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DR Congo

Project to promote peace, resumption of the democratization process, and strengthening of civil society in the DR Congo

Planned Project Summary Information

Project number: A-021308-001

Branch: Africa Branch

Country: Democratic Republic of Congo

CIDA's ODA Priorities:

25% 0202 Gender equality is one of the objectives/results

25% 0404 Civil society's policy role

25% 0401 Protection and promotion of human rights

25% 0402 Democratic institutions and practices

CIDA's Sectors:

100% Strengthening civil society

Project Approval Date: Originally approved August17, 2001; extension approved June1, 2005

Anticipated Project Duration: Originally 3 =BD years until June30, 2005; extended 18 months until December31, 2006

Estimated Project Value: C$6,162,616 for five years

Project Implementation: Approved under the unsolicited proposals mechanism (Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace)

Probable Publication Date on MERX: July 2005

Competitive Contracts in the implementation of this project: Monitoring Agent Contract for a maximum value of C$60,000 - The work will be detailed further on MERX. It will include joint monitoring with the public engagement support project in the DRC (A-31842-001). The goal is to have comprehensive monitoring of all of CIDA's activities with civil society in the DRC.

Project Description: The project helps to establish lasting peace, resume the democratization process, and rebuild the DRC. There are four streams to the project: 1) The provision of civic education and the preparation of the population for the elections; 2) The mobilization of women during the political transition and the strengthening of their networks; 3) Support of community radio, as a new vehicle for independent expression; and 4) Capacity building of civil society networks.

Project Impact:

1. Peaceful coexistence among the citizens of the country.

2. For the first time, after 40 years of dictatorship and war, greater involvement and influence of Congolese citizens in the Congo's political, economic, social, and cultural life

Project Outcomes:

1. Women, men, and youth are committed to peace and to resuming the democratization process in the DRC.

2. Civil-society partner organizations in Katanga and the Eastern Province have built their capacities to plan and execute projects.

3. Civil-society organizations take part in debate to establish new democratic institutions.

4. Civil society creates new communication networks and forums for consultation, to make its activities more effective.

5. Women and women's organizations play a key role in civil society and can participate fully inpeacebuilding and the democratic transition.

Project Outputs:

1. a) The messages of peace and democracy have reached women, men, and youth.
b) Awareness and civic education tools are more suited to women's specific needs and interests.
c) Citizens have better knowledge and understanding of the democratization and peace processes and their rights.
d) Civic education activities achieve wider coverage in terms of diversified audiences and regions reached.

2. a) Civil-society organizations build their management, accounting, project development, and concerted strategic development capacities.
b) Women are involved in training and discussions offered by the program.
c) Civil-society organizations more effectively apply the principles of democratic operation and peaceful settlement of internal conflicts.
d) Organizations build knowledge and capacities in civic education, facilitation techniques, and educational approaches for grass-roots self-development.

3. a) Women's organizations are more involved in civil society.
b) Women's rights are given more consideration on civil-society positions and debates.
c) Women strengthen their leadership in civil society.
d) Consultation forums are created to promote the role and rights of women.

4. a) People are mobilized to support the creation of community radio stations in both provinces.
b) Women and women's organizations have greater access to community radio.
c) Democratic and participatory mechanisms are put in place to manage, program, and control radio stations.
d) Civil society and the population have a greater forum to express themselves.
e) Messages of peace and democracy are increasingly disseminated to wider audiences.

5. a) Partner organizations in the Eastern Province and Katanga have greater access to Internet communication and build their capacity to use it.
b) Women and women's organizations have greater access to communication mechanisms inKatanga and the Eastern Province.

Development Officer: JEVONE NICHOLAS, 819-994-4192

Internet Publication Date: June 20, 2005

Last Update: N/A (First publication)