BROT, CPS: Building the Capacity of Partners on the ‘Do No Harm Approach’

Eleven participants from partner organizations of the Civil Peace Service, Network Liberia were recently certificated after completing a one-week training on the Do No Harm Approach.

Do No Harm Participants in Training-Gbarnga, Bong County, Liberia

Do No Harm is an approach that helps to identify unintended negative or positive impacts of humanitarian and development interventions, where there is conflict or risks of conflict.  Do No Harm ensures that conflict is implemented in a conflict-sensitive manner, which means that while CPS, and Bread for the World partners are trying to achieve objectives in health, education, food security, etc, they further prevent an escalation of violence, however, the aim of the program remains a humanitarian or development objective.

Facilitated by Dr. Rolf Grafe, a Support Consultant at Bread for the World in Germany, and assisted by Sartu Doe of the New African Research and Development Agency- NARDA, and Samuel Darpolor, an Independent Consultant, the training was held over one week in Monrovia and Gbarnga, Bong County, with theoretical and practical applications.

Participants were trained in collection method-preparing a question catalog, which will enable participants to obtain information; interview techniques – enabling participants to carry out context analysis under the five categories of divider; data collection method, and conducting interviews in the field and the type of information to c0llect. In Gbarnga, Bong County, participants did practical exercises at the field level that included individual data processing, and analysis of results from field visits.         

The training considered new ‘Do No Harm’ practitioners to a practical exercise on the application of the approach within a real project implemented in a conflict context. It also focused on the Center for Justice and Peace Studies as a case study during the training, looking at needs assessment, inclusiveness of CJPS processes, selection of project locations, and approaches and strategies adopted.

A conflict-sensitive review of CPS processes was conducted, which reviewed options and recommendations and what was relevant to the training.

At the close of the training, the Program Manager for the Center for Justice and Peace Studies, Francis S. Konyon expressed that he would reflect on the outcomes of the engagement and make key decisions. “This engagement would then inform the new strategic plan and serve as learning for the organization.”

Stating further, Mr Konyon said he hopes other partners will internalize the tool and make it workable. “There should be a community of practice to sell and support ideas with partners, both at county and national levels. Additionally, ideas should be shared with the University of Liberia to begin lecture series and best practices.

Civil Peace Service Liberia Network National Coordinator, Madam Decontee E. George noted that the result of the training will be communicated with other partners since the practical has not been about CJPS alone, adding that the training paves the way for CPS,  Mano River Union meeting in late October 2024.

She also hinted that the committee will meet to drive the respective conversations. “Furthermore, coordination among network partners should be fostered, not only in Monrovia but also in the counties.” She disclosed that the Community of practice begins in July 2024, with the committee presenting strategies to be shared among organizations applying for training on Do No Harm. The Coordinator furthered that marketing the new skills would strengthen partners and create space for AGIAMONDO and other CPS actors to find alignment.  

With the completion of the Do No Harm training, the Center for Justice and Peace Studies and partner organizations are expected to hold more community and partner engagements about their work, carry out more awareness through presentations on the work they do, and collaborate with the Liberia Opportunity Industrialization (LOIC) and the Lutheran Church Trauma Healing and Reconciliation Program (LCL-THRP) on the provision of counseling and life skills, etc. They will Increase their advocacy and awareness of the Liberia drugs law and improve partnerships with other partners of the Network who are working on land issues.