Reconciliation Now!: Difference between revisions

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1. How to ensure that both Greek and Turkish Cypriots benefit from an eventual “peace dividend”; and  
1. How to ensure that both Greek and Turkish Cypriots benefit from an eventual “peace dividend”; and  
2. How to ensure that business people and their employees are equipped with the appropriate business, conflict resolution, mediation and negotiation skills to cooperate effectively and thus succeed in joint ventures.   
2. How to ensure that business people and their employees are equipped with the appropriate business, conflict resolution, mediation and negotiation skills to cooperate effectively and thus succeed in joint ventures.   
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III.  PROGRAM DESCRIPTION




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• Training, team-building and the development of more strategic programs that will help to sustain the work of the next generation of NGO professionals and peace builders.   
• Training, team-building and the development of more strategic programs that will help to sustain the work of the next generation of NGO professionals and peace builders.   


This section of the proposal describes each project, key activities and outcomes for the first eight months (Phase 1) of project implementation.  The management structure and the approach that will be taken to evaluation are described in sections IV and V.  The management team, together with Technical Advisory Committees (TACs) composed of sector experts (ie. media, business development, NGO management, etc.), will be responsible for developing more detailed implementation plans, project management and reporting, coordinating with other relevant projects and networking to expand the reach, impact and visibility of HasNa’s programs in Cyprus. 
PROJECT ONE:  MEDIA DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
JUSTIFICATION
The media, as well as individual journalists, have a tremendous capacity to positively affect peace and reunification in Cyprus.  Because of its conviction that young professionals represent the future of Cyprus, HasNa is interested in continuing to build upon the success of its 2002 Young Journalists Project.  At the same time, HasNa’s discussions with senior peace builders and other donor agencies in Cyprus revealed that there is an urgent need for more strategic interventions that will enhance the practice of journalism and the role of the media in communicating events, people’s opinions and interpreting political and economic changes facing Cyprus. With the peace and reconciliation process moving into a more mature and critical phase, more transparency, publicity and open intervention is possible.
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GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goal of this project is to enhance the role and effectiveness of the Cypriot media in the reconciliation process by creating a critical mass of journalists and editors within Cyprus’s leading media organizations that understand the ethics and practices of a free and balanced media, and that have acquired new skills to advance the practice of journalism in Cyprus.
• Introduce more journalists to the concepts of peace-building and provide them with practical skills in non-violent problem-solving and conflict resolution that are relevant to their professional needs.


• Provide specialized, short-term training for Cypriot journalists and editors (for example: conflict reporting, computer assisted reporting, investigative reporting, the use of opinion data, etc.) to improve their professionalism and effectiveness.   


• Create a network of "friendly" journalists within leading media organizations and develop mechanisms and opportunities to use this network to increase opportunities for public understanding and discourse about critical issues related to bicommunal relations, peace and conflict resolution.
==Project activities==
 
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The HasNa Media Project will serve to sensitize young and senior journalists, editors and media organizations to the critical role the media plays in preparing Cypriots to live and work in harmony.  The key outcome will be that journalists are better equipped with attitudes and professional skills for less biased and more cutting-edge reporting that ultimately better serves the Cypriot people.  Project activities will combine professional and conflict resolution skills training, technical assistance, citizen participation/voice and special activities to improve the quality of journalism and people’s interface with the media.
Project activities will take the form of:
The Use of Opinion Polling Data:  Timely data gathering, analysis and dissemination of the public’s views about important/hot topics relevant to peace and reconciliation through the media.  Journalists will be given the opportunity to learn new skills in computer assisted research and other practices and technologies to ensure that opinion polling data is used responsibly.  Linkages with one or two leading American universities will be established for this purpose.  For example, HasNa already has worked with the University of Maryland’s School of Journalism for its Young Journalists Project, and the university has expressed an interest in continuing its involvement.
The Use of Opinion Polling Data:  Timely data gathering, analysis and dissemination of the public’s views about important/hot topics relevant to peace and reconciliation through the media.  Journalists will be given the opportunity to learn new skills in computer assisted research and other practices and technologies to ensure that opinion polling data is used responsibly.  Linkages with one or two leading American universities will be established for this purpose.  For example, HasNa already has worked with the University of Maryland’s School of Journalism for its Young Journalists Project, and the university has expressed an interest in continuing its involvement.
Investigative Reporting & Reporting on Special Topics:  Journalists, especially young journalists, will be given the opportunity to learn new skills in investigative reporting, conflict reporting and understanding and reporting on specialized topics (for example, health, business and economics, international affairs, etc.)
Investigative Reporting & Reporting on Special Topics:  Journalists, especially young journalists, will be given the opportunity to learn new skills in investigative reporting, conflict reporting and understanding and reporting on specialized topics (for example, health, business and economics, international affairs, etc.)
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Public Forums, Group Discussions and Promoting Media Literacy: Open forums and presentations will be organized in locations throughout the country on current and “hot issues” with the purpose of increasing public awareness, facilitating structured citizen dialogue and promoting media literacy.  Citizens will also be given opportunities to participate in conflict resolution training programs, facilitated by a core group of senior trainers, through these public forums.   
Public Forums, Group Discussions and Promoting Media Literacy: Open forums and presentations will be organized in locations throughout the country on current and “hot issues” with the purpose of increasing public awareness, facilitating structured citizen dialogue and promoting media literacy.  Citizens will also be given opportunities to participate in conflict resolution training programs, facilitated by a core group of senior trainers, through these public forums.   


ACTIVITIES IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS (PHASE 1)
==PROJECT TWO:  NORTH-SOUTH ECONOMIC COOPERATION PROJECT==


• Organize a Media Symposium in North Nicosia analogous to the one organized in May 2003 in South Nicosia (October-November 2003).
===JUSTIFICATION===
• Form the Media Project Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) to include external expertise, an equal number of Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot senior journalists/editors and at least one young professional from each community. 
• Plan a bicommunal conference (January 2004) to focus on the role, responsibilities and challenges of the Cyprus media towards achieving a long-lasting political settlement.  An outcome of the meeting will be to develop a common vision for the future of journalism in Cyprus and an Action Map to guide future bicommunal activities and joint projects. 
• Select topics, technical assistance providers and develop a detailed workplan for a series of 2-3 professional skills development and conflict resolution training workshops for journalists and editors (December 2003- January 2004). 
• �Select topics, locations and develop a detailed workplan for a series of 6-8 Public Forums to be implemented in 2004. (March 2004)
• Set up a review committee who will develop and disseminate guidelines for the small grants program for independent online and print newspapers and journals. (April 2004) 
• Launch the Youth Essay Competition. (May 2004)
PROJECT TWO:  NORTH-SOUTH ECONOMIC COOPERATION PROJECT
 
JUSTIFICATION
A study by Robert Nathan Associates, a U.S. consulting firm, identified four factors that will “profoundly influence the institutional framework for Cyprus’ post-settlement economy:  EU accession, the Annan Plan structures, financial assistance from the international donor community, and the ‘peace dividend’.”  
A study by Robert Nathan Associates, a U.S. consulting firm, identified four factors that will “profoundly influence the institutional framework for Cyprus’ post-settlement economy:  EU accession, the Annan Plan structures, financial assistance from the international donor community, and the ‘peace dividend’.”  
Over the past four years, the Greek Cypriot economy, has made legal and policy reforms in the areas of banking, taxes, trade and market liberalization to align itself with the EU’s “acquis communautaire”.  On May 1, 2004, the Greek Cypriot economy will become part of an expanded EU market of over 400 million consumers.  EU entry will take place regardless of whether there is a settlement of the Cyprus problem, although the EU has expressed its preference for accession of a united Cyprus.  
Over the past four years, the Greek Cypriot economy, has made legal and policy reforms in the areas of banking, taxes, trade and market liberalization to align itself with the EU’s “acquis communautaire”.  On May 1, 2004, the Greek Cypriot economy will become part of an expanded EU market of over 400 million consumers.  EU entry will take place regardless of whether there is a settlement of the Cyprus problem, although the EU has expressed its preference for accession of a united Cyprus.  
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This project will deploy a team with experience in business development to actively work with potential joint business venture candidates, supporting them from beginning to end to apply, manage and benefit from such opportunities, and to ensure that they are equipped with the necessary skills to succeed.
This project will deploy a team with experience in business development to actively work with potential joint business venture candidates, supporting them from beginning to end to apply, manage and benefit from such opportunities, and to ensure that they are equipped with the necessary skills to succeed.


GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The goal of this project is to facilitate the creation of Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot joint business ventures that are committed to integration and skills building of their workforce.  Where possible, the project will also attempt to increase the number and quality of employment opportunities in economically challenged, mixed neighborhoods.  The objectives include:


• Convene groups of entrepreneurs, especially young business people, to identify emerging opportunities and any legal, regulatory or other barriers to forming joint ventures, with a special emphasis on those businesses that will enhance economic development and job opportunities in Northern Cyprus.
==PROJECT THREE: IMPROVING THE CAPACITY OF CYPRIOT NGOS TO PLAN AND MANAGE BICOMMUNAL PROGRAMS==


• Provide business skills and conflict resolution training to business people and, where relevant, to their employees, to enhance productivity and increase the likelihood of success of these bicommunal business ventures.


• Provide information, advice and other support services to small micro-enterprises (SMEs) and young business people seeking to benefit from relevant European Union (EU) and UNOPS funding opportunities that are now becoming available for business development.
===JUSTIFICATION===
 
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
A Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) composed of senior business leaders and management experts from the Turkish Cypriot and the Greek Cypriot communities will be recruited, and together with the project management team, will be responsible for developing a marketing strategy and detailed workplan for the project.  Two types of companies will be targeted:  i) business people from the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot community who are considering or who have recently formed joint venture small and medium enterprises (SMEs); and ii) existing businesses and/or corporations who are seeking to start-up or expand their operations in Northern Cyprus.  Participating businesses must be able to demonstrate a commitment to economic cooperation and integration of their workforce, and be willing to allow their employees to participate in the HasNa training (combining training in technical/business skills and conflict resolution skills).  Participating businesses and corporations must also be willing to make at least a one year commitment to follow-up activities.
A Project Coordinator will be recruited by the management team who will be responsible for arranging and coordinating all project activities. 
These activities will include:
1. Plan a series of workshops that will bring together Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot business people to provide information about the purpose of the project and the services that will be offered; identify potential business opportunities for joint ventures and barriers given the present economic environment; and create the means for ongoing networking among business people.
2. Complete a technical training needs assessment for joint venture SMEs (based on individual surveys, focus groups and feedback during the workshop series).  Get feedback and develop case examples of conflict situations in joint venture SMEs for use during the HasNa conflict resolution training. 
3. Market the HasNa training model to, initially, a small number of amenable corporations or businesses in Cyprus.  Working jointly with corporate management and human resource managers to identify technical training needs.  Get feedback and develop case examples of conflict situations that have or could be encountered in integrated corporations for use during the HasNa conflict resolution training. 
4. Plan a series of training workshops using the HasNa model that combine technical and conflict resolution skills training based on the results of the two types of needs assessments above.  Depending on their needs, the number of participating employees, etc. it may be necessary to organize separate training programs for SMEs (which may be trained in groups) versus larger businesses/corporations (which may be offered separate training programs designed specifically to meet the needs of their company). 
5. Provide consulting services to joint venture SMEs who wish to develop business plans and strategies for accessing external funding sources or venture capital. These services may be provided either through personalized consulting services already available from the Management Centre, or via Ekkotek’s entrepreneurship distance education training modules (funded by EUMEDIS), or through specialized group training sessions organized by the project team).
In addition, other project activities will take the form of:
6. Act as an information clearinghouse and create mechanisms to establish contacts and ongoing dialogue among business people from the two communities. 
7. Act as an advocacy group for the promotion and development of youth internships in the private sector and identify and support existing efforts towards that end.  In particular, identify opportunities for youth to have meaningful work experiences within small businesses and corporations that are conducting project-based activities in the area of innovation.
 
ACTIVITIES IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS (PHASE 1)
An agreement will be put into place to collaborate with the Management Centre, situated in North Nicosia, which will provide its technical expertise, facilities and space for convening meetings and training programs, as well as access to its library of business resources.  The Project Coordinator will be co-located at the Management Centre and CNTI offices, but will spend the majority of his/her time at the Management Centre offices.  Other resource people/consultants in Cyprus with specialized expertise may also be identified for specific project activities (for example, to complete the SWOT analysis, training needs assessments, etc.). 
1. Identify members and convene the Economic Cooperation Technical Advisory Committee (TAC).  Recruit a qualified and dedicated Project Coordinator.  (October 2003)
2. Prepare an application to UNOPS and/or EU for funding. This will be used to complement the funding (ie. matching funds) provided by HasNa for this project. (October 2003)
3. Gather information to analyze strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT analysis) faced by the SMEs in establishing joint ventures or pursuing economic cooperation across the border.  Write a white paper summarizing the findings of this SWOT analysis to present at the informational workshops. (November – December 2003) 
4. Organize the first in a series of informational workshops (to be convened by the Management Centre in North Nicosia).  Ten to fifteen participants from the young business leaders group will be invited, along with other business people from the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities (December 2003).
5. TAC and management team develop the marketing plan, targets and timeline for providing the HasNa training model to 3-5 large corporations or businesses in Cyprus.  (January-March 2004)
6. Complete technical training needs assessment for the first group of SMEs and collect case studies/situation descriptions for conflict resolution training.  (January – March 2004).
7. Implement HasNa training workshop for the first group of SMEs (April – May 2004).
�PROJECT THREE: IMPROVING THE CAPACITY OF CYPRIOT NGOS TO PLAN AND MANAGE BICOMMUNAL PROGRAMS
 
 
JUSTIFICATION


Over the past decade, numerous conflict resolution and related training workshop opportunities have enabled about 20,000 Greek and Turkish Cypriots to develop close and friendly interactions (about 10,000 participants from each community).  This may explain why so many thousands of people (especially in the North – where a relatively higher proportion of the population benefited from these training opportunities) have demonstrated such an impressive degree of maturity, responsibility, kindness and friendship towards their fellow Cypriots from the other side of the Green Line.  The experiences that Cypriots had during the first few days of the opening of the Gates will always be dominated by extraordinary memories of people embracing each other, handing over photographs and personal objects that they had saved for 30 years, and sincere expressions of caring human behavior.  Was this behavior simply an outburst of suppressed positive feelings among Cypriot compatriots, or the result of the initiatives of peace groups that prepared the ground for this day?   
Over the past decade, numerous conflict resolution and related training workshop opportunities have enabled about 20,000 Greek and Turkish Cypriots to develop close and friendly interactions (about 10,000 participants from each community).  This may explain why so many thousands of people (especially in the North – where a relatively higher proportion of the population benefited from these training opportunities) have demonstrated such an impressive degree of maturity, responsibility, kindness and friendship towards their fellow Cypriots from the other side of the Green Line.  The experiences that Cypriots had during the first few days of the opening of the Gates will always be dominated by extraordinary memories of people embracing each other, handing over photographs and personal objects that they had saved for 30 years, and sincere expressions of caring human behavior.  Was this behavior simply an outburst of suppressed positive feelings among Cypriot compatriots, or the result of the initiatives of peace groups that prepared the ground for this day?   
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First, well-organized NGOs that have proven their capability in project management and facilitation have the responsibility to deliver more applied conflict resolution courses and mediation services to a broader base of Cypriots.  To do so, it will be necessary to tie together the network of peace builders, senior trainers and young professionals that has already been created, and to ensure that these courses and services are accessible in several locations throughout the island.   
First, well-organized NGOs that have proven their capability in project management and facilitation have the responsibility to deliver more applied conflict resolution courses and mediation services to a broader base of Cypriots.  To do so, it will be necessary to tie together the network of peace builders, senior trainers and young professionals that has already been created, and to ensure that these courses and services are accessible in several locations throughout the island.   


Second, it is necessary to build the capabilities of more NGOs, especially those in Northern Cyprus, and to support new structures that will create synergies between projects throughout the island.  Such synergies will promote more active learning from previous achievements as well as challenges and failures, and will also serve to evolve the next generation of bicommunal programs.  To achieve this, NGOs need operational support to enhance their project management and planning skills and infrastructure, to retain dedicated and well-qualified people, to learn and network and to launch new, innovative programs.
Second, it is necessary to build the capabilities of more NGOs, especially those in Northern Cyprus, and to support new structures that will create synergies between projects throughout the island.  Such synergies will promote more active learning from previous achievements as well as challenges and failures, and will also serve to evolve the next generation of bicommunal programs.  To achieve this, NGOs need operational support to enhance their project management and planning skills and infrastructure, to retain dedicated and well-qualified people, to learn and network and to launch new, innovative programs.
 
 
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
 
The goal of this project is to build upon and more effectively deploy existing Cypriot expertise and networks to begin to create a more lasting infrastructure for the development and management of the next generation of programs for peace, reconciliation and bicommunal cooperation in Cyprus. 
 
The project will:
 
• Provide seed capital to create an efficient and more permanent bicommunal structure with appropriate human and capital resources, that will: i) immediately serve to formalize critical strategic planning, project development, project management, evaluation and public relations functions; and ii) be positioned to evolve, in the near future, into Cyprus’s first truly national-level, bicommunal NGO.
 
• Foster planning and management skills development for people directly involved/employed in peace and reconciliation projects/initiatives, with a special emphasis on overcoming disparities that may exist between the North and South.
 
• Formalize a group of senior peace builders that will first be offered “refresher training”, and then commit to be available as Master Trainers to deliver courses in conflict resolution using the HasNa training approach (ie. combining professional/job skills development with conflict resolution training).
 
• Develop proposals and identify other sources of funding for the establishment of a national network of Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation Centers that can deliver training and mediation services as well as serve as a focal point for networking to large numbers of citizens, NGOs and business groups throughout Cyprus.
 
• Create synergies, facilitate interaction and promote the development of “collaborating networks” between various peace and reconciliation projects.
 
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
 
HasNa will break new ground by providing resources to deploy a bicommunal team of senior peace builders and young professionals that will not only manage individual projects, but also spend a portion of its time on linking key initiatives, people and resources at a critical stage in the reconciliation process.  This bicommunal team will also work on new project design, fundraising (ie. matching funds) and public relations – including raising awareness about HasNa and its programs.  These are critical functions that have often been neglected by Cypriot NGOs because of the lack of dedicated human resources. 
 
The project team will be equipped with the necessary personnel and tools to:
• Generate projects that are designed to reach a significant scale and that are more innovative and adapted to current needs and challenges.  This will include developing alternative projects or revising project strategies in response to different political or economic scenarios that may emerge in Cyprus in the next several months (ie. the outcomes of elections in Northern Cyprus and any changes in policy that may or may not result, peace settlement/no peace settlement, whether a unified Cyprus is able to join the EU or not, etc.), changes in social conditions, people’s attitudes, etc.
• Create a truly bicommunal working environment where well-qualified peace-builders (a mixed group of Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots) will be working together on a daily basis, an excellent example of partnership, collaboration and solidarity.
• Orchestrate synergies and develop efficient networks with local and international organizations interested in peace and reconciliation in Cyprus.
Through their experiences working together, the staff will develop a common understanding of and approach to the issues at hand as well as a common vision.
 
ACTIVITIES IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS (PHASE 1)
Following are the activities planned for project start-up:
Team building and joint planning sessions to create a culture of cooperation and innovation among the bicommunal management team, the Advisory Council, the TACs, Project Coordinators and other staff.  (October-November 2003)
 
Prepare a project proposal, to be submitted to UNOPS, the EU and/or other local agencies to put into place co-funding for the training workshops and the Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation Centers.  (October-November 2003)
 
Training needs assessment for project managers and young professionals in the NGO sector, especially Turkish Cypriot NGOs.  (December 2003 -February 2004)
 
Organize the first “refresher training” Master Trainers’ workshop to familiarize the Senior Trainers’ Group.  The refresher training is expected to include these topics: HasNa’s conflict resolution training model; facilitation and mediation skills; and resource materials that can be used in future training programs. (February-March 2004)
 
Plan and organize an NGO management skills development and conflict resolution training workshops for Turkish Cypriot NGOs (March – June 2004)
 
Assuming matching funds for the Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation Centers proposal is approved by UNOPS or the EU (#2 above), preparation of a needs analysis and workplan related to the roll-out of conflict resolution training workshops and the formation of the Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation Centers.  This will be done through a survey of peace builders, interviews with key stakeholders, citizen focus groups, etc.  (March-July 2004)


==Respecting bicommunality==
==Respecting bicommunality==
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