From Project to Public Trust: Internal Launch of STAR-Ghana Transition Process
On the 26th of April 2018, the STAR-Ghana programme and its internal key stakeholders (Programme Management Team (PMT), Steering Committee (SC), Christian Aid (CA), the Consortium and the Funders Committee (FC) held a one-day workshop to co-create a common description on the way forward for the Independent National Entity (INE). The goal was to clarify what is to be expected and the roles and responsibilities of each structure (PMT, CA, SC, FC) in implementing the transition agenda towards the creation and effective functioning of the proposed Public Trust (INE).
The workshop which was facilitated by Rev John Nkum of Nkum Associates created a safe and an open space that enabled each person to share their views about what the transition meant for them using the narrative methodology approach (use of field texts, such as stories, field notes, letters, conversations, interviews, and life experience, as the units of analysis to research and understand the way people create meaning in their lives as narratives). This approach was guided by believe or shared understanding of subjective reality (the reality inside your mind. It is the meaning you assign to things and events. All objects, dreams ideas and “truths” are different for each person). Individual and group work methods were used to draw out the narratives. Members shared their personal and group understanding of what the transition means for them in terms of: concerns/questions, opportunities and suggestions. This enabled the group to identify generally agreed issues as well as issues on which they had different opinions.
Issues raised and discussed included the structures and processes required to continue the programme such as our 3C & L (Convening, Catalyzing, Coordinating and Learning) roles, financing and fund-raising strategies, grant making and branding mechanisms that would to see to the smooth running and sustainability of the entity. Other areas deliberated on included the Membership component of the Board of Trustees, the legitimacy and credibility of the entity and the management of the change process and expectations of the PMT.
In the end, participants acknowledged the need to revise the timelines for the entity transition work plan from June to October 2018 to ensure that key actors in civil society are consulted. This is to inform and feedback to them on the reason of the legal identity of the Entity being a Public Trust. This process is to be carried out in the form of structured meetings with representatives of all CSOs and stakeholders that were consulted last year. The aim of this is to bridge the communication gap and seek their buy-in and ownership of the entity when it is established.
