To all our distinguished guests and to the leaders and members of KUMARE, a pleasant good morning!
The celebration of the 15th General Assembly of KUMARE today signifies a renewed energy and strength from the women’s organization which was first established in 1996. KUMARE began as an organization which had one focal program – the Micro-Finance Program. From here, the organization had blossomed and grew until it became an integrated program which has not only a micro-finance component, but in addition, components in Ecology, Formation, Social Enterprise Development, Educational Assistance, and Disaster Risk Management.
As part of MASAI, an NGO that assists other NGOs and POs in the management of development programs, I have witnessed how KUMARE has developed as an organization from 2009 until the present. The first step it took was to undergo an impact evaluation to assess its situation or condition as an organization, and part of this was acknowledging its strengths and weaknesses. The impact evaluation was conducted in 2009, and was facilitated and administered by MASAI.
An Evaluation of KUMARE’s Impact on its Members
KUMARE and MASAI worked together in the whole process of the evaluation – from the design, data gathering and analysis of data until the presentation of conclusions and recommendations. From the study, we were able to gather the victories the organization garnered through the years, including the positive effects it had on the lives of its women members. From the four walls of their homes, the women emerged into a bigger world as they became aware of the significant roles they played, and other roles they were capable of doing, in their homes and in society. They gained a renewed vigor and were empowered to undertake the socio-economic projects which helped give additional income for their families’ needs. They gained skills and experience in working with the different members of their community and interacting with other communities and sectors, too.
On the other hand, the women were also able to take stock and analyze the different aspects of their program and what were needed to be changed or improved on. One of these is the need to systematize and clarify their organizational structure, which includes, defining clear and written tasks and responsibilities of the members, staff and leadership of KUMARE. Another immediate issue is the need to discuss the precise meaning or significance of the organization’s policies, to change some of these if needed and draft new policies which will bring about a more efficient and effective management and operation of KUMARE’s programs. Another need identified is the continuous training and development of KUMARE’s staff and members which is an important factor in ensuring the sustained implementation of their tasks and the organization’s programs.
Training on Program Management
The first of a series of activities was the conduct of a seminar on program management which involved trainings on planning, monitoring and evaluation, program implementation, leadership and capacity building. The participants of these trainings were the staff of KUMARE, all of whom were active and earnest in learning. The following activities were two practicum sessions on management where the staff identified the knowledge and skills necessary for their respective positions or tasks. The final session was a workshop participated in by the management committee wherein they discussed and documented the tasks and responsibilities based on the actual needs or functions of their respective positions in the organization.
The recognition of the organization’s successes and the further enhancement in the aspects of organizational consolidation and strengthening reflect the seriousness of KUMARE’s goal and the renewed vigor of its members and staff in performing their tasks. This is a significant event in the life of KUMARE and should thus be appropriately featured as a major aspect in the celebration of its 15th General Assembly.
It is also clear with KUMARE that the steps it has taken towards building its capacity in program and organization management is a continuous process and should be made a regular part of its organizational life. Similarly, this 15th General Assembly of KUMARE, does not mean its colorful and meaningful journey is at an end. This only signifies a new beginning towards the reaffirmation of life, security of livelihood and education and unity with the environment.
Long live KUMARE, its members and leaders! Long live the women who are ready to fulfill and take part in development programs that would enrich and empower KUMARE’s life and its journey! Thank you.
Note: The above speech was delivered by MASAI’s Executive Director Rosario Brenda Gonzalez during KUMARE’s 15th General Assembly last July 9. This English version is translated from its original text by Griselda-Ann Montano.
