The training seminar for new officials of national commissions for unesco

In English-speaking Africa maseru, Lesotho

28 november to 01 december, 2005

report

Submitted by:

Lesotho National Commission for UNESCOMinistry of Education and TrainingP.O. Box 47Maseru 100LesothoTel: 22315932 Fax No.: 22310297tsekoak@education.gov.ls

Table of contents

Acknowledgements ………………………………………………. …. …………. 3

Introduction ………………………………………………………………………. 4

Official Opening ………………………………………………………….……….. 5

Presentations ……………………………………………………….……………. 5

- Welcome Remarks …………………………………………………... 6

- Presentation on UNESCO ……………………………….………….. 6 -7

- UNESCO’s Relevance ……………………………………………… 7- 9

- Outcomes of the 33rd Session of theGeneral Conferenceand the Programme Management …………………………….….…. 9 -10

- The Role of National Commissions for UNESCO ………………... 10 -11

- Prsentation on NGOs ………………………………………………… 11 -13

- Interface between National Commissions and other Partners – UNESCO Clubs …………………………………….…… 13 -14

- Cooperation with Parliamentarians ……………………….………... 14 -15

- UNESCO Participation Programme 2006-2007 …………….….… 15-16

- The Associated Schools Project Network ……………………….…. 17 -18

- UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs Programme ……………………….….. 18 -19

- Draft Directives concerning the use of the name, Acronym, logo and internet domain name of UNESCO …………... 19 - 20

Recommendations ………………………………………………….……………… 20 - 21

Annexes …………………………………………………………………………… 22 Annex I - List of participants ………………………………………… 22 - 24

Annex II - Opening remarks by Hon. Asst. Minister of Education and Training …………………………………………………………… 25 - 28

Annex III – List of topics covered …..……………………..……..… 29

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Acknowledgements

The Lesotho National Commission for UNESCO wishes to take this opportunity to express gratitude to UNESCO for funding this activity within the Framework of the Participation Programme.

A special word of gratitude also goes to the Section for National Commissions for UNESCO at Headquarters, the Section for International Non-Governmental Organizations and Foundations at Headquarters, the Windhoek Cluster Office, the Malawi and other National Commissions for UNESCO involved and the Local Non-governmental Organizations.

The following eminent personalities are also specially acknowledged for their participation and support: Mr. D. Aroga, Honourable E. Kaiyamo, MP, Honourable M. Maqelepo, MP and Honourable M. Tseole, MP.

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INTRODUCTION

The Lesotho National Commission for UNESCO in collaboration with the Sector for National Commissions at Headquarters and the Windhoek Cluster Office organized a Training Session for Newly-appointed Officials of English-Speaking African National Commissions for UNESCO from 28 November to 01 December, 2005 in Maseru, Lesotho. Participants were 22 trainees from 15 African National Commissions for UNESCO including three representatives of Local Non-Governmental Organizations.

The facilitation team comprised:

Mr. Xiaolin Cheng – Programme Specialist, Section for National Commissions, UNESCO Headquarters

Mr. Massoud Abtahi – Chief, Section for International Non-Governmental Organizations and Foundations, UNESCO Headquarters

Dr. Claudia Harvey – Director of UNESCO Windhoek Cluster Office and Representative of UNESCO to Angola, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia and South Africa

Mr. Désiré Aroga – President, African Confederation of UNESCO Clubs, Centres and Associations

Mr. Elia Kaiyamo – Vice-President, Forum of African Parliamentarians for Education (FAPED), Member of Parliament, Republic of Namibia

Mr. Francis Mkandawire – Executive Secretary, Malawi National Commission for UNESCO

Mrs. Kekeletso Tsekoa – Secretary-General, Lesotho National Commission for UNESCO

Ms. Palesa Montsi - Programme Coordinator for Education (Rapporteur) Lesotho National Commission for UNESCO (List of participants is annexed)

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PARTICIPANTS

OFFICIAL OPENING

The training session was officially opened by the Honourable Assistant Minister of Education and Training, Mrs. ‘Malijane Maqelopo. Remarks on behalf of the Director-General of UNESCO were made by Dr. Claudia Harvey, the Director of the Windhoek Cluster Office and Representative of UNESCO to Lesotho.

In her remarks the Honourable Assistant Minister said that National Commissions for UNESCO play a major role in supporting UNESCO to fulfill its mandate and that they are an important linchpin in the Director General decentralization process. She said that they are also well placed to identify national issues in which UNESCO can be involved in order to ensure that Member States get full benefit from their membership. She said the National Commissions’ potential to mobilize action by various stakeholders including at the grassroots level, also promotes the visibility of UNESCO in Member States.

The Honourable Assistant Minister conveyed Lesotho’s gratitude to UNESCO for the financial and technical support which enabled the Lesotho National Commission for UNESCO to host this seminar. She expressed her appreciation of the physical presence of UNESCO in Lesotho, the Member State and the fact that 15 UNESCO Member States were represented in the seminar. She said that this could only auger well for establishment of strong linkages and networks in this era of globalization. She wished everybody a warm welcome, a happy stay in the Mountain Kingdom and declared the training seminar officially opened.

(Honourable Assistant Minister’s speech in Annex 3).

Dr. Claudia Harvey gave a brief overview of UNESCO, its origin and its representative within Member States. She also thanked UNESCO through its Section for National Commissions for the financial assistance and the Lesotho National Commission for UNESCO for organizing the seminar and specially for inviting her to this important training. She said she felt honoured to be afforded the opportunity to say a few remarks. On behalf of the Director General, Dr. Harvey said UNESCO appreciates support from Member States. Finally, she wished participants successful deliberations.

PRESENTATIONS

Welcome Remarks - Mrs. Kekeletso Tsekoa

The Master of Ceremonies, Secretary-General of the Lesotho National Commission for UNESCO Mrs. Kekeletso Tsekoa welcomed the participants to the Mountain Kingdom and thanked them for honouring Lesotho National Commission’s invitation to attend this seminar.

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Participants were asked to introduce themselves stating their National Commissions and their designations. This was followed by the adoption of the programme and its overview by Mr. Cheng, the Representative of the Section for National Commissions.

Workshop Objectives – Mrs. Kekeletso Tsekoa

The Secretary-General of the Lesotho National Commission for UNESCO stated the objectives of the seminar as being to provide capacity building to new officials of the English speaking African National Commissions for UNESCO in order to equip them with the necessary skills to enable them to function effectively and efficiently. She said the seminar would assist in the establishment and strengthening of collaboration and networking among African National Commissions for UNESCO.

Presentation On UNESCO - Mr. Francis Mkandawire

1. UNESCO and its Origin

Mr. Mkandawire, the Executive Secretary of the Malawi National Commission for UNESCO stated that UNESCO was formally established at the end of World War II, in 1945. He referred to it as a specialized agency of the United Nations. UNESCO is comprised of various fields of competence which are driven by their intentions and mandate in the promotion of peace in line with UNESCO’s mandate. The UNESCO’s fields of competence are Education, Social and Human Science, Culture and Communication.

2. UNESCO’S Mandate

To ensure peace through collaboration, this is also stated in its logo. Centres on intellectual cooperation with the hope that this gives ability to sustain

peace. UNESCO is also referred to as a laboratory of ideas, standard setter and a

clearing house for information Helps Member States to build and develop their human capacities through

Training, EFA initiatives, etc.

3. Structure of UNESCO

Composed of three organs namely,

(i) The General Conference – Supreme Body, meets biennially(ii) The Executive Board(iii) The Secretariat

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(i) The General Conference

It is a biennial event, which brings together 191 Member States. It is a supreme body of UNESCO.

Functions

To approve the programme and the budget To discuss major programmes and instruments To debate on urgent matters To adopt decisions concerning programme and budget

(ii) The Executive Board

Comprises 58 Member States

Functions

To monitor programmes and budget (UNESCO’s operations) To ensure that decisions are carried out through the commissions

Executive Board meets four times in two years. Director-General is obliged to report on progress and this is done through the commissions.

Executive Board prepares the agenda for the next General Conference

(iii) The Secretariat

It is headed by the Director-General Implements the mandate of the General Conference Works closely with the Executive Board

UNESCO’S Relevance - Dr. Claudia Harvey

She referred to UNESCO as a specialized agency of the United Nations family

Its roles: Laboratory of ideas

Standard Setter

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Clearing House - Documentation Centres within National Commissions and meetings with different constituencies

Capacity builder in Member States

Catalyst in International Cooperation

Why UNESCO’s Relevance continues

Continuing priority needs and emerging issuese.g. Climate change, HIV and AIDS, promotion of ICT

Interconnections and interplay between various sectorse.g. Basic education, poverty reduction

Millennium Development Goals

The Role of National Commissions within UNESCO

Consultation for design and implementation of activities

Coordination and implementation of activities

Facilitation of fund-raising – does not seem to be given enough attention by Member

States

Networking to ensure visibility and impact of programmes

National Commissions are a link between Member States and the Secretariat.

Structure – Decentralized Entities

Sectors

Direct relationships

Small projects (Contracts) should not to be less than US$ 5,000They should be country specific

Project Management

Results – Based Management – more effective and efficient

Why was it introduced?

To make better use of Member States

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To improve transparency

Results Based on: Output What has been done to effect change Outcome Change in performance Impact Gains and benefits

She emphasized that whatever the national commissions do, their activities should have an impact on the beneficiaries and also that they should be sustainable. Dr. Harvey said it was very important that when evaluating activities, consideration should be given to relevance, efficiency and effectiveness.

In summing up, Dr. Harvey mentioned that country’ needs assessment do inform UNESCO’s actions since each country knows better what its needs are and their relevance.

The process of RBM should follow the pattern of SMART, which refers to specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time bound.

Outcomes of the 33rd General Conference and Programme Management Cycle - Mr. Xiaolin Cheng

His presentation was based on the 33rd Session of the General Conference. He reported that 191 Member States and 6 Associate Members took part in the debates. 200 Ministers attended Education, Science, Culture and Communication meetings. 8 Heads of States joined the reception, corridor meeting and 3100 delegates from Member States attended plenary debates to discuss general policy.

Programme

commissions also met.

Side Events

The following side events also took place:

Minister’s Round Tables on Education for All Ministerial Round Table on basic Sciences and The Youth Forum

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Main Results of this Conference

Re-election of the former Director-General, Mr. Koichiro Matsuura.

Three standard-setting texts adopted the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural

Expressions. the International Convention Against Doping in Sport the Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights

Renewal of the Executive Board to supervise and monitor programme implementation

Adoption of the Programme and Budget for 2006 – 2007 (33 C/5) with newly defined priorities

Basic Education For All (EFA) Water and associated ecosystems Ethics of science and technology Promotion of cultural diversity Empowering people through access to information and

knowledge

Budget adopted 610 million US$ - Regular Budget with major allocation to Education and 25 million US$ from extra-budgetary funds.

Reflections on the future role of UNESCO at

Global level Multi lateral level Regional level Country level

Preparation of Medium-Term Strategy for 2008-2013

Decentralization of UNESCO’s activities

The 60th Anniversary of UNESCO was also celebrated

Visibility of UNESCO – The Participation Programme was said to bevery useful in enhancing UNESCO’s visibility

Programme Planning and Management Cycle – from 33 C/5 to 34 C/5

The Secretariat and Member States should adopt RBM in effecting their programming

Use of Sister Software for monitoring and evaluation

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DG’s Consultations with National Commissions on the preparation of the drafts 34 C/4 and 34 C/5

The Role of National Commissions for UNESCO – Mr.Xiaolin Cheng

Mr. Cheng discussed the basic roles and functions of National Commissions, their interface and cooperation with Field Offices as well as communication tools and services that National Commissions may find useful. He emphasized the three-fold relations within which National Commissions should operate, that is, within their respective countries, between and among other National /Commissions and UNESCO offices (Headquarters, Field Offices and institutions). The expected functions include advisory, liaison, information, programme execution and evaluation. In conclusion, Mr. Cheng raised the prospects and challenges for National Commissions, in terms of reviewing training modalities and content, increasing local impact, ensuring proper resources and maintaining the stability of National Commission staff and leaders.

The presentation was followed by discussions whereby participants raised concerns and some dissatisfaction about the status of their individual National Commissions. It seemed that most National Commissions were attached to the Government hence enjoying benefits such as subvention and recognition as civil servants. Other National Commissions, though they had no complaint about being attached to the Government, were concerned about the structure which is highly bureaucratic. This sometimes causes delay in the approval of urgent matters and implementation of the activities. Other National Commissions were said to be autonomous but still receiving government subvention. Responses clarified why most national commissions opted to be under the government. This does not rule out the fact that there were both advantages and disadvantages.

Mr. Cheng summed up by reiterating that it was up to the Member States to decide how best they want to run their National Commissions.

Presentation on NGOs – Mr. Massoud Abtahi

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He gave a detailed presentation on the relationship between UNESCO and NGOs. The following are some of the salient points of his presentation:

UNESCO’s Constitution

Para 5 of its preamble states that : « Peace must be founded, if it is not to fail, upon the intellectual and moral solidarity of mankind »

UNESCO’s main objective is to:

Establish sustained intellectual co-operation with the NGO community in UNESCO’s fields of competence at international, regional and national levels by

1. Involving relevant international NGOs in the execution of UNESCO’s programmes

2. Mobilizing national NGOs for the activities of UNESCO at the regional and national levels with the help of UNESCO field offices and National Commissions

Co-operation with NGOs at the international level

1. Co-operation with international NGOs on an ad hoc or informal basis until the establishment of statutory relations : All UNESCO programme sectors and other concerned agencies were encouraged to work with NGOs

2. Establishment of statutory relations and building up sustained co-operation in application of the 1995 directives

Co-operation with NGOs at regional and national levels

Considerably less developed and structured than at the international level. Consequently the help of UNESCO field offices and National Commissions is needed for:

• Identifying relevant national NGOs that are active in UNESCO’s fields of competence• Involving these NGOs, to the extent possible, in UNESCO’s activities at the national

level• Establishing appropriate mechanisms and awareness raising activities for outreach to

NGOs at the national level• Helping to establish national branches of international NGOs in statutory relations with

UNESCO• Helping to establish networking among NGOs at the national level• Advocating the inclusion of national NGO representatives in the delegations to the

sessions of the GC of UNESCO and other relevant meetings

The role of National Commissions in mobilising NGOs at national and regional level

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The Malawi experience - Mr. Francis Mkandawire

Mr. Mkandawire mentioned that NGO’s play an important role in ensuring visibility of UNESCO particularly at the grassroots levels. National Commissions should be aware of their various categories in order to maximize their mutual benefits, NGOs can be categorized as follows:

International Foreign based NGOs Local International NGOs Local NGOs Grassroots NGOs

The Lesotho Experience - Mr M. Nkhahle , Mrs E. Sakoane and Ms. S. Ntšaba

The Lesotho experience presentation was made by representatives of three Local NGOs. They discussed examples of activities implemented in collaboration with the Lesotho National Commission for UNESCO. The activities were as follows:

1. The Lesotho Girl Guides Association (LGGA) which rehabilitates street children. Together with the Lesotho National Commission for UNESCO they carried out a project which involved the street children, rehabilitated peers educators and their families. The objectives of that project were as follows:

To mark the International Day Against Illicit Trafficking and Abuse of Drugs To provide an opportunity for the youth (peer educators) to talk to other youth

about the dangers of drugs To engage the youth in dialogue to hear their views and concerns To sensitize the adults who brew potent alcoholic beverages against selling to

children To find out why some youth leave their homes to live on the streets and

sometimes end up abusing drugs.

2. The Media Institute of Lesotho which is a Lesotho chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) in collaboration with Lesotho National Commission for UNESCO organized activities to mark World Press Freedom Day for 2005. They held a symposium on the theme “Press Freedom and Good Governance” at the Lesotho National Commission for UNESCO hall to which all media houses were invited as well as the Honourable Ministers of Education and that of Communications. The purpose was to sensitize all concerned about the community’s right to information, freedom of expression and the need for gender balance in the media. All agreed that press freedom goes hand in hand with good governance.

3. Lesotho Association of Non-Formal Education (LANFE) through the Lesotho National Commission for UNESCO was able to actively participate in Non-formal Education meetings held to discuss activities such as the Commemoration of EFA week, Adult Learners’ week and International Literacy Day. They also held a workshop for herd boys in one of the mountain districts of Lesotho on HIV/AIDS to mark the World AIDS Day with the assistance of UNESCO

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through the National Commission. Members of this association have also been nominated to attend various regional and International seminars organized and funded by UNESCO.

Lesotho National Commission for UNESCO was commended for inviting the NGO representatives to the seminar. Hearing from NGOs themselves added value to the deliberations.

INTERFACE BETWEEN NATIONAL COMMISSIONS AND OTHER PARTNERS – UNESCO CLUBS - Mr. Désiré Aroga

Mr. Aroga began by clarifying that UNESCO clubs are not the entities of UNESCO but promote some of the objectives and ideals of UNESCO.

1. The club offers assistance on education and HIV AIDS,2. It was first founded by a Japanese in Japan in 19473. In 1965 , it registered about 80 clubs in Africa 4. July 2005 1,293 clubs attended the conference on UNESCO clubs representing 35.5%

of the clubs.

Most UNESCO Club members are from secondary schools and universities and are engaged in activities such as: visual arts, cultural programmes, capacity building programmes, production of training guides etc.

The presentation was followed by comments which mostly indicated that participants could not clearly distinguish between UNESCO Clubs and Associated Schools Project Network.

COOPERATION WITH PARLIAMENTARIANS - Hon. Elia Kaiyamo MP

This presentation was made by a Member of Parliament from Namibia Honourable Mr. Elia Kaiyamo. His presentation was based on the Forum for African Parliamentarians for Education (FAPED). He related to its establishment in Tanzania in December 2002. He said that its creation was initiated by the parliamentarians from Mauritius and Senegal. The association brings together parliamentarians who are responsible for issues related to education. According to Mr. Kaiyamo FAPED was necessitated by the reality that education is a right and not a privilege. Their objectives are in support of EFA goals. They also promote prevention of HIV and AIDS, poverty alleviation, fight against gender inequality and mobilise the media to give more coverage to education. They recognize the importance of education and democracy, education and culture, and emphasize the proper parental care at family level to enhance quality basic education. He mentioned that some of their activities are supported by UNESCO.

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The presentation was followed by contributions from Lesotho Parliamentarians the Honourable M. Maqelepo MP and Honourable M. Tseole MP who shared their experiences and the aspirations of the Government of Lesotho. They assured participants that Education was a priority in Lesotho hence it was allocated the largest portion of the National budget. Provision of free primary education, which will soon be compulsory and the book rental scheme are some of the initiatives in support of Education for All (EFA).

The debate raised a lot of concerns which included the status of women and denial of educational opportunity for some children such as herd boys who were also abused as child labourers.

On summing up Mr. Kaiyamo pleaded with all governments to make education their first priority. He went further to appeal to his fellow parliamentarians to refrain from anti-social behaviours but to act as role models.

UNESCO Participation Programme 2006 – 2007 - Mr. Xiaolin Cheng

Mr. Cheng said that the Participation Programme (PP) is an important facility for UNESCO to assist National Commissions to mobilize its partners and raise the visibility of its actions at regional and country levels. In the 33rd UNESCO General Conference there was a Resolution adopted by which National commissions will submit up to 10 PP Requests instead of the 12 that were previously submitted. The budget allocated for PP requests for this biennium is US$ 20,000,000. The Director General will count on donor countries and agencies for another US$ 2,000,000 from extra budgetary sources. International NGOs may submit up to two requests while the National NGOs’ submissions are included in the 10 submitted by National Commissions.

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Honourable Member Parliament, Mr. Kaiyamo making his presentation. He is flanked by the two Lesotho Members of Parliament, Honourable Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Molise Tseole and Honourable Assistant of Education and Training, Mrs. Malijane Maqelepo

Mr. Cheng also elaborated on the procedures to be followed when preparing and submitting requests. He said these were discussed at length in the handout which participants could refer to.

Observations

After the presentation the following observations and comments were made:-

The process of approval of PP requests is long because they have to pass through many stages.

Disbursement of funds take long due to the processes involved. Concerning non-approval of some requests, clarification was made that it may be due to

a number of factors that include among others, submission of similar requests in successive years lack of relevance to the priorities set for that biennium and also due to lack of funds for the particular area.

UNESCO normally supports capacity building and training activities rather than research unless the research is on a priority area.

Meetings should also be requested advisedly

National Commissions were advised to refer to the approved C/5 Document when they prepare their requests.

Project Proposals Formulation

The Executive Secretary and the Secretary-General of the Malawi and the Lesotho National Commissions for UNESCO respectively shared their experiences in preparing project proposals with the rest of the group and concurred that a proposal should state clearly the following features:-

-Title of project- The country submitting it- Who supports it-Reference to C/5 Approved Document (33 C/5 for biennium 2006 - 2007)- Paragraph from approved C/5 Document- Objectives of the project- Justification- Expected outcomes- Time frame- Account to which Funds are to be deposited- Budget and- Quotations (where possible)

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THE ASSOCIATED SCHOOLS PROJECT NETWORK (ASPNet) - Mrs. Kekeletso Tsekoa

This presentation was made by the Secretary-General of the Lesotho National Commission for UNESCO. She posed the following questions which she said would help participants understand the ASPnet:

1) What is the ASPnet?2) Why was it established?3) What ideals does it promote?4) How?5) Where does ASPnet action take place?6) What does ASPnet offer?

Mrs. Tsekoa defined the ASPnet as an International network of schools/institutions that was launched by UNESCO in 1953. It was established to promote UNESCO’s ideals through education, by carrying out innovative projects and sharing information on the results obtained. The ASPnet translates UNESCO’s ideals of peace, tolerance, respect for justice, respect for human rights and the rule of law into concrete action. She explained that the ASPnet action takes place locally, regionally and internationally. Hence the ASPnet motto : “Think globally and Act locally”.

She further explained that the ASPnet offers a range of benefits to teachers and schools as well as to students.

To teachers and children:

- professional development and acquisition of new skills - renovation of the learning process - exchanges with other students/teachers

To schools

- recognition and direct links with UNESCO- serving as laboratories of innovation- improvement of cooperation between schools and

communities and between the participating schools- strengthening the four pillars of learning: learning to know, learning to do, learning to be and learning to live together

The following were cited as examples of the ASPnet Flagship Projects:

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World Heritage Education Project (Launched in 1994, this project aims at the Integration of World Heritage Education into secondary schools curricula.)

Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Project(This project launched in 1998, aims at breaking the silence surrounding this trade and to enable young people to fully comprehend the past.)

Examples of Local/Sub-Regional Projects

Mrs. Tsekoa also encouraged ASPnet Schools to network and carry out joint projects locally and sub-regionally.

She made an example of an ASPnet project which was carried out in Lesotho: “Learn about the Mountains of Lesotho” whose report she distributed.

She also made an example of the ASPnet work camp held in Namibia in May 2005, to which two Lesotho teachers and three learners went, at the invitation of the Namibia National Commission for UNESCO.

Comments

The choice of World Heritage for inclusive in school curricula was strongly supported

There was a comment that while the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Project while is important, the Indian Ocean Slave Trade is also very important and relevant and its inclusion should also be considered.

Participants also commented that the ASPnet was a good programme which should be given unfaltering support.

UNITWIN/ UNESCO Chair Programme - Mr. F. Mkandawire

He presented as follows:

The UNESCO Chair/University Twinning Programme popularly known as UNESCO UNITWIN Programme is aimed at capacity building in Member States, academic institutions. Assistance for them can be in the form of:

a. Financial Assistance

The Financial assistance is intended to enable the beneficiary institution purchase equipment and carry out certain critical activities e.g. research and training.

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b. Human Resource

This comes in the form of contracting a Professor in the identified field for a certain period of time. The idea here being that the professor will be able to generate extra-budgetary funds for the Chair while at the same time ensuring capacity building

c. Twinning between Universities

This formality allows for exchange of expertise, especially between North - South or South - South.

d. A Combination of the Above

Often the beneficiaries of the UNESCO UNITWIN Programme will request for a combination of financial assistance for the chair to purchase equipment to enable him or her to operate and or to hire or contract a specialist who will utilize the equipment.

Comments

The following responses were made to questions asked:

The programme is beneficial to developing countries which lack personnel.

Requests are initiated by institutions of higher learning and processed by National

Commissions.

Draft Directives Concerning the Use of the Name, Acronym, Logo and Internet Domain Names of UNESCO – Mr. Cheng

Mr. Cheng said that this issue was one of the major discussions at the recent sessions of the Executive Boardand 33rd Session of the General Conference of UNESCO. He said that although some guidelines were agreed other related issues concerning use by Member State are yet to be finalised at the next General Conference. The Major concern is that UNESCO would like uniformity and control over the use of its logo in order to promote and protect its name and logo while avoiding misuse by some organisations and individuals world wide. Directives to be approved by the General Conference will include:

• Finalizing Graphical Standards

• Clarifying administrative procedures for authorization

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• Preparing Guides and Booklet on how to use UNESCO name and logo

Setting up national and international measures to protect UNESCO’s name and logo

Recommendations

All participants made presentations on their National Commissions on the following topics: Operational capacity, Current projects, Local partnerships, Networking and staff exchanges, challenges, other activities and recommendations in order to identify good practices by National Commissions for UNESCO. Based on these presentations the following recommendations were made:

More collaboration and information exchange among National Commissions should be fostered.

National Commissions should insist on preparing reports annually or biennially and share them with other National Commissions.

National Commissions should strengthen collaboration with other partners such as Non-governmental Organizations, Parliamentarians, the youth and the private sector.

National Commission should intensify their fund-raising efforts.

National Governments should be sensitized to raise the profile of the National Commissions.

National Commissions should be provided with sufficient staff at least a programme officer in each of UNESCO’s fields of competence.

National Commissions should look into intern programmes to solve their staffing problems.

National Commissions should strengthen accountability for projects – perhaps urge Governments to provide accounts officers/accountants for National Commissions.

National Commissions should engage in Strategic Planning exercises.

More and more National Commissions’ projects should be targeted to the grassroots, implemented in collaboration with community-based organizations.

A bank (collection) of examples of successful projects could be made and disseminated to be emulated by other National Commissions where possible.

National Commissions should improve the functioning of their programme committees as well as National Chapters of International Committees such as MAB, IHP and others.

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Interface with Cluster Offices should be strengthened where this is weak

National Commissions should identify important International, Days, Weeks, Years and Decades to celebrate in collaboration with local partners working in UNESCO’s fields of competence.

UNESCO should continue to support training sessions such as these since they are very beneficial for capacity building.

Trainees should be awarded attendance certificates at the end of these training sessions.

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ANNEXESAnnex I

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

NAME COUNTRY CONTACT DETAILS

Mrs. Barulaganye Modongo Botswana Natcom Tel: 00267 3655 439 E:mail: bmodongo@gov.bw

Ms. Maimune Sidibeh Gambia Natcom Tel: 00220 4225 275E:mail: munasidi@yahoo.co.uk unescogam@qanet.gm

Mr. Rich Mike Wellington Ghana Natcom Tel: 233 2166 6042E-mail richemike@yahoo.com

Mr. Mwalenga Vincent Mwakima Kenya Natcom Tel: 254 20 229053/54Email:knc.unesco@todays.co.ke

Ms. ‘Neuoe Kori Lesotho Natcom Tel: (0266) 22315932E-mail korin@education.gov.ls

neuoekori@yahoo.com

Mrs. ‘Mamohau Moetsana Lesotho Natcom Tel: (0266) 22315932mail : moetsanam@education.gov.ls

Ms. Bontle Mokotso Lesotho Natcom Tel: (0266) 22315932 E-mail bontle34@yahoo.co.uk

Ms. Judith Harrison Kayira Malawi Natcom Tel: 265 1755194 08868912 E-mail:mnatcom@malawi.net

Ms. Neriene Garises Namibia Natcom Tel: 264 61 2706 321E-mail ngarises@mec.gov.na

tamulungu@mec.gov.na

Mr. Dennis Okengwu Igbokwe Nigeria Natcom Tel: 08037019148 E-mail dennis-kengwu@yahoo.com

Ms. Ntombizodwa Tsajwa South Africa Natcom Tel: 2712312 5513 E-mail tsajwa.z@doe.gov.za

Ms. Julia Hoza Tanzania Natcom Tel: 255 22 2134292 E-majhoza2000@yahoo.com

Ms. Irene Ssemakula-Mutumba Uganda Natcom Tel: 256 41 259713 admin@unescouganda.org

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Mr. Louis Nawa Zambia Natcom Tel: +2601 254340 +260 97 777291E: ncunesco@zamnet.zm nawalouis@yahoo.co

Mr. Calisto Majengwa Zimbabwe Natcom Tel: +263 4 707196E: cmajengwa@yahoo.com

Ms. Suzan Rambwawasvika Zimbabwe Natcom Tel: 00263 4 730058 Mail:rambwas@yahoo.com

PARTICIPATING NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS

Ms. Seeng Ntšaba NGOC – Lesotho Tel: +266 63057422E-mail: ngoc@ngoc.org.ls

Mrs. Ester Sakoane LANFE Tel: +266 22315003

Mr. Malefetsane Nkhahle MILES Tel: +22320941mail : medinles@lesoff.co.za

FACILITATORS AND RAPPORTEUR

Mr. Xaolin Cheng UNESCO Tel: 33 1 45681713mail: x.cheng@unesco.org

Mr. M. Abtahi UNESCO mail: m.abtahi@unesco.org

Hon Mr. Kaiyamo Elia National Assembly Tel: 264 61 2881111FAPED office - Namibia mail:kaiyamo@yahoo.comVice President

Dr. Claudia Harvey UNESCO Windhoek Cluster Tel: 00264 61 291 7000Office - Director & Fax:00264 61 291 7220Representative - Lesotho mail:c.harvey@unesco.org

Mr. Francis Mkandawire Malawi Natcom Tel: 265 1755194/174mailmnatcom@malawi.net

Mr. Aroga Désiré Cameroon – UNESCO Clubs Tel: 237 1761 9330 clubsunesco_africa@yahoo.fr

Mrs. Kekeletso Tsekoa Lesotho Natcom Tel: (0266) 22315932 Secretary-General

tsekoak@education.gov.ls

Ms. Palesa Montši Lesotho Natcom Tel: (0266) 22315932 E-mail: plillym@yahoo.com .uk

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Annex II

OPENING REMARKS BY THE HONOURABLE ASSISTANT MINISTER OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING, MRS. MALIJANE MAQELEPO

His Majesty, King Letsie III

The Right Honourable the Prime Minister

Representative of the Director General

Representative of the Section of National Commissions for UNESCO

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen

It is a great pleasure for me to officiate in this Training Seminar for the new

officials of the English Speaking African National Commissions for UNESCO. I

wish to extend my warm welcome and sincere gratitude to all of you, especially

those who travelled long distances to come to Lesotho to attend this training; to

your respective authorities which have accorded you the opportunity to come to

the Mountain Kingdom; we hope that this training seminar will be of benefit to you

and your respective National Commissions for UNESCO.

It is the first time that this kind of training takes place in Lesotho. We are

therefore very grateful to UNESCO for the financial and technical support which

enabled us to host this seminar. I have been informed that thirteen Member

States are represented here. We highly appreciate this as well as the physical

presence of UNESCO in Lesotho. This augers well for establishment of strong

linkages and networks in this era of globalisation and information sharing.

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Ladies and Gentlemen,

National Commissions for UNESCO play a major role in supporting UNESCO to

fulfil its mandate. They are also an important linchpin in the decentralisation

process. Moreover, they are well placed to identify national issues in which

UNESCO can be involved in order to ensure that Member States get the full

benefit from their membership. Their potential to mobilize action by various

stakeholders including at grassroots levels also ensures the visibility of the

Organization in Member States.

The mandate and responsibilities of National Commissions have increased in

time. It is therefore imperative, that their new officials are inducted in the

workings of UNESCO as well as in the operational modes of National

Commissions of UNESCO. Regional seminars of this nature provide a unique

opportunity for bringing together professionals in the region, thus stimulating

exchange of ideas and good practices, and facilitating establishment of lasting

relations. It is my hope that this seminar will also reinforce the necessary

capacity building within our National Commissions.

I have carefully studied the programme of this training session and learnt with

satisfaction that among others the following important areas will be covered:

The structure and programmes of UNESCO

The role of National Commissions for UNESCO

Interface between National Commissions and other partners such as

NGOs and Parliamentarians

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UNESCO’s relevance in the 21st Century

The reform process and its significance for Member States

I am aware that you will also be familiarised with the information services and

tools for National Commissions for UNESCO. The increasing role of Information

and Communication Technologies in development cannot be overemphasised.

The United Nations World Summit on Information Society that was held in

Geneva in December, 2003 came up with a development strategy that marks a

new era, the Information Age. State Parties were called upon to commit

themselves toward achieving the aims and objectives of this grant strategy. As

National Commissions for UNESCO, you are an important arm of your states to

enable free flow of information and make it easy for citizens of your countries to

access, process and create information in order to participate meaningfully in

Sustainable Development.

Chairperson, ladies and gentlemen,

The HIV/AIDS pandemic is another impediment that cripples our economies and

robs our children of their childhood; its prevention should be paramount in our

endeavours as National Commissions. The Lesotho National Commission for

UNESCO was very fortunate to benefit from support that UNESCO through the

cluster office in Windhoek extended to us, to collaborate with major national

stakeholders to create awareness and provide education on the issues that

confront Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC), especially in efforts geared

towards building resilience in these children. This project contributed a lot

towards the achievement of Education for All which is a high priority to which

Government of Lesotho is committed. Our sincere gratitude goes to UNESCO

for that support.

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I have been informed that on the last day of this seminar you will have an

opportunity to tour our lovely country and see the beautiful mountains for which

our country is famous. You will also see our white gold, fresh water of the

Mohale Dam a component of the Lesotho Highland Water Project. I strongly

urge you to take home those lovely memories and pictures to share with your

family members and colleagues back home.

I wish you successful and very fruitful deliberations and hope that at the end of

this week when your training comes to an end, your dedication, patience and

enthusiasm will have made it possible for you to achieve the set objectives of this

training and that you will go back to your National Commissions to practice what

you learnt here.

Last but not least, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the organisers

of this important regional seminar namely: UNESCO Headquarters, UNESCO

Windhoek Cluster Office and the Lesotho National Commission for UNESCO.

Collaboration of this kind is a clear indication of the success of the Director

General’s decentralisation process.

With these few words, I declare this regional training seminar officially opened.

KHOTSO! PULA! NALA!

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Annex III

PROGRAMME

1) PRESENTATION ON UNESCO

- Its Mandate mission and functions- Relationship between the three Organs of UNESCO- UNESCO’s programme Management Cycle- The 33rd session of the General Conference – main outcomes

2) UNESCO’S RELEVANCE IN THE 21ST CENTURY

- Strategies and capacity to meet the needs of Developing Countries

3) UNESCO’S Reform Process, Decentralization and Cooperation between Field/Cluster Offices and Member States

- Mandate- Functions- Operational capacities

4) PRESENTATION ON NGOs

- UNESCO’s outreach to NGO and modalities of interaction with them- Statutory framework- Ad hoc cooperation with NGOs- Contribution of NGOs to UNESCO’s activities- The role of National Commissions in mobilizing NGOs

5) INTERFACE BETWEEN NATCOMS AND OTHER PARTNERS

- UNESCO Clubs- Parliamentarians- UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs- The ASPnet

6) Project Proposal Formulation, Project Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting, RBM

7) The Participation Programme

8) The use and protection of UNESCO’s name and LOGO

9) Information Services and Tools for National Commissions

10) Country Presentations and Identification of Good Practices

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