The STAR-Ghana Learning Event was an invaluable opportunity for Grant Partners, beneficiaries and state actors to come together to discuss the 2016 elections; to address not only the triumphs but the disappointments as well. The event was organized to accommodate over 200 guests and for an event on such a large scale, thorough planning was required. As a member of the programme management team of STAR-Ghana, I witnessed firsthand the effort required to build up such an event from the ground up. To ensure a successful event, every detail was considered. The theme for the event was “Highlighting Civil Society’s contributions towards a peaceful and credible Elections 2016 and the way forward” and every session was designed to guarantee that every aspect of the theme was addressed. The event was spread across two days; the first day was designed to establish the foundation of the entire event and consisted of an open session with dignitaries, presentation of the findings of the Elections call, breakout group discussions around value chain areas, a panel discussion, time with the beneficiaries and ended with the global café. The second day started off with a panel discussion with the state actors and continued with a session to discuss strategic issues in breakout groups and what the implications of these issues were for election programming and planning the way forward.
This was the first time I had attended an event of this caliber and the information that I obtained was astonishing, however, the one session that is engrained in my mind is the time with the beneficiaries. More often than not, one hears from the NGO’s/ CSO’s about the impact they have made in a community, it is never truly from the horse’s mouth. This session was exceptional because the impact of the various projects was more tangible as the beneficiaries recounted stories on how their lives have been affected by the projects. It was heartwarming to hear how women have been empowered to vote after gaining an understanding of civic responsibilities and rights through innovative forms of education. Additionally, there were some projects that targeted the disenfranchised in society, specifically the visually impaired and the physically disabled. As a lover of the arts, I must applaud the little sprinkles of creativity in the programme. There were musical performances by MUSIGA as well as a short skit put on by Globe Productions. The mini-productions were not only entertaining but had a potent message behind them, furthermore, the method of delivery through music or stage acting ensures that it remains a pleasant memory stored in the minds of all the attendees.
The presentation of the communique was a fitting end to the Learning Event as it is a document encompassing all issues discussed and agreed upon during the Learning Event. As the saying by Leo Buscaglia goes, change is the end result of true learning. The communique will serve as a powerful reminder of the accomplishments as well the issues that still need working on, so that indeed, change will occur.
By Mabel Viviey and Akushika Odunton
