GLOBAL RELIEF & DEVELOPMENT
MISSION
2009-2014 STRATEGIC PLAN
CONTENT:
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
OUR HISTORY
OUR VISION
OUR MISSION
OUR CORE VALUES
OUR FOUR STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Global Relief’s work involves helping people to escape poverty
and realise their full potential. When natural or man-made disasters
strike, we deliver relief to the victims and help them rebuild their
lives. We also advocate locally, nationally and internationally to tackle
the underlying causes of poverty.
A work of this nature requires clear guidelines. Global
Relief strategic plan sets out
an agenda for action for all stakeholders in Global Relief. The plan
is the result of an in-depth participatory assessment of our past accomplishments,
our internal and external environment and extensive consultations with
our staff, volunteers, board, trustees, beneficiaries and partners.
The planning process began in 2007 and progressed through 2008. We believe
it provides a clear, bold and challenging vision and we are proud to
present it to you in this simple format.
The world around us is rapidly changing and becoming
increasingly complex. Considering the key external trends affecting
our work and drawing upon our collective insights, we have identified
four strategic directions, which will be the reference point of all
Global Relief operations for the next five years. These strategic directions
are listed
below and further elaborated in this publication :
Building our capacity to respond to disasters
Strengthening our funding, partnerships and Governance structures/capacities.
Refocusing key program areas and building expertise.
Expanding our information Dissemination and enhancing public awareness.
We truly believe the implementation of these strategic
directions will strengthen our
collective impact and help create the organization we need. The entire
plan is presented in terms of the strategic new directions of Global
Relief based on the internal and external assessments of strengths and
weaknesses of the organization as well as the opportunities and threats
within its environment of operation.
Global Relief has already begun implementing the strategic plan. We are very excited to see our mission so clearly and to set out to achieve it. To all who took out time to participate in the development of this plan, we wish to extend our sincere gratitude and re-affirm our shared commitment to fighting poverty and social injustice. Together, we can change the world.
OUR HISTORY
Between 1996 and 2004, Mr. Peter Akanimoh worked among different poor rural communities across Africa carrying out various programs ranging from rural church planting, cross-cultural evangelism, cross cultural mission training, rural primary education development, adult literacy program, community health mobilization, mission fundraising & mobilization, conference & workshop planning, international short term missions around Africa etc. This period of field experience became an eye-opener to the neglected suffering of some of the poorest people in our world, most of them in very remote rural communities in different African countries as well as in urban centers. The socio-economic needs of these people were often neglected by both governments and missionaries seeking to reach them.
The period also helped Peter identify an unnecessary disparity between ‘spiritual outreach’ and ‘social responsibility’. Being dissatisfied with prayerwalking’ and ‘evangelizing’ in hunger prone countries, Peter began a quest for a more wholistic and integral approach to Mission. This was the beginning of the thought process to establish a new Mission wholly devoted to relief and development and with a vision beyond Nigeria. This process was accelerated by an unfavorably policy environment and differences in the understanding of Mission in Peter’s former organization; Agape Mission. After much prayers and consultations with experts, Peter established a Board Trustees for Global Relief and became its first full time Executive Director in December 2004.
At inception the NGO was called Project Mobilization. However, in the cause of registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) of Nigeria it was renamed Global Relief and Development Mission abbreviated Global Relief.
Mr. Sam Akaakaa joined the NGO as its first volunteer
staff in January 2005. The Board of Trustees was also established by
June 2005. A second level board of governors was also appointed during
the same period.
Today, through its governance system constituting majorly of two levels
of Board; the Board of Trustees and the Board of Governors, as well
as a management team of Directors, Global Relief is empowering poor
communities through a strategic focus on emergency response and sustainable
community development.
OUR VISION
We seek a world where poverty has been overcome and where people are
protected from disaster impacts.
OUR MISSION
Global Relief’s mission is to build safer and sustainable communities
through model projects which integrate the gospel and community development.
OUR CORE VALUES
1. HOLISM
We act consistently with biblical principles, ensuring balance in meeting
the spiritual, socio-economic, political, environmental and cultural
needs of people and their communities.
2. VOLUNTEERISM
We are volunteer-driven, encouraging the participation of students and
professionals willing to use their skills for non remunerative purposes.
3. ACCOUNTABILITY
We act consistently to sustain the trust of our entire staff, volunteers,
partners, beneficiaries and the public through prudent management of
resources and appropriate reporting practices.
4. INTEGRITY
We affirm and commit to the principles of honesty and transparency in
all our work and personal relationships and processes.
5. PARTNERSHIP
We constantly share knowledge and resources with other agencies who
share our vision, encouraging collaborations and community participation.
6. EMPATHY
We are moved by the pain and deprivation of poor communities, working
always to provide succor.
7. EXELLENCE
We strive to achieve greater impact by constantly challenging ourselves
to the highest levels of learning and performance.
8. SYNERGY
We value team work and encourage the participation of all stakeholders.
OUR FOUR STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS
PLAN #1 - EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & RESPONSE
Our Reason for Action
Increased conflicts, political instability and climate change are factors
responsible for increased humanitarian emergencies globally. Humanitarian
emergencies resulting from climate change are particularly predicted
to be on the increase in the years ahead. Less developed and less prepared
regions of the world will suffer the greatest setbacks. Disasters are
known to reverse development gains and reinforce poverty. Therefore,
preparing for and responding to humanitarian emergencies is an essential
part of Global Relief work of fighting poverty and protecting lives
and properties. We will help people cope with crises by:
• Reducing Disaster Risks; helping communities identify disaster
risks and developing community-based action plans to reduce such risks
is a key to preventing and preparing for emergencies.
• Providing emergency relief, such as food, water, healthcare
and shelter
• Building capacity for preparedness and response to emergencies
• Ensuring Post-crisis recovery.
In this strategic plan, Global Relief is strengthening its emergency preparedness and response capacity through the creation of Global Relief Emergency Action Thrust (GREAT). The Thrust will enable Global Relief effectively prepare for, respond to and help communities recover from disasters. Our strategy is to develop a resource base and coalition of responders as a way to further improve our capacity to prepare for and respond to emergencies so we can meet these challenges and respond in a timely, accountable and high quality way to those in need.
Our Goal
To increase the scope, effectiveness and impact of Global Relief emergency
program.
How we will achieve it
Establish Global Relief Emergency Action Thrust; GREAT and develop a policy framework for its implementation.
We will launch a comprehensive emergency program for Global Relief. What we have called GREAT – Global Relief Emergency Action Thrust and develop a policy framework for its implementation. Two core components have been identified as the primary focus of this program – an “Emergency Response Fund” and a membership “Network of responders” to include private individuals and corporate organizations. The thrust will focus primarily on PREVENTION, PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE and RECOVERY. Projects to be implemented will include advocacy, training & awareness creation, fundraising, supplies procurement, warehousing, volunteer recruitment, emergency food, shelter, water supply and sanitation, trauma counseling and micro-finance for recovery. We will also highlight gender, disaster risk reduction, and environment among our priorities.
Build Emergency Response Staff capacity
We will engage a full time Program Officer for disaster response and management and increase the number of volunteer staff dedicated to humanitarian emergency in Global Relief. We will strengthen Global Relief’s surge capacity for effective emergency response. This will be done by developing comprehensive emergency guidelines and an online toolkit; implementing staff training programs; upgrading Global Relief’s emergency staff roster and logistics systems; and substantially strengthening Global Relief’s emergency response start-up funding mechanisms. As a result, more volunteer staff can be trained and be ready to be deployed when disaster strikes.
Plan and implement an Annual Emergency Response
conference
We will increase the level of awareness of disaster risks, prevention,
preparedness, response to and recovery from disasters through this annual
event.
Plan and implement risk-reduction workshops to build the capacities of stakeholders in emergency response.
Establish a Remote sensing & information unit through strategic
collaborations with agencies like the NCRS (National Center for remote
sensing) and others.
Expected Outcome
Increased cash, in-kind and human resources for emergency
response.
More effective emergency response
Better trained Global Relief emergency staff and volunteers.
Increased membership of responders in Global Relief Emergency Action
Thrust.
PLAN #2: STRENGTHEN FUNDING, PARTNERSHIPS AND GOVERNANCE
Our Reason for Action
Since inception, Global Relief has implemented all its projects through
locally generated funding from donations by private individuals and
a few churches around Nigeria. This funding strategy has resulted in
a weak financial base which makes it difficult to employ qualified personnel,
develop infrastructure and implement some of our very creative projects.
While growth has been experienced and a lot of progress made majorly
through non-formal collaborations with other agencies resulting in non-cash
donations and engagement of volunteer/associate personnel, there is
still an urgent need to increase Global Relief fund base, its personnel
quality and number as well as operational infrastructure like housing
and equipment. This strategic plan seeks to help Global Relief significantly
increase its financial base by diversifying its funding strategy so
as to experience new growth in personnel quality, infrastructure, partnerships,
governance and overall programs impact.
In view of our anticipated growth, a strong system of governance is necessary both in general organizational terms and in relation to the successful implementation of the other parts of this strategic plan. Global Relief will therefore strengthen its decision making processes and accountability setting. Global Relief will make appropriate changes to its governance structure, so as to improve our overall organizational efficiency.
Our Goal
To develop a more effective fundraising strategy, engage personnel with
expertise, develop infrastructure, secure partnership, strengthen Global
Relief governance and maximize project impact.
How we will achieve it
Expand Global Relief’s private funding base.
Target new institutional donors.
Target fundraising areas where impact is clearly demonstrable.
Diversify and grow through selective mergers, coalitions, partnerships,
affiliations and collaborations. Formalize partnerships with government
and other agencies.
Diversify funding strategy through investments in fund-generation projects.
Employ qualified personnel and develop motivating remuneration and welfare
packages.
Strictly implement policies guiding volunteer recruitment and engagement.
Acquire and develop landed property to house administrative complex,
warehouse, guest facility, conference center and IDP/Refugees camp.
Procure operational equipment and vehicles.
Review and reposition governance and management structures
Establish zonal offices within Nigeria and evolve management guidelines
and policies
Expected outcomes
Stronger and more robust financial base
More qualified and efficient personnel
Well developed infrastructure
Greater Accountability
More effective governance and management structures
PLAN #3: REFOCUS KEY PROGRAM AREAS AND BUILD EXPERTISE.
Our Reason for action
Global Relief works to address the underlying causes of poverty, as
well as its symptoms, such as inability to meet basic needs like food,
clean water and livelihood and inability of the poor to take control
of their lives, fight inequality and discrimination, and realize their
rights and aspirations.
Global Relief believes that by refocusing key program areas and building expertise, it will enhance its ability to remain relevant and competitive and as such achieve greater impact on poverty,
The selected key program areas include:
Emergency Management
Water & Sanitation; Urban & Rural.
Poverty Reduction
HIV/AIDs
Advocacy;
Peace building & Conflict Resolution
Evangelism & Mission
Our Goal
To achieve greater impact on poverty through a strategic focus on key
program areas which create access to basic needs and ensure safety in
times of crises and disasters.
How we will achieve it
Establish six departments to develop expertise in the selected program
areas
Establish a micro-credit program to train and empower youths and women
with small enterprise skills.
Mainstream HIV/AIDS to all our emergency and sustainable development
programs
Initiate and strengthen our peace building program.
Mainstream advocacy into all our program areas and evolve advocacy framework
to guide Global relief advocacy
Expected outcomes
Greater access to basic needs
Greater influence on policy and decision making processes.
More strengthened Global Relief headquarters with expertise in selected
program areas.
Greater internal coordination and overall impact on poverty
Safer and sustainable communities.
PLAN #4: EXPAND INFORMATION DISSEMINATION & ENHANCE PUBLIC
AWARENESS.
Our Reason For Action
Over the last five years, as a result of working with churches, communities
and the general public, Global Relief realizes that there is a dearth
of information/knowledge on development issues and the root causes of
poverty. We have also realized that accessing and disseminating information
about our work is a vital aspect of our own effectiveness. Good information
dissemination and knowledge management is a key requirement for organizational
effectiveness and will be central to the successful implementation of
other parts of the strategic plan. Advocacy builds on solid evidence;
effective emergency response requires the efficient communication of
current operational data; good governance and Global Relief’s
organizational development demand transparency and accountability; and
program excellence is made possible through learning and the sharing
of experience. All of these in one way or another will in turn depend
on Global Relief’s ability to manage information and knowledge
to good effect.
Our Goal
To strengthen information dissemination and knowledge management in
ways that increase organizational effectiveness, accountability, public
awareness and program impact.
How we will achieve this
Increase publications related to our work and expand
their circulation/dissemination.
Diversify information dissemination by leveraging on mass media like
television, radio, internet etc
Develop an integrated information dissemination system/data base.
Strengthen our existing information management system.
Measure the impact of our work so as to achieve clear accountability.
Expected Outcomes
Deeper understanding of our program impact
Increased external accountability
Greater internal information management and dissemination.
Greater public awareness of Global Relief and development issues.
