Things that I wish I had known! The ups and downs of the SPAMGO project

1. Things that I wish I had known!The ups and downs of the SPAMGO project Tempus IV workshop London, 22nd February 2008 Sarah O’Hara Dean of the Faculty of Social Science, Law and Education and Professor of Geography, University of Nottingham.

3. Strengthening Public Administration and Media in Georgia A three year project (2005-2008) • Three partners: • University of Nottingham, UK (Grant Holder) • Adelphi Research, Germany • Georgian Technical University, T'bilisi.

4. Overall Aims • To develop 6 modules focusing on environmental management and administration with the overall aim of enhancing environmental administration in Georgia. • To set up a training centre at GTU to deliver high quality training. • To train 16 Georgians to be trainers. • The target groups were individuals the environment ministry, environment-related units in other ministries, regional and local environmental administrators, relevant teachers, civil society organizations and journalists who inform the public on environmental issues, developments and legislation.

5. Developing the project • Emerged from discussions between Adelphi and the Ministry for Environment, Georgia. • Indentified a knowledge gap with respect to environmental issues and the communication of environmental knowledge. • Adelphi then approached the University of Nottingham. • Adelphi acted as the communication hub throughout the development.

6. Structure of the project and milestones • The project breaks down into blocks - each with measurable outcomes. • Kick-off meeting • Year 1 • Identification of trainers • The development of the training modules. • Setting up of the Training Centre • Piloting of the modules

7. Things don’t quite go to plan! • Problems with the Georgian Partner • These revolved around the uneven distribution of resources-especially around salary differentials. • Failure to deliver promised space. • Lack of understanding and commitment from the project co-ordinator at GTU. • The need to work within a strict academic hierarchy. • Relations with the State Tax Department (VAT).

8. But when things don’t go to plan • It’s a problem, it can be time-consuming, but there are various things that you can do. • Make use of the EU tempus contact in the country. • Keep then informed and if necessary ask them to talk with the local project co-ordinator. • If this fails discuss with the project contact person in the Commission. • Be prepared for delays.

9. Being audited • First audit came in June 2006 • Nine months after the project started • Project was 4-5 months behind and there was no signs of a training centre. • Notice of the audit was minimal • The EU partners could not be in Georgia which was problematic but we fed into the audit via the local Tempus representative. • The auditors asked GTU to replace the local co-ordinator as they recognised that he was problematic.

10. Stops and checks • Important to continually review the aims and planned outcomes of a project to ensure that they are still relevant. • The SPAMGO project is target at people who have completed their formal education and want/need to have updated and new skills. • We changed the structure of the modules to accommodate this to ensure we hit the target audience. • We expanded the range of modules to include sustainable transport. • We have also responded to feedback from course participants.

11. Fully developed 7 training modules using the most up to date information. Produced 7 short text books to support modules which are now translated into Georgian Achievements

12. 15 highly qualified and internationally trained Georgian trainers Fully equipped training centre located at GTU-with the capability to develop e-Learning. Achievements

13. We have held meeting with various stakeholders (Ministries for Environment/Education, NGOs). Established a network among stakeholders. Met with possible donor organizations (InWEnt, GTZ) Establish good network in the region of Caucasus (Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan). Achievements

14. Have been conducting regular training for 12 months. Trained over 300 people at the centre. Conducted 3 full cycles of trainings throughout Georgia and other Caucasus countries. Achievements

15. What next? • Continue to develop the training portfolio for specific groups; • Ensure the quality of the teaching materials and delivery of modules; • Explore the potential for e-learning; • Raise the profile of the SPAMGO training centre as a place to learn thereby ensuring its long-term stability.

16. So if you are thinking about applying to the Tempus programme don’t forget… • To get all the partners talking at the proposal stage. • To make sure that all partners understand their roles and responsibilities. • Take into account cultural differences. • Tackle problems straight away and if in doubt seek the advice of Tempus staff. • To be flexible • To always have the project management handbook at close hand.

17. So would I do it again? Absolutely!

18. To find out more about the project go towww.spamgo.org Thank You!