddhist community) and Satun (Muslim communities), both in Southern Thailand.

Aside from AWCF, also present in the Preparatory Course were 17 young professionals representing four other FK project partners, which are CAI, Asia; Sunlabob, Prosperity Initiatives (PI), and ESCENIC. These young professionals will serve as volunteers—learning and/or sharing their knowledge and experiences—in their host-organizations/-countries from October 21, 2010 to August 20, 2011. After that, they will return to their respective organizations to share their newly acquired knowledge, skills, and orientation as a follow-up activity, from August 21 to September 20, 2011.

Phase 3 participants bared

The following young professionals from the AWCF network are taking part in the AWCF-FK exchange project’s phase 3. They will join the other 15 participants from phases 1 and 2 in the AWCF Resource Pool of experts.

Ms Lilibeth “Beth” Liguden is employed as Business Development Officer of AWCF, Philippines, and will be posted at the Forum for Indonesian Co-operatives Movement (FORMASI Indonesia) in Indonesia also as Business Development Officer. Most of her 16 years of work experience were devoted to the co-op sector, particularly, assisting co-operators on business development, project planning, development and management; co-op and community organizing; and involvement in enterprise, finance, and investment. She also worked with international non-government organizations and a municipal-level local government unit in the Philippines. Beth’s immense experience on business development will be put to good use when she assists FORMASI Indonesia in establishing a business development center (BDC) structure and policy, setting up business initiatives, and promoting the BDC and its services. She will also coach selected FORMASI Indonesia officers and staff in developing and planning project proposals. For her learning activity during her deployment, she expects to learn the agri-based microfinance program and model used by FORMASI Indonesia members.

Ms Piranrut “Poo” Thoykham works at the Credit Union League of Thailand (CULT), Thailand, as Credit Union Development Officer. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics of Cooperative Science. She also has some Master of Business Administration units on Co-operative Management from some of Thailand’s prestigious universities. Poo will be deployed to the Socio-Economic Development Organization of Cambodia (SEDOC), Cambodia. As Credit Union Promotion Specialist in SEDOC, she will teach SEDOC staff about promoting, setting up, and managing a credit union. She will also assist SEDOC staff in identifying programs and services to attract primary credit unions to be members of SEDOC. As her learning activity in Cambodia, she will get to know about the credit movement, and gender mainstreaming in credit unions.

Another phase 3 participant is Mr. Somantri, currently working as Information Technology (IT) Specialist in FORMASI Indonesia. His knowledge and skills on Informatics Management and Information System will be useful on his assignment as IT Specialist in CUPC. He will be conducting computer training and providing technical support, troubleshooting computers, and monitoring and evaluating a management information system (MIS). He is also expected to assist in producing financial records and data using the MIS application. He also looks forward to learning CUPC’s programs at the grassroots level, particularly, savings mobilization, loan services, children’s savings, and gender training.

Ms Pakialakshmi “Pakia” d/o Maniam, is a General Clerk from Koperasi Kredit Pekerja-Pekerja (KKP), one of the two major grassroots-based credit union organizations of the Credit Union Promotion Club (CUPC), Malaysia. Pakia can converse in English, Bahasa Melayu, Tamil, and Hindi languages, and knows a little Mandarin. Assigned to be a Communication Specialist in AWCF, Pakia’s main task will be to gain knowledge and skills on documentation and publication. She will study how to compile, write and edit reference materials in English; catalogue documents; and prepare a documentation inventory. She will bring this knowledge back to CUPC, especially since the organization intends to set up a documentation center.

Ms Janjila “Kook” Nuansri currently works as Chief Education and Development Officer at CULT’s central branch office. Kook is a Mass Communications graduate and has been doing public relations work for CULT’s head office for almost 14 years before she moved to CUPC’s central branch office. Kook was heavily involved in setting up new credit unions, promoting co-op activities and events, and designing promotional materials. Kook will be posted as Credit Union Promotion Officer in AWCF. She will be visiting selected affiliate-co-ops of NATCCO (National Confederation of Cooperatives), Philippines, to learn about setting up and managing a co-op branch office, managing a BDC or a co-op enterprise, and mainstreaming gender in co-ops.

Ms Mary Dilanie “Mygirl” Llarenas is a Project Development and Documentation Officer in AWCF, Philippines. She has degrees in Nursing and Business Administration. She has extensive exposure on managing agricultural co-ops, and her project development skills were honed when she worked with a multi-purpose co-op. Assigned to the Center of Agricultural Extension Volunteers (CAEV), Vietnam, also as Project Development and Documentation Officer, she will help CAEV identify priority/potential areas for project development, and coach the staff in developing proposals as well as documenting their good practices and success stories. In Vietnam, Mygirl will also learn CAEV’s farming models and also their good practices that she can, in turn, share on her return to the Philippines.

Ms Charisse Anne “Cha” Fernandez is AWCF’s International Relations Officer. She has a five-year working experience with non-government organizations and international marketing and/or tourism organizations. Her core competencies include events management, media relations, sales and marketing, and promotions. Her expertise will be very useful during her deployment in CULT where she can help out in developing the international relations (IR) staff and also the other CULT staff especially when she starts her English writing courses. Furthermore, she can help the IR staff in implementing international relations activities. In turn, Ms Fernandez looks ahead to learning the Thai language, culture, and practices. She will also learn how gender equality is promoted at the primary credit union level.