Felele: DEAN Initiative Orchestrates CTAP Focus Group Discussion with Community Citizens

/0 Comments/in , , /by

In a lively part of Ibadan, called Felele, Over 50 People came together through the COVID-19 Transparency and Accountability Project (CTAP), powered by the DEAN Initiative, to talk about their experiences. This wasn’t just a chat – it was like a community song, with everyone sharing their stories. In this gathering, the real heroes were the community health workers supported by DEAN Initiative’s team. They played a big part in telling everyone why getting the COVID-19 vaccine was important. Their hard work, backed by the DEAN Initiative, became like a strong shield for Felele against COVID-19.

Felele Community
Felele Community
Felele Community
Felele Community
Felele Community
Felele Community

What made Felele strong wasn’t just the number of people but the different kinds of people living there. Some shared good stories about getting free vaccines and meeting friendly healthcare workers, to DEAN Initiative. These stories connected with others who faced similar challenges in a nearby place called Aganni. It was like a shared commitment to keeping everyone healthy, with the DEAN Initiative adding a powerful beat to the rhythm of community health.

The main tune in Felele was getting people who had not received the vaccine to do, with DEAN Initiative making sure the process was smooth. This shared promise wasn’t just a smart thing to do; it showed a deep care for each other. Thanks to the CTAP project backed by DEAN Initiative, the community stood together, creating a positive vibe about getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

Felele Community
Felele Community
Felele Community
Felele Community

Felele’s story isn’t just a tale; it’s like a simple song, a clear example of how we can work together with community. It shows that when people unite, they become strong, and when everyone takes responsibility together, they become tough against tough times, especially with initiatives like DEAN backing them up.

CTAP FGD in Rigasa Community of Kaduna State.

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Moving to Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, the Rigasa community welcomed DEAN Initiative on the 11th of October, 2023, with open arms and open minds. The FDG held at Asibitin Yara Hayin Mallam Bello Community’s Vocational Training Centre brought together over 50 participants, fostering an environment of trust and unity.

The Officer in Charge of the PHC reiterated the community’s need to utilise the local healthcare facility, emphasising its accessibility and tailored services. Participants, predominantly youths, expressed reservations based on negative narratives surrounding COVID-19 vaccinations.

However, DEAN Initiative state coordinator’s adept clarification of vaccine myths paved the way for transformative change.

The impact resonated far beyond the venue, with over 50 individuals leaving with not only a better understanding of COVID-19 vaccines but also a commitment to complete their vaccination process. DEAN Initiative’s distribution of educational materials further solidified a collective resolve to build a healthier, more informed community.

Empowering Communities: CTAP and DEAN Initiative’s Success in Olorisaoko and Oguntula’s COVID-19 Vaccination Journey

/0 Comments/in , , /by

The COVID-19 Transparency and Accountability Project (CTAP), in collaboration with the DEAN Initiative, orchestrated impactful Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) in the idyllic villages of Olorisaoko and Oguntula within the Akinyele Local Government Area. These FGDs not only fostered a positive and energetic atmosphere but also shed light on the transformative power of community engagement in the fight against COVID-19.

Olorisaoko Community
Olorisaoko Community
Olorisaoko Community
Olorisaoko Community
Olorisaoko Community
Olorisaoko Community
Olorisaoko Community
Olorisaoko Community
Olorisaoko Community
Olorisaoko Community
Olorisaoko Community
Olorisaoko Community

A standout feature in the residents’ narratives was the close proximity and easy accessibility of the Primary Healthcare Center (PHC) in the area. The well-equipped PHC near Olorisaoko and Oguntula emerged as a beacon of hope for the community. Participants shared their positive experiences, highlighting the free immunization services and the welcoming nature of the medical staff, who played a pivotal role in dispelling concerns and doubts related to COVID-19 vaccinations.

Oguntula Community
Oguntula Community
Oguntula Community
Oguntula Community
Oguntula Community
Oguntula Community
Oguntula Community
Oguntula Community
Oguntula Community
Oguntula Community

This FGD not only affirmed the success of the CTAP and DEAN Initiative collaboration in these communities but also showcased the pivotal role of accessible healthcare services in fostering positive attitudes toward vaccination. The experiences shared by residents underscored the significance of well-equipped and accessible PHCs in advancing vaccine equity. Olorisaoko and Oguntula’s success story serves as inspiration for other communities, emphasizing the joint impact of CTAP and DEAN Initiative in promoting community engagement, education, and positive health outcomes.

Transforming Borikiri’s Attitude Towards Government Approved Vaccines: A Community’s Journey Towards Vaccine Equity and Health Accountability

/0 Comments/in , , /by

In the Borikiri community of Phalga Local Government Area, Rivers State, a remarkable transformation in perspectives regarding COVID-19 vaccination took place on October 16, 2023. This remarkable shift was instigated through a community-level focused group discussion hosted by the DEAN Initiative, with support from CODE, BudgIT, and Global Integrity as part of the COVID-19 Transparency and Accountability Project (CTAP). The Focus Group Discussion unfolded at the Government Comprehensive Secondary School.

Approximately 50 eager community citizen congregated to discuss their experiences with COVID-19 vaccination and their concerns. Local healthcare workers also participated, shedding light on the importance of vaccines and the role of Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) in the healthcare system.

Community members shared their personal vaccination journeys, with some initially uncertain but eventually choosing to get vaccinated. Their experiences not only affirmed the value of vaccination but also underscored the need for increased government support in the healthcare sector.

During the discussion, they also addressed the prevailing myths and misconceptions surrounding COVID-19. With the guidance of healthcare experts, participants left with a clearer understanding of the virus.

By the end of this discussion, the Borikiri community had undergone a significant change in their perspective on COVID-19 vaccines. This transformation demonstrates the power of community collaboration in sharing information and dispelling doubts. Borikiri is now on a promising path towards COVID-19 vaccination and improved health.

CTAP Focus Group discussion in Kakuri Community.

/0 Comments/in , , /by

In the heart of Kaduna South, the Kakuri community became a focal point for DEAN Initiative’s mission to enhance vaccine equity and health sector accountability. On the 7th of October, 2023, our team engaged in a vibrant Focus Group Discussion (FDG) at CGA beside Asibitin Yara, bringing together over 50 eager participants. The atmosphere was charged with curiosity and concerns about COVID-19 vaccinations.

Kakuri Community
Kakuri Community Citizens

Amidst insightful discussions, the Officer in Charge of the Primary Healthcare Center (PHC) emphasized the importance of utilizing the community PHC, urging residents to embrace local healthcare resources. Participants openly shared their vaccination journeys, recounting diverse experiences, from side effects to renewed energy post-vaccination. The state coordinator, adeptly debunking myths, inspired confidence in those hesitant to take the vaccine.

Kakuri Community Citizens
Kakuri Community Citizens
Kakuri Community Citizens

The impact surpassed the numbers, with over 50 individuals expressing newfound willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. DEAN Initiative’s distribution of educational materials, including infographics, bags, notebooks, t-shirts, and calendars, left a lasting imprint, fostering a sense of community resilience and shared responsibility.

–

Aganni: Overcoming Challenges and Fostering Resilience

/0 Comments/in , , /by
Aganni Community
Oyo Team Lead

At the core of the enchanting Aganni community in Ido Local Government Area, the Focus Group Discussion, masterfully directed by the CTAP project, brought to light a compelling tale of resilience and determination in confronting distinct challenges in obtaining COVID-19 vaccination services. What captured our attention were the obstacles encountered and the remarkable spirit and determination that residents exuded as they navigated these uncharted waters.

Aganni Community
Aganni Community
Aganni Community
Aganni Community
Aganni Community
Aganni Community

Unlike the well-equipped PHC in other local government areas, the PHC in Aganni faced challenges. Participants shared their concerns about paying for vaccines, unavailability, and distance barriers. Despite these hurdles, the FGD became a platform for community members to voice their concerns and seek solutions.

Aganni Community
Aganni Community
Aganni Community
Aganni Community

Remarkably, hesitant participants left the discussion with a newfound willingness to get vaccinated. The CTAP project, through community engagement and education, addressed concerns, dispelled myths, and instilled a positive attitude toward the COVID-19 vaccination. Aganni’s story is one of resilience and community empowerment, showcasing the potential for change despite challenges.

Enlisting Climate Education as Nigeria’s top Commitment at COP28: DEAN visits NCCC.

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Nigeria is currently not listed among the countries that have shown or announced it commitment to climate education, either by law or by curriculum standards. While several efforts are ongoing including a clear ambition contained in the NDC, the Nigerian government is yet to see the stake in leading climate change crisis through education.

While the Ministry of Education through it agency; NERDC continues to struggle with the need to review the school curriculum to accommodate global and local challenges imposed by climate change, because they think environmental education and elementary climate assessment already exist in identified subjects, concern organizations have continued to advocate and provide technical support to the ministry and its agencies to change this trajectory.

Ahead of COP28, our organization again commenced several negotiations and data gathering to establish beyond doubt, the need to market Nigeria’s Climate Education agenda at COP28.

As a member of a Climate Education Technical Working Group co-chaired by both UNICEF and Federal Ministry of Education, our organization has hosted regional level Climate Education Conversations to mine expert’s views and allow stakeholders provide evidence based researches to support the Climate Education advocacy and ambition. We have had dialogue sessions with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Environment and Teachers to determine whether climate topics should be embedded into existing subjects or stands alone as a separate subject. Research has proven that climate education can fast-track the global action on climate change.

As an organization, one key element of our climate education advocacy is action accountability. If Nigeria has not committed itself to climate education through government policies or funding, we will be unable to hold government accountable on climate education. Top on our Asks is to see the government of Nigeria either at home or through its global treaties make a commitment to climate education. This is why the visit to the National Council on Climate Change again reinforces our resolve to work with all government institutions such that may have the responsibility to lead actions towards this important and bold commitment especially in this year’s COP.

At this bilateral meeting, NCCC reiterated its position as official government Focalpoint for national climate action and pledges to work with our strategic counsels in advancing the advocacy for climate education in Nigeria.

The two organizations agreed to advance a robust work relationship to achieve this ambition.

What is your experience with the COVID-19 vaccine? Did you or not take the vaccine?

/0 Comments/in , /by

Citizens’ response to the vaccine in the face of the pandemic ranges from hesitation to absolute community or group rebellion and majority reluctantly accepting to take the vaccine. In the midst of the struggle to get citizens to embrace the vaccine was massive fraud and corruption, resulting in the loss of public trust in the entire management of Covid-19 funds. There have remained more questions than answers, and efforts to reconcile this severe gaps have been the ambition of CTAP.

To build trust in governance and government intervention during emergency situations such as a pandemic, accountability, and effective citizens’ participation is key. CTAP as a pan African movement to follow Covid-19 funds and evaluate citizens’ participation and satisfaction in the process. DEAN Initiative working with BudgIT and CODE with support from Global Integrity is leading community conversations across the 6 six geopolitical zones of the country.

These community activities will use Community-Level Focus Group Discussions and Town Hall meetings to harness citizens’ experiences and first-hand stories. The sessions will educate citizens on vaccines and community participation in building robust Primary Health Care Centres.

Pushing citizens’ healthcare system to the forefront of governance.

How can citizens actively collaborate with the government to build a desired healthcare system? We are going to use CTAP to build citizens’ activeness and interest in engaging the government and the relevant stakeholders. We will travel from Rivers State to Enugu, to Oyo then to Kwara. From Kwara to Kaduna and wrap up in Maiduguri.

Stay tuned as we share updates and stories from around the country.

Gwagwalada Area Council applauds DEAN and Centre LSD over Commitment to OGP-Local.

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Ahead of a scheduled Local Action Plan Orientation Workshop for the Area Councils in FCT, a joint team of DEAN and Center LSD visited Gwagwalada Area Council for a joint planning meeting and was received by the Secretary to Council and the Parliament Speaker.

The Secretary on behalf of the Chairman recommended specially packaged OGP Implementation Capacity Building exercise for all newly elected and appointed government officials as a requisite for effective government leadership and governance delivery. In his statement “I have not recovered from the session you held for us and I believe for any elected or appointed government officials to have what it takes to deliver governance, the OGP plan is crucial as a basic foundation of knowledge”.

The Secretary further stated that it is a shame that both citizens and development partners over the years have failed to partner with the local government level of governance to pursue development, which to him spells systemic errors; “I think it is a continuous error to ignore working with the closest government to the people under any excuse, because that is the shortest and most reliable path to achieving tangible developmental results, but both citizens and development partners have failed in this quest”. “I was personally surprised to see a different approach by your organizations who not only promised but showing commitment to your support promises, the Council commend you spirit and vision”

DEAN Initiative is committed to deepening governance delivery and value at the local level and with the support from Centre LSD and MacArthur, we will drive the change.

Advancing the Domestication of OGP-Local Abuja FCT Area Councils

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

In a quest for transparent and accountable governance at the local level in Nigeria, DEAN has consistently worked to connect citizens’ concerns to government’s priority. With support from MacArthur, Centre LSD is helping to strengthen our work. Our mission is To weave the principles of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) using OPG-Local into the very fabric of FCT’s local councils governance and administration.

To advance our mission, we conducted official Advocacy Visits to the 5 Area Councils that are yet to join the OGP-Local governance model. Starting from Kwali Area Council, home to the ALGON Chairman in the FCT. We met with the council secretary, parliament speaker and officials who applaud our commitment to working with them and pledged the council’s readiness. Kwali Area Council, a driving force in our journey through the Chairman as FCT’s ALGON Chair, set the stage by leading the hosting of the OGP-Local onboarding session that marked the beginning of our citizens centric governance at the local level in FCT. 

K

At Abaji Area Council, the council secretary represented the Chairman to receive and meet with our team. The Secretary’s several concerns as he presented them in a number of questions were attended, he requested for immediate capacity building support from DEAN Initiative in order to swing into action.

We also visited Gwagwalada Area Council and met with the council secretary and parliament speaker. The Secretary, speaking on behalf of the Chairman praised DEAN. In his view, our proposal of OGP-Local governance model should be a standard for all levels of government. The Speaker and the Secretary jointly expressed the Council’s readiness to work with us.

While at Kuje Area Council, the council’s representatives, shared the vision of their administration and pointed how they believed it aligned with the OGP-Local ideals. They desire to infuse OGP-Local into their governance approach and use citizen feedback as their guiding light. It was clear they had been waiting for this moment, and the OGP Local Action Plan Orientation Workshop we pitched to them came at the right time.

The final bus top for one week advocacy exercise was Bwari Area Council, a place echoing with a call for collaborative governance. Officials spoke as one, their anticipation vivid and their dedication resolute. They weren’t just aligning with the OGP Local Action Plan; they were embracing it wholeheartedly. Bwari’s energy was infectious, and their readiness to contribute to the OGP local Action Plan was undeniable. They were ready, and we are READY.

We are now going to return to each Area Council with our already designed OGP-Local Action Plan Orientation Workshop sessions. We will give updates.