AfricanCommunities.org

Network meeting 29 March 08

Donatian sent this short report:

Short report of the Network meeting of 29th March 2008

Venue: May Fair Hall

 

1. Start:

The meeting started at 4:30 a.m. preceded by tea warm up and registration

Attendance:

* 26-people attended the meeting

* 19- groups attended : Iyana, Tupendane, Moms, Vumwe,YLRF, Tawosu, woyona, MSWS, Pofideso, Siyope, Yopac, Chakyupau, Red house, Socac, Tukolene, Nice, CWCA, Good Samaritan, Woilsu,

* 6 -Groups were absent:; Uzima, upendo, Chimaba, Sageta, Poverty FG, and Twafaha

* The chairperson, secretary and treasurer were all present and performed their duties well

 

Debriefing of the past meeting minutes: the minutes were read by the secretary and the concerns raised were clarified.

 

2. Topic:

The topic presented was on Entrepreneurship skills,

By Paul Masatu –Business Advisor

0784 775255

Email: sambaa00@yahoo.co.uk or pmasatu@hotmail.com

Dar es Salaam

 

Brainstorming:

Process of starting a business:

* Naming a business

* Legal structure of a business

-sole proprietorship

-partnership

-cooperation

* Licenses and permit

* Managing a business

 

3. Exchange visit reports: were shared to the groups in the meeting and will be reported by the secretary, Steven Milambo

 

Concerns:

* Children to be given opportunity to participate in exchange visits for meeting other children from other groups for familiarisation

* Disbursement of other fund for network activities from Argentarius foundation (agreed to be done on March 08)

* Network members who participated in the training conducted by PACT (Violet, Jacka and Madega) you promised to pay for their transport to the training

* The need of the Network to join other biger network, TEN/MET: Tanzania Education Network/Mtandao wa Elimu Tanzania, which is the umbrella network that comprises national and international CSOs that deal with education activities in Tanzania. I can facilitate their joining and the criteria is paying annual subscriptions and attending network activities and meetings

 

Short Excom Meeting:

After the network meeting I convened a short time meeting for excom members to share and clarify certain issues which were urgent to include:

* Preparation of the Network and Excom meeting time table: this will help the groups to be aware of the dates of monthly meetings and attend to it. The secretary, Milambo has agreed to prepare the two time table by next week and post it in the Google mails for verification

* Communication: it is important that the officers should communicate with the members (by text message) on the venue and meeting date reminder ( Milambo will be working on it 3 days before the meeting date is due)

* Use of group mails: the officers should make use of the group email and encourage the members to use it. Jacka should publish the meeting time table in the group mail 3 days before the meeting date.

* Change of Venue: the officers should communicate to verify the venue one week before and if there are changes they should communicate with other members to get the appropriate venue located in the area where all the members can easily access.

* Time of starting network meetings: the officers should keep up with the meeting schedule and start the meeting timely. The members to be encouraged to arrive at the meeting on time.

* Topic presentation and presenters: the chairperson should set the list of topics and presenters and publish them in the group mails for reference. The list will be printed and be given to all group members for reference. Members should be asked to give their ideas on the Topics to be presented this year.

 

Comments: every officer should play his part to ensure the progress and sustainability of the network

 

General comments on the meeting from the members:

* The meeting venue was inappropriate, not well prepared, not easily accessible, too noisy

* Good network, but we need to make efforts to improve it

* The meeting was well conducted

* Secretary should remind the members on the venue and meeting date

* Meeting started late, members arrived late

* Food was good, but also need be improved

 

END:

The meeting ended at 11:00 p.m.

 

Prepared by

Donatian Marusu

Coordinator

 

 

Accounts for March 2008

Shabani Madega has published the network's accounts for March.
Here is the bank statement and Shabani's spreadsheet.
Download bank_statement_for_march_2008.JPG

                             

Paid to MGK   Association as consultatin fees for translating a\AFCONET Constitution		300,000.00
Careing services		300,000.00
Purchasing of printer cartridge{black   & collored}		80,000.00
Careing services		300,000.00
Paid to   S.Mohamed for photos taking during afconet meeting			12,000.00

Please send any comments or questions to the officers, coordinators or Tim.
Download afconet_expenditure_and_bank_details_for_march2008.xls

Officers' and coordinators' expenses in March

Donatian's expenses were 40,400 shillings for March.
Download donatians_expenses_for_march_2008.xls

Violet submitted her expenses for March site visiting, totalling 114,025 net of her advance.
Download violet_yimbo_expenses_mar_08.doc

February letter to network members/ Barua kwa wanamtandao

English version is below.

Wanamtandao wapendwa

Utolewaji wa Ruzuku kwa wanamtandao kutoka Foundation

Kama mnavyojua kutokana na emaili yangu ya mapema mwezi huu, ruzuku za mtandao zilicheleweshwa kutokana na vitendo vibaya alivyofanyiwa Violet Yimbo ambaye alikubali kufanya kazi kama kaimu mratibu na pia kutokana na tatizo la kupata kitabu cha hundi kutoka benki kwa mujibu wa viongozi. Tumeambiwa na viongozi kwamba, karibu ruzuku 10 hivi  zimeshatoka na tunatarajia kwamba ruzuku karibu zote zitakuwa tayari zimesambazwa  ifikapo wiki ijayo. Hivyo, kabla hujaondoka kwenye mkutano huu leo hakikisha umekubaliana muda wa kukutana kwa ajili ya kupokea ruzuku kutoka kwa mratibu au naibu wake.

Ruzuku za vitu

Kwa vikundi vitatu (Moms, Twafaha na Woyona) tumepata ugumu wa kuhakikisha kwamba walitumia ruzuku yao ya 2007 vizuri. Ili kuwapa nafasi wapate kuonyesha uwajibikaji katika utendaji tumeamua kuwapa ruzuku kwa njia ya vitu (ambapo wanapaswa kupewa  vitu badala ya fedha) tukitumaini kwamba hili litatusaidia kuthibitisha kwamba fedha yote ilitumika kwa kuwanufaisha watoto. Vikundi hivyo vitatu havikufurahishwa na maamuzi hayo, jambo ambalo linaeleweka wazi. Tunakaribisha ushauri kutoka kwenu juu ya hilo. Kwa sababu hakutakuwa na muda wa kutosha kujadili hilo kwenye mkutano, tafadhali mmpe maoni yenu Donatian au Violet au kiongozi yeyote wakati wa mapumziko au mnitumie email moja kwa moja.

Ruzuku kwa robo robo

Kwa vikundi vingine, tumezingatia kuhusu suala la uongozi  na tunategemea kwamba vikundi vitaweza kuimarisha uongozi. Vikundi hivi vitapata ruzuku kamili lakini ikiwa imegawanyika katika sehemu nne za malipo mpaka watakapoweza kufanya mabdiliko haraka. Kwa mantiki hiyo basi vikundi hivi visitegemee kupanga kulipia watoto gharam za shule kwa mwaka huu. Kwa kipindi kirefu kijacho tunategemea kwamba uongozi imara ndani ya vikundi utakuwa msaada mkubwa kwa watoto. Tumeviomba vikundi hivi kujadiliana na Donatian ili vipate kuandaa mpango wa maendeleo na tunasubiri kusikia matokeo yake.

Ruzuku zilizosimamishwa:

Vikundi vitatu bado havijapokea ruzuku kutoka kwetu:

• Kwa Preventive Health   Care Frontiers, mwezi Desemba tuliona kuna uthibitisho hafifu sana kwamba   ruzuku yetu ilitumika kuwasaidia watoto, na badala yake tuliona dalili   za kwamba fedha zilitumika vibaya.
• Kwa CISO, tulipokea   taarifa kutoka kwa mfadhili mwingine kwamba walikuwa na utata katika   matumizi ya shilingi Milioni 10. kwa hali hiyo basi tumeamua kusitisha   ruzuku yao mpaka watakapotatua tatizo hilo. Kwa sasa inaonekana hakuna   matumaini ya kuendelea na ruzuku hizo.
• Kwa Chiyowonet,   tumaearifiwa kwamba kuna mfadhili mwingine ameona utata na jambo hili   bado liko kwenye majadiliano wakati tukisubiri maoni kutoka kwa mfadhili   huyo. Lakini tunamatumaini makubwa kwamba mpango wa ruzuku utaendelea.
• Ingawa tumetoa ruzuku   kwa Iyana, malalamiko yameletwa kwetu kuhusu matumizi ya fedha za ruzuku.   Viongozi wa Iyana wametuambia kwamba malalamiko hayo yalifanywa na mwanachama   wao mmoja wa zamani ambaye alifukuzwa kazi kutokana na tuhuma za ubadhirifu.   Lakini hata hivyo tunadhani ni vizuri kufanya uchunguzi juu ya namna   walivotumia ruzuku ya 2007 na uchunguzi huo unaendelea kufanyika hivi   sasa. Tutawajulisheni tutakapopata matokeao ya uchunguzi huo.

Ushirikiano na wafadhili wengine

Wafadhili wengi wanajifunza kwamba wanaweza kuwasaidia watoto walio katika mazingira magumu na kuchangia katika maendeleo ya Afrika kwa kushirikishana ujuzi ili rasilimali na fedha ziweze kulenga kwa mashirika ambayo yanafanya vizuri katika matumizi ya fedha. Tumejidhamini katika ushirikiano huu na kwa mwaka huu tumefanikiwa kuunda mawsiliano mapya  na wafadhili wengine wa Dar es Salaam. Yaani tunabadilishana taarifa kuhusu ruzuku zetu na wafadhili kama PACT, CARE, USAID, Foundation for Civil Society, Rapid Funding Envelope na wengineo. Vikundi vitakavyojitokeza na mipango mipya na kuonekan kwamba vinafanya vizuri, tutahakikisha kwamba tunavithibitisha na kutoa nukuru kwa wafadhili wengine. Kinyume chake, kama tutakuwa na mashaka kwamba fedha hazikutumika vizuri, basi tutahakikisha tunawatahadharisha wafadhili wengine.

Mkutano kwa ajili ya Ruzuku na mkataba wa African Communities.

Jinsi ruzuku zinavyosambazwa na matumizi ya mkataba mwaka huu ni mambo mapya kufanyika ndani ya mtandao weut. Baadhi ya vikundi havikufurahia hali hii: Eliada Maneno wa Tawosu ndio hasa ana hasira. Sisi huku Londoni tunadhani kwamba matatizo ya kifedha hujitokeza katika vikundi pale ambapo kiongozi mmoja au wawili wanapoamua kukumbatia taarifa za shirika na kuwasahau viongozi wengine. Ndiyo maana tumelenga katika kuhakisha kwamba kila mwanakikundi anapata taarifa zinazohitajika kuhakikisha kwamba fedha zinatumika kwa watoto vizuri na kuwa na nguvu ya kufanya mabadiliko ikitokea  kuna tofauti ya malengo hayo. Tumegundua kwamba wazo la kufanya mikutano ya kukabidhi hundi na mkataba vimekuwa na utata na hivyo tunatarajia kusikia maoni yenu. Na hapa tena naomba mtoe maoni yenu kwa Jaka, Shabani, Steven, Donatian au Violet wakati wa mapumziko kwenye mkutano wa March 1 na muwaombe wanitumie kwa email au ukiweza unitumie email moja kwa moja.

Mradi wa maktaba

Shirika letu la Londoni limekubali kutoa ruzuku ya $3,000 kwa ajili ya mradi wa maktaba ndogo kama ilivyopendekezwa na Mtandao mwaka jana. Tumehamasika sana na mradi huu na tunajitahidi kupata mipango madhubuti kutoka kwa Steven Milambo ili kuuwezesha uende haraka. Steven ana nakala ya maswali kwa ajili ya wanavikundi ambayo yatasaidia kuainisha vitabu vinavyohitajika kwa watoto mnaowasaidia – tafadhali hakisha unapata nakala na rudisha majibu kwake.

Habari Njema juu ya mahesabu ya fedha

Shabani madega amefanya bidii kubwa sana katika kuanza kufanya kazi za mtandao kama Mtunza hazina mpya, na tayari ameshatutumia nakala ya maelezo ya benki ya mwezi Januari. Hili ni tukio la pekee kwa mtandao wetu na taarifa za mara kwa mara zitwasaidieni kujua  namna fedha ya mtandao inavyotumika na inaenda wapi.. tumeshachapisha hayo maelezo ya benki na pia mahesabu ya Shabani kwenye tovuti yetu. Kila mmoja anakaribishwa kuyaona (angalia kwenye tovuti ifuatayo:

 www.africancommunities.org) na mnakaribishwa kuuliza maswali au kutoa maoni yeyote yale.

Mipango ya ukaguzi wa  mahesabu ya fedha

Mwaka jana Viongozi wa mtandao na wengine walishauri kwamba tunapaswa kufanya zaidi ili kuhakikisha namna vikundi vinavyotumia fedha zao. Baada ya kufikiri sana kuhusu jambo hili tumeanza kutafuta wakaguzi wa mahesabu wa kujitegemea ambao watatusaidia kufanya ukaguzi mdogo wa mahesabu kwa vikundi wanachama wa mtandao ili kuona namna fedha inavyotumika. Ukaguzi huu unatarajiwa kufanyika katika nusu ya pili ya mwaka 2008, na vikundi ambavyo vitafanyiwa ukaguzi vitachaguliwa bila kuzingatia mtiririko. Kwa hiyo tafadhali naomba mjitahidi kutunza kukmbukumbu nzuri kama itatokea mnafanyiwa ukaguzi – na pia kumbuka kuwa kama mnamatatizo katika masuala ya mahesabu basi mnakaribishwa kuomba msaada au kupatiwa mafunzo.

Habari njema kwa Red house 2000

Mfadhili asiyejulikana ametujia na kutueleza juu ya nia yake ya kutoa zawadi ya $500 kwa Red house 2000. Hii ni habari njema sana, na pia ni ishara ya kuwa na imani na Theobald Mtema ambaye amefanya kazi nzuri sana katika shirika lake. Tunatumaini kwamba kila mmoja wenu atampongeza Tehobald na kwamba vikundi vingine vingi vitahamasika na kwenda kutembelea Red house kutaka kuona ni nini kinachowavutia wageni wengine wanaotembelea kikundi hicho.

Matarajio ya Mwaka 2008

Mwanzoni mwa mwaka 2008 kumekuwa na magumu katika mtandao wetu, yaani kutokana na mabadiliko ya viongozi, sheria mpya za ruzuku na manung'uniko ndani ya mtandao. Tunatarajia kwamba mambo yanaweza kwenda vizuri kadri tunavyosonga mbele, na tunategemea kufanya kazi nanyi kwa ajili ya manufaa ya watoto mnaowasaidia na kujifunza namna ya kuendesha mtandao vizuri zaidi. Kama kawaida yetu, tunakaribisha maswali, malalamiko, ushauri na maoni. Tafadhali mwombe kiongozi au mratibu yeyote atutumie kwa njia ya email au tuma moja kwa moja kwa email yetu huku London.

Kila kla kheri

Imeandaliwa na:

Tim Jackson

Na kutafasiriwa na:

Donatian Marusu

1 Machi 2008

1 March 2008

Dear network members

Delivery Grants from Foundation to Member Groups

As you know from my emails earlier this month, grants to the network were delayed by some bad treatment of Violet Yimbo, who agreed to act as the network’s deputy coordinator, and by problems in obtaining cheques from the bank reported by the officers. We have been told by the officers that about 10 grants have been given out and we expect most of the rest of the grants to be distributed in the coming week. You should make sure before you leave the meeting today that you have agreed an appointment time for you to hold your grant meeting and receive a visit from the coordinator or deputy.

Grants in Kind

With three groups in the network (Moms, Twafaha, Woyona) we have had problems verifying that they used their 2007 grants properly. In order to give them a chance in 2008 to show responsible management, we have offered them grants ‘in kind’ (where they are given goods instead of money) in the hope that this will allow us to be sure that all the money was used for the benefit of children. The three groups are not happy about this, which is understandable. We would welcome advice from other members about this. Since there will not be time to discuss this in the monthly meeting, please give your opinions to Donatian or Violet or an officer in the breaks, or please send me an email.

Quarterly Grants

With some other groups, we are concerned about some governance issues and hoping that the groups will be able to strengthen their governance. These groups will get a full grant, but spread over four payments unless they are able to make changes quickly. We realize that this means it is not possible for the groups to use funding to send children to school for the year. Over the long term, we believe that stronger governance in groups will be helpful to children. We have asked the groups to talk to Donatian to come up with a development plan and we are waiting to hear the results of this.

Suspended Grants

Three groups in the network have not yet received a grant offer from us.

• At Preventive Healthcare   Frontiers in December, we saw little evidence that our grant had been   used to help children, but instead saw signs that money had been misused.
• At CISO, we were   informed by another donor that they had serious concerns about the use   of over 10 million shillings in grant money. In both cases, we suspended   the grant and invited the group to try to resolve the issues. These   grants are now not likely to go ahead.
• At Chiyowonet, we   have been notified that another donor has some concerns, and the matter   is still open while we wait to hear from the other donor, but we are   very much hoping that the grant will go ahead.
• Although we offered   a grant to Iyana, a complaint has been made to us about Iyana’s use   of funds. Iyana’s officers have told us that the complaint was made   by a former staff member fired for dishonesty. Nevertheless, we feel   it’s important to carry out some checks on how they used their 2007   grant, and these checks are taking place now. We will update you when   we know the result.

Cooperation with Other Donors

Many donors are learning that they can help vulnerable children and help contribute to the development of Africa by sharing knowledge with each other so that resources and money can be focused on organizations that are making the best of use of them. We are committed to this cooperation, and this year we have forged new links with other funders in Dar es Salaam. This means that we are exchanging information on our grantees with Pact, CARE, USAID, Foundation for Civil Society, Rapid Funding Envelope and others. When groups are coming up with new programs and seem to be working well, we are making sure we recommend them and provide references to other funders. Conversely, if we are worried that funds are not being properly used, then we make sure to warn other grant makers.

Grant Meetings and AfricanCommunities Charter

The way that grants are being distributed this year, and the use of the charter, are both new. Some groups are not happy with this; Eliada Maneno of Tawosu is especially angry. Our feeling in London is that financial problems can come up in groups if one or two officers can withhold information from the other group leaders; that is why our focus is on trying to make sure that individual members of each group have the information they need to make sure money is being well used to help children, and the power to change things if not. We realize that the idea of holding grant meetings and the charter are controversial, and we’d like to hear your opinions. Once again, please give your opinions in the breaks at the March 1st meeting to Jacka, Shabani, Steven, Donatian or Violet, and ask them to email me – or if you prefer, email me directl yourself.

Library Project

Our foundation in London has agreed to give a grant of $3,000 towards the micro-library project proposed by the network last year. We are excited about this project, and we are looking forward to getting a detailed set of plans from Steven Millambo so it can go ahead quickly. Steven has a questionnaire for member groups which will help to identify books that would be useful for the children you serve – please make sure you get a copy of this and return it to him.

Good News on Accounts

Shabani Madega has made a great start as the network’s new treasurer, and he has sent us a copy of the network’s bank statement for January. This is a first for the network, and prompt information about the finances will help you as members to know how the money is being spent and where it is going. We have published the bank statement and also Shabani’s accounts on the web site. Anyone is welcome to look (see www.africancommunities.org) and ask any questions or make any comments.

Audit plans

Network officers and others suggested last year that we should do more to verify how member groups are spending their grants. After thinking hard about this, we have started identifying independent auditors who can carry out short audits on member groups to see how money was used. These audits are likely to take place in the second half of 2008, and the groups in the network that receive an audit may be chosen at random. Please make sure you keep good records in case you receive an audit visit – and please remember that if you have problems with accounts, you are welcome to ask for help and training.

Good News for Red House

An anonymous donor has approached us and announced a plan to give a gift of $500 to Red House 2000. This is wonderful news, and is a vote of confidence in Theobald Mtema, who has done such excellent work at Red House. We hope everyone will congratulate Theobald and that many other groups will be inspired to go and visit Red House to find out what impresses other visitors.

Looking forward in 2008

The beginning of 2008 has been difficult for the network, with a change of officers, new grantmaking policies, and some internal arguments. We hope that things can go more smoothly as the year progresses, and we’re looking forward to working with you for the benefit of the children you serve and learning how to help the network operate better. As always, we welcome your questions, concerns, advice and opinions. Please ask an officer or a coordinator to pass them on to us, or email me directly in London.

Best wishes

Tim

Bank statement and accounts for February 2008

Here's the February bank statement for the network.

And here is the spreadsheet showing transactions and how the money was spent.
Download afconet_expenditure_and_bank_details_for_february2008.xls

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Shabani or Donatian by email or phone, or Tim by email.

February Excom: Kilichofanyika Katika Ofisi Ya Nice Tarehe 28/02/2008

English at the end

Mahudhurio

1. Jacka Mwambi
2. Steven Milambo
3. Shabani Madega
4. Mtema Theobald
5. Kassim Mohamed
6. Grace Nuru
7. Violet Yimbo
8. David Mussa

KUFUNGUA KIKAO

Kikao kilifunguliwa na mwenyekiti saa   11.00 jioni kwa kuwashukuru  wajumbe kwa kufika kwenye kikao

AGENDA YA KWANZA

• Taarifa yautekeKezaji   wa maagizo ya mkutano wa januari

• Shughuli zilizofanyika

• Maendeleo

TAARIFA YA UTEKEREZAJI

- Tafsiri ya katiba

• Tafsiri ya mpango   mkakati
• Ufuatiliaji wa malalamiko    ya TWAFAHA kwa YOVITA.
• Usambazaji wa Ruzuku.

• TAFSIRI YA KATIBA:

Katiba ina maelezo ya kisheria.  Hiovyo kuna haja ya kutafuta mtaalam wa kufanya Tafsiri.  Kikao kiliamua kitafute mtaalam wa kutafsiri na kuangalia gharama za kufanya tafsiri hiyo.  Ili wanachama waweze kutoa maoni kwa uhuru no lazima atiba iwe kwa Kiswahili.  Kikao kilikubaliana Madega awasiliane na Mtaalam wa kutafsiri Katiba.

• TAFSIRI YA MPANGO   MKAKATI:

Jacka Mwambi ameahidi kuandaa tafsiri ya mpango mkakati kabla ya tarehe 01.

• BARUA KWA TWAFAHA:

TWAFAHA wameandikia barua kutoa maelezo ya kina juu ya suala la malipo ya Yovita Makoko kutoka kwa TWAFAHA. Aidha katibu aliwapigia simu TWAFAHA kuwasisitiza kuja na maelezo ya kina juu ya tuhuma walizotoa kwa YOVITA.

• USAMBAZAJI NA   RUZUKU:

Fedha imeingia kwenye akaunti. Viongozi walisaini cheki na Violet amesambaza Cheki kwa Wanachama.  Kulikuwa na upungufu wa kitabu cha Cheki kutokana na kubadilika kwa kiasi cha ruzuku hivyo kulazimika kuchana cheki zilizopita.

Madega bado hajapewa Cheki kutoka Benki mpaka tarehe 28/02/2007.

Violet aliwasilisha taarifa fupi ya usambazaji wa cheki kwa vikundi. Alisikitishwa na baadhi ya wajumbe wa vikundi hawakuzingatia muda. Alisema kwamba amefurahishwa sana na asasi ya Youth Life Relief Foundation ambapo aliwakuta watu wamefika kabla ya muda na ilikuwa asubuhi hivyo kumsaidia kufuata ratiba ya siku hiyo vizuri. Alipata tatizo Upendo ambapo alisubiri zaidi ya masaa mawili.

Mchakato wa shughuli zinazoendelea.

• Tuna maombi ya Ruzuku   kwa watu wa Fireligh kwa ajili ya Mtandao wetu.  Kikao kilimwagiza   Jacka Mwambi kuandika “Letter of Inquiry” na ameridhia hilo.

Mengineyo:

IPG wameandaa mafunzo ya wakufunzi juu ya Unyanyapaa. Tumeomba kushiriki katika mafunzo hayo.  Aidha kikao cha IPG cha tarehe 28/02/2008 AFCONET itawakilishwa na Shabani Madega.

• Mtu mwenye taarifa   yoyote ya ruzuku ajulishe uongozi ili kuendeleza Mtandao wetu.
• Salum atafanya appointment   na watu wa PACT na viongozi wa AFCONET kwa ajili ya uchangishaji fedha.
• Taratibu za Kadi   za Mawasiliano, vitambulisho na vipeperushi za AFCONET uandaliwe.
• Mkutano wa AFCONET   ni tarehe 01/03/2008 siku ya Jumamosi saa 2:30 asubuhi katika ukumbu   wa Care.

KUFUNGA KIKAO:

Kikao kilifungwa na Mwenyekiti saa 1:00 jioni.

Opening of the meeting
The meeting was opened by the chairman at 5.00pm by thanking members for coming

AGENDA
1. Reports of how things passed on January meeting has been carried out
2.Activities done
3.Developments

REPORTS OF THINGS PASSED ON PREVIOUS MEETING
1Translating strategic plan
2Follow ups of complaints btw Twafaha and Yovita.
3Check distribution

Translating constitution
The constitution has a legal explanation. There is a need to look for a professional to do translation.The meeting agreed to look for a professional to do translation and the cost will B considered.

In order for members to give their views effectively,the constitution must B in swahili.The meeting agreed that Madega will look for a professional to change the constitution.

STRATEGIC PLAN.
Jacka Mwambi promised to prepare strategic plan before 1st

LETTER TO TWAFAHA

We wrote a letter to TWAFAHA asking for a detailed explanation concerning the payment they made to Yovita Makoko.Also, the secretary called TWAFAHA stressing that the officers need a detailed explanation concerning the allegations they made to Yovita.

CHECK DISTRIBUTION
The money has already been sent to the network accounts.The leaders signed checks and Violet has been distributing checks to members. There was inadequacy of check books following the deduction of grants  that forced us to tear the previously signed checks.
Madega has not yet received check books from the banks until 28th/02/08

Violet presented a brief report of check distribution. She said some groups are not time conscious. She praised YLRF WHERE SHE  got everybody before the agreed time. Since it was the 1st group that day . It made her follow her  program smoothly. She got problem at UPENDO where she waited for two hrs.

PROCESS OF ONGOING ACTIVITIES
We need to request grant from Fireligh on behalf of our network. The meeting asked Jacka to write a letter of inquiry and he consented to that

AOB
IPG has planned for a workshop on  DISCRIMINATION.  We have requested 2 PARTICIPATE. So the IPG meeting of 28/02/2008 Afconet will B represented by Shabano Madega.
Anybody with any information where we can get grants can inform leaders for the betterment of our network.
Salum will make an appointment for  PACT and AFCONET  for the purpose of fundraising
We need to meke business cards, Identification cards and AFCONETbrochures
Afconet MONTHLY MEETING IS ON 1/3/2008Sat @ care

Closing of the meeting
The chairman closed the meeting @ 7pm

Officers' expenses in February

Jacka Mwambi's expenses as chairman for February were 116,000.

Download 0802_expenses_chairman_jacka.xls.xls

Donatian's expense claim for January and February were 92,550:
Download donatians_expenses_for_jan_feb_2008.xls

Network meeting 1 March 2008

REPORT OF AFCONET MEETING OF 1^ST March 2008

Venue: CARE International Hall

 

Two versions

of this: the first a translation of the Kiswahili minutes, the second a document by Donatian.

1.Opening of the meeting

The chairman opened the meeting at 10.00am

2.MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the previous meeting was read by the secretary.
3. EXCHANGE VISIT
Poverty fighters visited FAM which is outside the network.Donatian explained the rules of exchange visit.The meeting agreed that poverty fighters should not B paid.

4. LETTER FROM AGENTARIAN FOUNDATION
Donatian read a report fronm Agentarian Foundation London

5.MATTERS ARISING

Members questioned Violet about bad treatments.
Leaders explained that the Issue of Violet was  solved in the meeting of leaders and Violet herself.
Violet informed the meeting that
-She never convinced Tim to give MOMS in touch nets
-She never translated false things to Tim as alleged.
-She has never sent false information 2 Agentarian Foundation
-She did not contribute 2 the withdrawal of Grants to Preventive Health Care Frontiers.
Concerning her resignation she said she decided to resign in order to have a rest.
Concerning her election she said,it is Donatian who reccommended her
She also added that all her problems are solved and she has no bitterness with anybody in the network.

EXPLANATION FROM MOMS IN TOUCH

MOMS blamed Tim for listening to one sided story from a sacked member from MOMS in touch without seeing the leaders.

A bout fake receipts Grace from MOMS said they do not have a tendency of buying fake receipts.The reason for sacking those two members was due to misconduct not fake receipts.
The chairman said the problem is with Tim this is as a result of listening to one side of the story.Also he uses bad language which is inhuman.
The delegates said the problem is with the constitution.
Justice was not done to MOMS in Touch  since Tim listened to one side of the story
 
To come up with a decision on a particular group the two sides must consent.
The issue of MOMS is not denying them grants it is capacity building
It is evident that any sacked member harbors hate and it is easy for them to give false information abt a particular group.
Due to this the meeting has rejected the idea of giving them items instead of money. We further recommend that those groups need money and they need capacity building
Tim should B questioned about the groups that should B given items and what criteria to B used  in giving them those items.


QUARTERLY GRANTS
Donatian will arrange 2 discuss with those groups that R to get quarterly grants in order to build their capacity on their leadership / Management. Also,Donatian will do close monitoring with assistance from network leaders to ensure that these groups  improve on their leadership / management

STOPPED GRANTS
The network chairman called CHIYOWONET director. Milengo questioned him why they discussed CHIYOWONET at the meeting yet  he has discontinued his membership from the network.The meeting agreed Millengo shouldwrite an official letter explaining all that.

IYANA

It looks there R those that spoil their groups.They rush 2 give false information with intention of defaming and tarnishing the group's name.The meeting agreed that IYANA  has aright to get grants

THE SYSTEM OF GIVING INFORMATION
If there is an important information from the network,It is better if Tim sends it to leaders in advance for the purpose of digesting properly.The spokesman of the network is the chairman.Official information should go to the network.
The meeting learned this from Agenterian Foudation where their chief spokesman is Tim Jackson alone. no more no less. And nobody else is concerned with outside communication.
This is a good system and we have decided to copy it.This implies that in our case,All official decision of the network will B done by the chairman.

THE SYSTEM OF MAKING DECISSIONS
We have had a problem on how 2 make decisions of AFCONET. Also the meeting agreed that all the decisions will B made at the Main meeting .Donor will only B informed of the decision passed.

THE PROJECT OF SMALL LIBRARY
Members were happy with the project of small library. They were asking for forms.
AUDITTING ACCOUNTS.
The meeting agreed that auditing 2 B done on all groups and it should B at the end of the year to enable them do accounts for the whole year.

AOB
Fare reimbursment will B done according to how much each spent.It sholud B genuine.

There are two groups that got previous checks.They need to refund the treasurer the  extra amount
that is YOPAC and Good Samaritan

CLOSING
The chairman closed the meeting at 4.30pm stressing that the decision passed are real and will B recorded in the constitution

Donatian's version:

The meeting started at 10:30 a.m. preceded by registration and tea warm up. The meeting started late because the large number of members came late for the meeting.

 

There were about 8 members by 9:00 and up to the start of the meeting, the number reached 20 members and by the end of the meeting the number increased to 28 while 18 were groups' representatives.

 

Attendance:

1. Nice: Jacka and Chrispine
2. Red House: Mary Kawa
3. Woyona: Mwansity Salim
4. Moms: Grace Nuru
5. Siyope: Thomas Alex
6. Chakupau: Peter Kissima
7. Poverty Fighters Group: Kassim      Mohamed
8. Tukolene: Peter
9. Good Samaritan: Richard Mwendilemo
10. Yopac: Jesca Kagunila
11. Iyana: Ephigen Nchumbo
12. Uzima: Sophia Bisarara
13. Socac: Venace Mathias
14. Upendo: Michael Patric and Nicolaus      Lorenzo
15. CWCA: Uti Mwang'amba
16. YLRF: Stven Milambo
17. Chimaba: Azaria
18. Pofideso: Shaban Madega

 

Tupendane apologised for not attending the meeting because one of the officer's relative passed away, hence they had attend the funeral.

 

Debriefing of past meeting

The minutes were read by the secretary and  the concerns were clarified

 

Exchange visits:

No group reported to have carried the exchange visit this month. Only Poverty Fighters Group reported to have visited a group called FAM which is out side the Network,

Presentation:

No topic presentation done in this meeting. The invited presenter did not manage to attend

 

Letter from London to Network members

The letter was ready by the Coordinator during the meeting sessions and the following concerns were raised as also will be reported by the network secretary:

· Delivery of grants: Violet was requested to explain concerning bad treatments done to her and the members were satisfied with the explanations and the steps taken to resolve the issue. They are happy with the work carried by violet and urged her to be firm and continue with the entrusted duty.

o They also questioned about the amount of money deposited in the Network account (just 23,000 US$).

·  Grants n Kind: the groups are still not satisfied with the decision reached on their grant's change. E.g. Moms in touch claimed to have been portrayed wrongly by Liberatha who was fired by Moms due to misconduct.

· Quarterly grants: the groups were advised to discuss with Donatian and settle the issue of leadership.

· Suspended grants: the groups that their grants have been suspended should make follow up to resolve the matter. The members are ready to help them resolve this if they request for. Need to rethink whether they can still remain members despite their grants suspension.

· Good news on accounts: the members gave Shaban a big hand and urged him to carry on with this remarkable spirit.

· Library project: The members were happy with the good news. They promised to work with Milambo to ensure that all the required information is supplied.

· Audits: the members saw the need of the audit be done to all groups and to be done at the end of the year. The groups should receive prior notification on the requirement for audit.

· Good news to Red house: the members acknowledged the efforts of Theobald and longed to learn from him for improving their groups' activities.

AoB

• Every member group was reminded to submit the list of the 6      groups they will visit by this year and payment will be issued in      compliance with the list.
• We need to be careful when we get prejudiced reports from any      fired officer from the groups or all sides should be consulted for      clarification before any further action to be put in place.

 

End:

The meeting was closed around 4:00 p.m.

 

Prepared by:

Donatian Marusu

03/03/2008.

 

 

 

 

 

Great news for Red House!

Red House 2000, led by the talented Theobald Mtema, has just received a a $500 gift from an anonymous donor.

The gift happened after the donor visited Red House at work and was tremendously impressed by the work being done there. The donation was made through the Argentarius Foundation in London, and it will be paid out to Red House in Dar es Salaam in Tanzanian shillings -- we hope this weekend.

Here are a couple of pictures of Red House's new chairs and tables.

Click on the 'thumbnail' (the small picture) and a much bigger image of the same picture will open in a new window.

Mkuntao wa Januari 26, 2008 - January meeting minutes

AFRICAN COMMUNITIES TANZANIA NETWORK

MKUTANO WA JANUARI 26, 2008

UKUMBI- CARE INTERNATIONAL

 

UFUNGUZI WA KIKAO:

Kikao kilifunguliwa na Mwenyekiti saa 3:40 asubuhi.

 

TAARIFA YA KIKAO KILICHOPITA:

Taarifa ya kikao kilichopita ilisomwa na Katibu Steven Milambo.

 

YATOKANAYO:

KUHUSU KATIBA:

Katiba imeandaliwa na Kamati Kuu tayari kwa kujadiliwa. Imependekezwa Katiba iwe katika lugha ya Kiswahili. Mkutano ulimwachia Katibu kuratibu suala la Katiba.

 

UTARATIBU WA BENKI:

Akaunti ya Benki ipo tayari na Mwenyekiti aliwasiliana na viongozi waliopita kukamilisha sualal la mahesabu ya fedha na benki.

 

MPANGO MKAKATI:

Tutafanya mapitio ya Mpango wa Mwaka ili kuweza kukidhi8 mahitaji ya wanachama. Mashirika machache yameleta mipango mikakati. Ni vigumu watu kufanya kazi kama hawana mpango wa kazi. Viongozi wamesisitiza kwamba yeyote mwenye tatizo juu ya kuandaa mpango kazi awasiliane na Katibu ili kuandaa mchakato wa kuwasaidia mapema iwezekanavyo.

 

MADA:

Umuhimu Wa Katiba katika maendeleo ya Asasi iliwasiishwa na Utti Mwang’anda kutoka CWCA.

 

- Alieleza juu ya uwajibikaji.

- Taratibu za masuala ya Utawala na Fedha.

- Muundo na mfumo wa Taarifa.

 

YALIYOJILI:

> Muda wa Uongozi.

> Wajibu wa Viongozi.

> Sera ya Fedha na Uongozi.

> Jina African Communities imesajiliwa Uingereza?

Kama imeasajiliwa – itabidi tufahamui taratibu za huko London.

> Mtandao hauna Dira na Muono.

> Tetengeneze Dira na Muono. (Haya yanaendana na Mkakati).

KUHUSU KUPUNGUA KWA FEDHA:

Yovita alitoa ufafanuzi juu ya tofauti kati ya taarifa ya Fedha na Taarifa za Benki. Yovita alizidisha 443,000 kimakosa. Alimtumia Timu kuhusu tofauri ya taarifa hizo. Mkutano umekubaliana.

 

KUHUSU CHIYOWONET:

Chiyowonet walikuwa hawajatuma CCAT Form.

 

Mkutano uliamua kwamba Argentarian Foundation watume taarifa kwa Viongozi mapema (Wiki moja kabla) kuwapa viongozi muda wa kupitia. Aidha mkutano umeomba Argentarian Foundation watoe maelezo ya kutosha.

 

KUHUSU TAFAHA NA YOVITA:

Yovirta alisema kwamba Tafaha walimfuata Ofisini kuomba wamwandikie ripoti ya Foundation For Civil Society.

 

Mradi wa Twafaha ulikua na kipengele cha malipo kwa ajili ya Mtaalam wa Mahesabu.

 

Mkutano uliamua uongozi wa AFCONET waandike barua kwa TWAFAHA kuomba taarifa na maelezo rasmi juu ya suala la malipo kwa YOVITA.

 

 

Kutembeleana kwa vikundi.

Hakukuwa na taarifa ya kutembeleana kwa vikundi.

 

 

Azimio la uwazi

 

Kikao kilipitisha azimio la uwazi kwa kura 24 za ndio na kura 0 za hapana.

 

Mengineyo.

Hakukuwa na mengineyo

 

Kufunga kikao

Kikao kilifungwa na mwenyekiti saa 11:30 jioni.

 

 

 

Imetayarishwa   Kuhakikiwa na

 

 

Steven Milambo   Jacka Mwambi

Katibu Mwenyekiti