Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697635776803.pdf (Australia)
AADO CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF WORK IN AFGHANISTAN 2002 2003 2004 2005 Milestones AADO is established as an NGO and incorporated in Victoria Milestones AADO signs an MoU with Aschiana, a local NGO Projects Material Aid: Container full of textbooks, blankets, clothes, and health equipment sent to Kabul Projects 1.

Material Aid: Another container full of goods sent to Kabul 2.

Vocational Training for adults in office admin Kabul Round 1 3.
A deep well water pump was installed in Aziz Shaheed high school for 3000 students Milestones AADO signs an MoU with Hope Wordwide Int.

to construct Dawuzdai community centre Projects: From Chaos to Community 1.

Construction of Dawuzdai Community Centre begun 2.

Round 1 of Vocational Training for rural women 3.

Basic literacy education for Street Children Kabul 4.
Vocational Training for adults in office admin Kabul Round 2 Milestones: Construction of the Dawuzdai community centre is completed Projects: From Guns to Pens 1.

Winter Schooling for Dawuzdai primary 2.

Vocational training for unemployed in Qalai-e Pahlawan 3.Vocational Training for adults in office admin Kabul Round 3 4.
Basic Health Training Qarabagh Round 1 (20 women- 12 month program) 5.Container sent to Kabul Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 AADO CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF WORK IN AFGHANISTAN 2006 2007 2008 2009 Milestones: AADO begins its first comprehensive Life skills program for rural women Projects: 1.

Life Skills Training Qarabagh Round 1(2 Villages) 2.

Vocational Training for adults in office admin Kabul Round 4 3.
A Step to Tertiary Education - Tuition for disadvantaged year12 students, Qarabagh 4.

Basic Health Training Qarabagh Round 1 + 2 Milestones: AADO establishes a multi- storey learning centre and office in Kabul, with the capacity to train 50-60 trainees (AALC) AADO signs an MoU with the Afghan Ministry of Education to commence Science Teacher Training Projects: 1.

Life Skills Training Qarabagh Round 2 (2 Villages) 2.

Science Teacher Training (STT) Round1: Kabul City (Pilot Program) 4.
Basic Health Training Qarabagh Round 2 + 3 (12 month training 20 women each round) Milestones: AADO establishes a Carpentry workshop in the AALC Annex and runs a successful Pilot Program for Carpentry Vocational & Educational Training for unemployed street youths Projects: 1.

Life Skills Training Qarabagh Round 3 (5 villages) 2.

STT Rounds 2 + 3 + 4: Kabul city & Kabul province (300 Graduated) 3.

STT Workshop Qarabagh (43 trainees 4.

Carpentry TVET Round 1 5.

AADO Capacity Building Melb + Kabul 6.


Qarabagh Paramedic Training Milestones: AADO receives an Award of Excellence from the Afghan MoE for its success in re- training science teachers Projects: 1.

Life Skills Qarabagh Round 4(100 women/ 5 villages) 2.

STT Rounds 5 + 6: Kabul city & Kabul province (200 Graduated) 3.

STT Parwan Province Workshop (100 Teachers Graduated) 4.
Carpentry TVET Round 2 Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 AADO CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF WORK IN AFGHANISTAN 2010 206 2007 2011 2008 2012 2009 Milestones AADO establishes a Melbourne office and appoints a Project and Communications Coordinator with a 2 year grant from the Planet Wheeler Foundation; AADO’s member Dick Marquardt raises $14000 after riding from Adelaide to Darwin Projects: 1.

Life Skills Qarabagh Round 5 2.


STT Rounds 7 + 8: Kabul city & Kabul province (200 teachers Graduated) 3.

STT Herat Workshop (100 Teachers Graduated) 4.

Carpentry training Round 3 5.

Riding for Afghanistan School Water Projects: Wells & Pumps Milestones AADO formed a partnership with the Afghan Rehabilitation and Health services Organisation (ARHSO), and began training 150 more rural and Internally Displaced women in Life Skills Projects 1.

Life Skills Qarabagh Round 6 2.


STT Rounds 9 + 10: Kabul city & Kabul province (200 teachers Graduated) 3.

Carpentry Training Round 4 4.

AADO/ARHSO joint IDP Life Skills project for 50 women 5.

AADO/ARHSO joint rural women Life Skills project for 100 women 5.
AADO Kabul Staff Capacity Building Training Milestones AADO celebrates 10 years of working in community development in Afghanistan; AADO completes its 4 year STT Program having trained 1393 in service secondary science and mathematics teachers; AADO is approved by AusAID as having Deductible Gift Registry Status; AADO begins its Master Science Teacher training program, training 400 Master Science trainers across 10 provinces in Afghanistan Kabul Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 Afghan Australian Development Organisation Education Training Est.
2002 Livelihoods Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 After decades of assisting Afghans to settle in Australia, in 2002 Dr Nouria Salehi founded the Afghan Australian Development Organisation • Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 AADO provides education and training in Afghanistan for those with minimal opportunities, in particular women, to foster sustainable livelihoods and develop professional skills •~- Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 AADO completed capital works 2003 - 2007 ■ Installed 7 deep-well water pumps servicing over 20,000 students ■ Built a community centre in Dawuzdai village Qarabagh, servicing 5 villages ■ Built a Learning Centre in Kabul with a training room, kitchen and accommodatio.:..
:n~ and a carpentry workshop Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 Our Programs We believe education is the key to reducing poverty and creating livelihoods for women and their families in Afghanistan• ~- Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 Literacy and Livelihoods for Village Women In many villages, women were denied schooling under the Taliban rule.
We teach them literacy to grade 3 level, with health and hygiene, as well as tailoring or greenhouse horticulture.
\ AADO Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 The biggest challenge for expansion of education in Afghanistan today is poorly qualified or untrained teachers Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 Master Science Teacher Train-the-Trainer Strategy Over 4,600 underqualified Science teachers, selected by their principals for their leadership skills, have been re trained as Master Science Teachers.
- Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 They return to their high schools to pass on their newly acquired knowledge to other teachers.

Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 As result, hundreds of thousands of senior secondary students successful in their university entrance exams.
Strategy now is to transition this train-the trainer Science teacher strategy into the MoE' s own budget and Education Sector Plan over 2 - 3 years.

Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 Carpentry Training for Street Boys Teenager breadwinners are recruited from the streets of Kabul into a 12 month trade training apprenticeships in Carpentry to learn a trade and secure a livelihood.
\ AADO Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 A monthly stipend replaces the meagre income from scrounging on the streets of Kabul for their families to survive.
Every single one of these boys goes straight into a job with a basic carpentry starter kit of tools and materials • Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 What we achieved over the last year • 300 more teachers graduated as Master Science Teacher trainers in their own Faculty and are now passing on their knowledge to other teachers • 9 former street boys were trained in the Carpentry trade over 12 months and all went into jobs while a further group will finish in M::..a ~ Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 What we achieved in 2017 cont ... • 125 women in 7 villages learnt basic health and literacy as well tailoring to earn income • 12 widows trialling growing vegetables in greenhouses built by AADO, learning how to grow food for their families and flowers to sell at market Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 Diaspora-led NGOs like the AADO often have relationships that the Governm · doesn't have and they have the power to convene ... 0 One example: AADO Roundtable The role and future of Afghan WQmen in the peace, reconciliation and transition processes post-2014 University of Melbourne, February 2013 Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 The Roundtable deliberations and follow-up advocacy was planned in close cooperation with Oxfam Australia Diaspora Action Australia Amnesty International Afghan-Australian Community National Centre of Excellence for Islamic Studies Australia Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 A delegation took the Roundtable's recommendations to the national Parliament and met with MPs across party lines.
The recommendations were presented to Parliamentary hearings and Government briefings regarding Afghanistan and the rights of Afghan women.

Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 • an Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 C h a I I e n g e s!
Challenges Challenges eh,ll6D~6S Ch•llen9•• CHALLENGES ~ CHALLENGES 0 Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 CHALLENGES AADO Revenue Public donations Philanthropic grants Government grants Fundraising events Gifts in-kind Other income MDO thanks The Planet Wheeler Foundation and Cabrini Mission for their partnership over many years Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 Challenges Seek DFAT ANCP accreditation?
DFAT Travel Ban for Afghanistan discouraged funders who were otherwise interested in our work \ AADO Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 Challenges Undercurrent of suspicion: Self-interest?

or humanitarian?
Relationships constantly shift Communication issues: English as a seco-=td or third language/ Cross-cultural understan · · ng \ AADO Voluntary role in own time Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 Enabling and sustaining a voluntary diaspora-led effort over 18 years • Leadership • Partnerships that embark on a journey • Good fit of know-how and resource with demonstrable need • \ AADO Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 What is distinctive about diaspora ways of working?
\ AADO Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 w h a t' s d I s t i C t I V e ?

• Do what we know how to do • Good match of need and capacity with will • Naturally agile and responsive • Deeply co~nected with trusted staff and networks • Low overheads and can run program low cost \ AADO Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 w h a t' s d I s t i C t I V e ?
In depth understanding of the social, political and cultural contexts in our countries of origin Know the cultural context well and can mobilise communities towards change Strong direct relationships Often have extraordinary access to, and enjoy the respect of, political and local level leadership in their home country Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 W h a t' s d I s t i c t I v e ?
Diasporas complement the work of Government and the large NGOs by addressing issues others struggle to negotiate e.g leadership different cultural norms .

remote management Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 W h a t' s d I s t i c t I v e ?
We satisfy development principles in different ways ... ... and we have a long track record of compliance with contemporary standards in planning, implementing, reporting, risk and financial management Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 ... but we do not fit easily in current aid program systems ... Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 Much learning still to be done on all sides about how diasporas cannot easily be pegged to the big NGOs modus operandi Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 Conclusion Future opportunities that build on the key learnings of the Diasporas in Action Conference, Melbourne, September 2016 • \ AADO Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 Proposal to Federal Minister to design and pilot a funding and accountability mechanism for medium size diaspora groups as an action learning project to test assumptions and share learnings about diaspora aid delivery and to bring this work onto the mainstage as a recognised and funded component of DFAT Aid Program Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 AADO working as AADRO in Afghanistan Afghan Australian Development Organisation Afghan Australian Development and Rehabilitation Organisation Melbourne Directorate Kabul Country Office www.aado.org.au EMBER Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 Afghan Australian Development
 Organisation (AADO) Annex 3: Dr Nouria Salehi and Sarina Greco interview by Diaspora Action Australia (DAA) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lNFRF785gk&fbclid=IwAR0HNELcBwaBDPd5ibuQCK GomFsFWU3kQlS8PHGVw3h-0xjkI3XGd5T7uXM Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 Afghan Australian Development Organisation 28 th October 2016 Senator The Hon Concetta Fierravanti-Wells MP Minister for International Development and the Pacific PO Box 6100 Senate Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600 Dear Minister, Re: Issues of concern for the diaspora-led Afghan Australian Development Organisation and some proposed solutions It was a pleasure to meet you yesterday at the ACFID National Conference following your address and to have such a positive response to our request to meet with you to discuss a number of related issues we are grappling with and are very concerned about.
These include our role and future as a small diaspora-led NGO working exclusively in Afghanistan; the future of Australian aid program delivery into Afghanistan; and the inaccessible levels of resources required for the DFAT Accreditation process for small NGOs to be eligible for ANCP program grants and what might be done about this.
First of all, we were heartened by your speech at the recent Diasporas in Action Conference held in Melbourne last month in which you confirmed the Government’s recognition and interest in increasing and supporting the role of diaspora-led smaller NGOs in delivering Australian aid programs.

DFAT sees the real advantage of diaspora-led organisations like AADO as being able to work effectively and efficiently through enduring and trusted relationships with local staff and community leaders.
Our work is from Afghan to Afghan supported by Australians.

There is no doubt that, in an insecure environment like Afghanistan, the ability of diasporas to work under the radar with an ear to the ground for emerging security risks and disruption is critical to managing risk We also welcome the Government’s intention that DFAT broadens the group of agencies it funds to deliver development programs.
Making room in its ANCP grants allocations for a smaller NGO like AADO promises to contribute significantly to our sustainability but would also recognise the role AADO can play in the fight against extremism and radicalism.

Education, training and employment are undoubtedly as valuable as military might.

An overview of our main programs is attached for your information.
You will see that this work centres on developing and delivering tailored education and training for livelihoods for Women in villages who have been denied schooling and are supporting families; Science teachers in desperate need of intensive training in the new Science curriculum and teaching methods to ensure students succeed and gain university entrance; and Teenagers recruited from the streets of Kabul into a 12 month trade training apprenticeships in Carpentry to learn a trade and therefore secure a livelihood for themselves and their families for life.
Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 For the past 14 years, AADO’s work has been financed by philanthropy and augmented by donations from the Australian public and Afghan diaspora, with the very significant in-kind contribution of teams of volunteers working across portfolios.

This includes a voluntary Executive Team and indeed, a voluntary Executive Director.
These volunteers work tirelessly to secure a level of financial sustainability for AADO to be able to continue delivering its much sought-after education and training initiatives in Afghanistan.

The competition for philanthropic grants is fierce and uncertain, and fundraising alone cannot come close to supporting our activities.

Without Government funding grants, we will need to significantly curtail our activities in Afghanistan.
By next financial year, AADO’s most significant and longest standing philanthropic partner over 8 years, the Planet Wheeler Foundation, will be unable to continue as the chief source of financial support for our training programs and we will need to severely curtail our programs.

AADO‘s Executive Team is now pursuing eligibility for a DFAT ANCP grant.

The current process would entail a 12 month period of addressing DFAT Accreditation criteria and procedures.
This will be on top of the Full Accreditation AADO has achieved through ACFID.

Worryingly, we understand that the kind of resources and time commitment required for this onerous administrative process is probably out of reach for AADO, and for other small NGOs.

Yet we have a well-recognised and longstanding track record, and are ready and well equipped to play a part in delivering Australian development programs into Afghanistan.
We believe there are ways that DFAT could meet small NGOs in the middle and wish to discuss how we see a way forward on DFAT accreditation.

More worrying for AADO, however, is the recent advice from DFAT that ANCP Grants for program delivery into Afghanistan have been suspended due to security and/or legal liability issues.

We are deeply concerned about any proposed suspension of development assistance to Afghans at a time when diaspora-led NGOs are more committed than ever to play a role.
Afghanistan has been Australia’s longest war, and very significant bonds have resulted between Afghans and the Australian community, and because of Australian NGO’s contribution to improving the lives of Afghan families and communities.

Having been in Afghanistan recently with our Kabul team, we would welcome the opportunity to share some reflections on the situation in Afghanistan and what Afghans are telling us.
We have also recently scanned available documentation and research on the situation in Afghanistan for development workers and agencies, and can share this as well.

We would be very appreciative of your time to discuss the issues and what might go some way towards addressing them from AADOs perspective as a diaspora-led NGO.

To this end, we are available for a meeting at your convenience during parliamentary sitting weeks in mid- to late-November.
Alternatively, if it were possible to meet with you when you are next in Melbourne, we would welcome this very much.

We will look forward to meeting with you.
Yours sincerely, Dr Nouria Salehi AM Executive Director Ms Sarina Greco President Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 Concept Note to Senator the Hon Concetta Fierravanti-Wells Minister for International development and the Pacific Moving Towards a Fuller Recognition of the Place of Diaspora-led Organisations in Delivering Australia’s Aid proposed by a Consortium comprising Diaspora Action Australia (DAA) Afghan Australia Development Organisation (AADO) Bridging Lanka with Oxfam Australia May 2018 Key messages 1.
Diasporas in Australia already play a key role in advancing Australia’s long-term interests in their home countries and in building bridges between Australia and these countries.

2.

The Australian Government should pilot a new mechanism to support the efforts of diaspora-led organisations to complement the Government’s development policy priorities in the Indo-Pacific.

3.
3.

A newly formed Consortium, comprising Diaspora Action Australia together with diaspora- led Afghan Australia Development Organisation (AADO) and Bridging Lanka, seeks to work in partnership with the Australian Government and be actively involved in establishing the mechanism.

Oxfam Australia will bring its expertise in learning-oriented performance systems for developmental change.

4.
4.

The proposed new mechanism is an innovative and modest way to advance Australia’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, recognizing the role of migrant communities.

5.

This proposal includes funding for two stable and established diaspora-led organisations over two years, with a built-in learning process, in order to generate understanding about how Australian diaspora can be supported to deliver effective aid in the medium term.

6.
6.

Government funding will complement significant voluntary expertise and effort by diaspora communities and demonstrate engagement with diverse Australian communities to achieve shared objectives for development and peace in our region.

7.

Collaboration may also contribute to ongoing learning about strategies for preventing extremism and radicalism, for example, through reflecting on the benefits of social inclusion and resilience, through better access to education, training and employment.
1 Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 1.

Introduction This paper proposes a practical, innovative and modest pilot for a new funding mechanism to support diaspora-led groups in Australia which contribute to developmental change in Indo-Pacific countries, consistent with and complementary to Australian Aid.
Our proposal responds to your interest in forging a place for diaspora-led organisations in delivering Australian aid, outlined in your speech at the opening of the Diasporas in Action Conference held in Melbourne in September 20161.

This Conference highlighted the significant role of and potential for diasporas in development, humanitarian responses and peace-building (see Annexes 1 and Annex 4).
This proposal also responds to repeated calls for action over recent years from international institutions, researchers, the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), NGOs, and diaspora groups.

Australia is well-placed to pilot an innovative approach.

Our geographic location, history of successful immigration and interests in a peaceful, democratic and developed region, are important context for strong diaspora-led activity.
Information generated by the pilot will assist other countries’ diaspora-led efforts, strengthen contributions to critical development issues and promote Australia’s reputation.

Diasporas in Australia play a key role in advancing Australia’s long term interests in their home countries and building bridges between Australia and these countries.

These efforts can support trade and contribute to global agendas for development and peace, alongside other donors.
Diasporas’ work can complement other Government and NGO aid, through addressing issues which others struggle to negotiate, e.g.

leadership, different cultural norms and remote management.

They mobilise communities towards changes in health, governance, business and education through deep relationships and trusted networks.
Diaspora Action Australia (DAA) supports communities in Australia from countries affected by war and conflict to help them promote peace, development and human rights in their countries of origin.

Afghan Australia Development Organisation (AADO) and Bridging Lanka are active members of DAA and exemplify the significant potential of diaspora-led organisations.
Such organisations represent deep relationships between Australian and national populations in the countries where forced migrants originate and can sustain community friendships and funding resources for development support over many decades.
AADO, established in 2002 under the leadership of Afghan-Australian Dr Nouria Salehi AOM, has effectively delivered education and training support for thousands of people in Afghanistan, particularly women, to foster sustainable livelihoods and professional skills development.

AADO’s Master Science Teacher Training Program has been highly successful in strengthening science teaching and improving university entry rates for Afghan teenagers.
Bridging Lanka has a membership drawn from Tamil, Sinhalese, Muslim and Burgher communities.

Its ethos is to bridge ethnic, religious and geographic divides through people- inspired action.

Bridging Lanka uses place management and community development methodologies at district level, working in various sectors, predominantly livelihoods and environmental protection.

1 http://www.diasporasinaction.org.au/post-conference-2/ 2 Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 2.
Context: diasporas and development The Diasporas in Action Conference Report noted ‘There is a notable shift in the perception of diaspora actors away from simple acknowledgment of them as non-traditional, stand- alone actors, and towards potential partnerships.
The future approach would see diasporas contributing alongside traditional actors in human development and complex emergency scenarios, using their in-depth understanding of social, political and cultural contexts in their countries of origin and their direct relationships.’ (page 1) The ability of diasporas-led agencies to understand and operate effectively in complex contexts, to provide linguistically and culturally-relevant training and mobilisation efforts and raise funds, are some of several opportunities which can be supported to help countries achieve improvements included in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Research on the role of diasporas is increasing2.

Risks associated with diasporas’ work in their countries of origin3 can be addressed in various ways, including support from UN and other networks.

Diaspora organisations also bring their own advantages when, like AADO, they work under the radar through their local staff and no visible branding.

Their trusted relationships enable them to work with local support and an ear to the ground for security risks and disruption.
Direct engagement of diasporas in aid programming has been undertaken by international organisations such as the International Organisation for Migration, UNDP4 and the Danish Refugee Council5.

Engagement with diasporas in the Australian Aid Program is a timely opportunity to supplement and complement the Government’s commitment to the SDGs and strengthen Australia’s global reputation in human rights, inclusive development and governance, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
Such engagement will be well-regarded in Australian migrant communities and contribute to Australia’s national interests.

The diversity of diasporas makes it difficult to generate standardised and shared approaches.

Some groups are not yet sufficiently organised to be able to manage formal funding but are interested in ensuring their own funding is effectively contributing to sustainable benefits, or in accessing funds in future.
Others, such as AADO and Bridging Lanka, have a long track record of compliance with contemporary standards of planning, implementing, reporting, risk and financial management but do not readily fit in current aid programming systems and struggle to compete for Australian-focused private sector funds.

Governments and community organisations seeking information about strategies to mitigate violent extremism largely agree that strengthening social cohesion and community resilience are key elements6.
This proposal provides an opportunity for joint contributions to understanding about the role of collaboration, education, training and other factors in promoting cohesion and community resilience in Australia and internationally.
2 For example see http://theconversation.com/are-refugee-and-migrant-diasporas-the-missing-piece-of-the- development-puzzle-63724 and https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/10045 3 Such as those identified by researchers and presented at Diasporas in Action Conference (page 15 of report) 4 These organisations run programs to assist qualified diaspora members to return temporarily to their countries of origin and provide training in areas of expertise.
5 https://drc.ngo/relief-work/diaspora-programme 6 See http://www.deakin.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/1063711/stocktake-research.pdf and also https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/pubs/rp/rp14 15/Quick_Guides/Extremism 3 Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 3.
Proposal for a pilot mechanism The Consortium which has come together to propose a practical, innovative, modest and low-risk new Australian Government funding mechanism is convened by Diaspora Action Australia (DAA) with its proven track record of supporting diaspora groups across Australia, and brings together two large diaspora-led NGO’s well known to DFAT - Afghan Australia Development Organisation (AADO) and Bridging Lanka –with Oxfam Australia bringing its technical support to the work of the Consortium in learning-oriented performance systems for developmental change.
The Consortium seeks to work with DFAT to design and pilot the mechanism as well as develop appropriate systems and contribute to learning about effective approaches.

This approach allows for sharing expertise about effective funding and accountability strategies as well as joint benefits associated with diaspora-led engagement in development.
The pilot has the following features: Overall objective of pilot To increase the effectiveness of Australia’s diaspora contributions to sustainable development in Indo-Pacific countries.
Expected outcomes Budget Timeframe Governance and management Monitoring • Better understanding of how diaspora-led organisations can contribute to developmental change (testing of assumptions about their role) • Effective achievement of sustainable education, livelihoods and environmental outcomes in Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, in line with national and Australian development priorities • Shared knowledge of development issues in countries of interest to Australia • Better understanding about how DFAT can best support diaspora-led organisations to achieve sustainable improvements in selected countries • Lessons about the use of remote management approaches in countries where security concerns prevent Australian presence on- the-ground • Strengthened understanding of strategies to maximize engagement with diaspora communities in Australia on aid and development issues A$4.0m, comprising A$3.0m for funding at least two proven diaspora-led development programs as the basis on which to design and pilot mechanisms and A$1.0m for project management, monitoring and documenting/promoting results 2.5 years, from mid-2018 to end 2020 A partnership approach is proposed to maximize the shared benefits and risks of collaboration, to ascertain the best way for supporting Australian diaspora-led organisations in development programming (see Annex 4) An emphasis on demonstrating accountability for funding provided to diaspora-led organisations and learning about the roles of diaspora-led organisation and ways of collaboration for achieving change.
4 Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 The proposed mechanism comprises a modest funding stream through DFAT for a small cohort of reputable and proven diaspora organisations which complement Australia’s aid efforts.

This proposal follows considerable discussion and research by Consortium members of various options.
The proposed model is selected because it is expected to: • generate positive benefits in development terms (by using established diaspora-led organisations implementing well-tested programs) • generate lessons for potential longer-term expansion (subject to funding and • political interests) identify factors which contribute to effective support for diaspora-led development programming, for sharing with other donors7.
While the Government, development organisations and diaspora-led organisations have diverse priorities and ways of working, collaboration is likely to lead to shared understanding, benefits for all and greater engagement with diaspora communities.

This proposal includes elements which promote collaborative learning about how the Australian Government and aid agencies can work effectively with diaspora-led organisations to generate lessons and strategies.
Given the innovative and proposed pilot nature of this proposal, the Consortium recommends a staged approach.

The Consortium suggests starting at a relatively small- scale, with a few diaspora-led organisations with a proven strong track-record and stable program delivery, in order to contain variables and minimise risks.

A commitment to careful and inclusive monitoring and risk management is seen as an essential element of the approach.
Options for continuing funding or up-scaling in future would be considered once lessons have been generated, at the end of Year 2.

There is clear potential to increase the quality and impact of diasporas’ developmental efforts, but it is not yet clear how Government support could best be managed.

Based on reflections from the Diasporas in Action Conference in September 2016, it is clear that a relatively small number of organisations may seek to engage with the Australian Government to access funds.
Thus the Pilot will include provision of relatively small-scale Government funding for a few diaspora organisations with proven existing capacity.

The two organisations in this Consortium have existing, well-conceived programs which complement those of the formal Australian Aid program but cannot currently access existing Australian Government funding mechanisms.
In future, if the mechanism succeeds, there is potential for greater engagement with other diaspora-led organisations as well as expanded partnerships and mutual learning.

The potential ability of diasporas to assist the Australian Government to enhance the achievement of Australia’s national interests as well as meet regional and global responsibilities, is a key element of this approach.

The proposed budget (A$4.0m) and short timeframe (2008-20) is modest, in line with a pilot approach.
Funding includes essential costs of management and action-research monitoring.

DAA will play an important convening role and Oxfam’s learning specialists would be 7 Other options have been considered among those included in the submission, including competitive funding for all diaspora-led groups and DFAT-led research on how to support diaspora-led organisations.

5 Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 engaged for this purpose, reporting to DFAT.
Quality performance monitoring will also assist all involved to respond to changes in the operating environment.

Both AADO and Bridging Lanka have well-founded, relatively low-risk programs established in Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, for which funding is sought over the next 3 years.
• In AADO’s case, there is clear potential for sustainability of the Master Science Teacher Training Program (MSTT), as the Ministry of Education is keen to integrate the approach into its national teacher training system (see Annex 2).

In addition to achieving development benefits for women, men and children in Afghanistan, funding support would enable piloting of Australian Government support for remote-management and risk management in the current security context.
o MSTT is a proven, solid and well-tested program, which enjoys the support of the highest levels of Government in Afghanistan.

The cost of delivering it is well documented and the skills and capacity of AADO’s team in Kabul to deliver it on budget and on time are high.

The program reports close to 100% retention rate.


It is likely that within the next 2-3 years, the Government of Afghanistan will incorporate the training approach within its national teaching institutions, thus achieving sustainable benefits on a national scale.
o • In Bridging Lanka’s case, a coherent range of current, small-scale projects focused on livelihoods and environmental protection in various locations, involving men, women and children, including those with disabilities, will benefit from additional funding through this Pilot.
Bridging Lanka uses well-founded and highly effective community development approaches to identify and support feasible development approaches to address post-conflict challenges for marginalised and vulnerable community members (see Annex 3).

The proposal recognises contemporary DFAT interest in the remote management of aid programs in Afghanistan in the face of security concerns for those delivering Australian aid.
Given AADO’s track record of remote management for its programs in Afghanistan, the proposal will provide valuable experience and lessons learned to assist others in this regard.

AADO proposes the use of an ‘action-research’ method to generate lessons on how DFAT can support NGOs to ensure quality aid is delivered while keeping aid workers safe.
Consistent with recommendations from international research and the Diasporas in Action Conference, the importance of learning about the effectiveness of aid mechanisms and how to maximise the quality and performance of delivery partners cannot be underestimated.

Stakeholders express a range of assumptions about the potential of diaspora-led organisations, and this Pilot is a means to test these assumptions within a relatively low risk setting, i.e.
with established organisations working on well-founded programs.

The Consortium’s purposes, networks and commitments ensure that benefits of the proposed pilot will be widely shared, to strengthen efforts in the development, peace- building and humanitarian sector.

The pilot should therefore include a series of expertly- facilitated and targeted learning events in Australia.
This should not only support the members of the Consortium and DFAT, but also provide opportunities for learning, 6 Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 mentoring and coaching for other diaspora organisations.

Diaspora Action Australia and Oxfam Australia are well placed and qualified to organise successful events of this nature.
Reflection processes are likely to test assumptions and deepen understanding about challenges associated with diaspora-led engagement in development programming, such as those associated with measuring the impact of diaspora (relative to other contributions to change) and perceptions of diaspora-based organisations by local communities.

Ongoing connections between Diaspora Action Australia and its Australian and international networks will be a valuable contributor to sustainable change.
Initial suggestions relating to roles, governance and monitoring questions are provided in Annex 4.

4.

Next steps Representatives from the Consortium are keen and ready to collaborate with your office and DFAT officials to progress this concept.
Suggested next steps might include: • A meeting to jointly determine the scope/nature of collaboration for the mechanism • Development of terms of reference for a collaborative group to further define the mechanism into a detailed concept note for approval by DFAT for 2018-19 budget Initiation of a facilitated design process for a new mechanism • • Call for interest from a wider range of organisations 5.
Contact details Diaspora Action Australia Ms Denise Goldfinch, Executive Director Afghan Australia Development Organisation Dr Nouria Salehi AOM, Executive Director Ms Sarina Greco, President Ms Deborah Rhodes, Board Member Bridging Lanka Mr Jeremy Liyanage, Executive Director Oxfam Australia Mr James Riturban, Portfolio Manager, Afghanistan, Pakistan and the Middle East 7 Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 Annex 1 Key learning, Diasporas in Action Conference, September 2016 Diasporas have unique potential: Diasporas have high responsiveness, flexibility, contextual knowledge, people-to-people links and empathy that can enable them to operate across two or more contexts effectively.
They understand and easily navigate the nuances of different contexts and know how to operate within different social and cultural environments effectively.

Diasporas are positioned to action and implement specialised or sensitive projects that other development, peacebuilding and humanitarian actors might find challenging to do.
Diaspora-led action for change comes in many forms: Diasporas are involved in business development, philanthropy, mentoring, volunteering, advocacy and campaigning, funding and the facilitation of aid projects, as well as community mobilisation.

Diasporas represent potential for new modes of action: In the face of global challenges, development, peacebuilding and humanitarian response can no longer be ‘business as usual’.
Diasporas represent a ‘coalition of the willing’ and ‘bridge-connectors’ that can animate and innovate in new and cost- effective ways.

Diasporas are legitimate stakeholders: Diasporas can offer much to policy and practice both in Australia and internationally.

Diasporas are not ‘new’ actors—they have been working in development, peacebuilding and humanitarian work for a long time—but are only recently being recognised in Australia.
A great deal of work needs to be done for diasporas to be recognised and engaged as legitimate stakeholders.

Diversity: Diaspora communities are not homogenous and cannot speak with ‘one voice’, even if different stakeholders would like them to take a unified position.

Work needs to be done to understand the challenges and the struggles faced by diaspora communities.
Issues related to representation, transparency, accountability and capacity within diaspora organisations should also be acknowledged and addressed.

Valuing diasporas: Stakeholders, including NGOs, governments, the private sector and civil society groups need to better engage and utilise the skills of diasporas.
For example, these stakeholders should involve diasporas in cultural sensitisation training for aid organisations, include them in effective program design, consult with them to inform and enhance human rights advocacy, and also work with them to develop of business and trade links.

However, there is a need for diasporas to set the agenda and not be ‘made to fit’ or instrumentalised to meet others’ agendas.
Formal engagement with Australia’s diasporas: Diasporas can act as a bridge across societies, which benefits both host and donor countries.

However, there is much work to be done in developing ways of ensuring formal and high-level engagement between policy-makers and diasporas in Australia, as well as in developing mutual understanding about the complexities, challenges and best models for effective diaspora engagement.
Visibility of diasporas’ civic participation: Diasporas make great contributions both locally and internationally which are largely unrecognised.

A greater visibility and acknowledgement of the contribution of diasporas both in Australia and internationally would highlight their significant civic participation.
8 Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 Annex 2 AADO’s Master Science Teacher Training Program Improving the access of young Afghans to professional skills and qualifications While Afghanistan’s education system is being rebuilt after decades of conflict, AADO is working closely with the Afghan Ministry of Education to address a critical gap, delivering intensive in-service training for under-qualified Science teachers, both women and men, working in some of the lowest performing high schools across Afghanistan.
AADO designed its Master Science Teacher Training program in 2010 in partnership with the Afghan Ministry of Education and in direct response to the poor performance of students in senior secondary levels and failure of young Afghans to transition to senior secondary or tertiary education.

Close to 4,000 women and men in-service secondary science and mathematics teachers have now been trained in theoretical and practical curriculum and modern pedagogy.
A train-the-trainer approach helps multiply the reach of AADO’s training programs to the surrounding education community to support school success and university entrance for Afghanistan’s young people.

Principals select teachers for participation who have demonstrated leadership qualities and, upon graduation as Master Science Teachers, they in turn deliver training to teachers in their own and neighbouring schools.
A further 16,000 teachers have received training, and hundreds of thousands of senior secondary students have indirectly benefited from this program.

In 2017, the Deputy Minister for Education worked with Dr Nouria Salehi to draft the Ministry of Education’s Science teacher training strategy which would see AADO deliver its training across Afghanistan in 15 poorest performing provinces.
The Ministry of Education proposal, titled: University Entrance Exams Preparation Courses for Insecure and Undeserved Provinces: an innovative program (June 2017) is available upon request.

AADO’s plan also provides for training of National Science Centre staff in Afghanistan’s provincial centres to prepare them to take a lead role in delivering AADO’s Master Science Training paying particular attention to course curriculum and pedagogy.
By upskilling the National Science Centre staff, AADO seeks to conserve program fidelity as it transitions this training into the Afghan Ministry of Education’s own teacher training strategy and annual budget over the next 3 years.

Funding to AADO of A$2m for the next three years is sufficient to ensure this occurs given that the Ministry of Education does not have funding to make the shift.
The Deputy Minister for Education, Dr Shinwarry, is explicitly supporting this approach and has provided a letter outlining this support (available upon request).

This work is aligned with the strategic objectives of Australia’s Aid Program in Afghanistan relating to education and gender equality and complements other programs with these objectives.
9 Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 Annex 3 Bridging Lanka’s development programs Bridging Lanka is diaspora-based, registered as a charity in Australia and an NGO in Sri Lanka with a membership drawn from Tamil, Sinhalese, Muslim and Burgher communities.

Its ethos is to ‘bridge’ ethnic, religious and geographic divides through people-inspired action.
Bridging Lanka undertakes ‘district development’ using ‘place management’ and ‘community development’ methodologies.

Its mandate is derived from significant community consultation and planning and currently operates in the following sectors – urban planning, sustainable tourism, livelihood for vulnerable groups, environmental protection, micro business development, education and social cohesion.
Bridging Lanka works with government, civil society, NGOs and local communities to deliver relevant and context-sensitive programs.

It undertakes trials, probes and pilots to address ‘wicked scenarios’ in the search for viable responses that link cause and effect.

Local issues are complex and multi- scaled.

Once some level of certainty regarding the effectiveness of responses is reached, Bridging Lanka seeks larger partners to assist in the scaling-up of promising initiatives.
Bridging Lanka works to add value to existing developmental efforts in the following ways: • Knowledge transfer: The diaspora provides professional expertise as volunteers in a wide range of disciplines, and works successfully alongside local counterparts to build their capacity; • Street cred: The diaspora is familiar with the Sri Lankan context, including language, politics, bureaucracy and cultural values, so are better placed to understand and work more intensively with individuals and villagers over the long term outside the NGO constraints of time, funding and short project cycles; • Diversity ethos: The diaspora in Australia are accustomed to living in harmony with people from diverse cultural, religious and linguistic communities so are better positioned to understand and convey the benefits of social cohesion and reconciliation; • Value for money: Bridging Lanka’s model enables the implementation of some work at relatively low cost compared with commercial or other options.
Current projects include: • Youth managed eco-tourism ventures in three isolated villages with a 49% youth unemployment rate; • Support to transition from illegal forest based activity (tree felling, sand and gravel mining, hunting) to legal livelihoods; • Commercial kitchen and café for war-affected widows for their financial sustainability; • Kulam (lagoon) rehabilitation and protection from illegal encroachment to reduce annual urban flooding and hence human displacement; • Village economic development based on animal welfare, edu-tourism and donkey assisted therapy for disabled children; • Various trial projects to address a social cohesion crisis caused by ongoing violent attacks against Muslim persons and property by extremist Sinhala Buddhist groups including monks; • Numerous organic gardening and paddy farming trials to address increasing chronic kidney disease and cancers caused by chemical fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides; • English and IT training for students, adult professionals and religious leaders.
10 Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 Annex 4 Governance and monitoring of proposed mechanism Roles and responsibilities Based on information gathered during this proposal drafting process, the following roles for Consortium members are suggested: Member Diaspora Action Australia (DAA) Supporting members’ initiatives Summary of Consortium member Since 2008 played role as umbrella body for diasporas through: • • Providing resources, information and training • • Building networks • Amplifying voices at local, national and international levels Facilitating dialogue, mentoring and shared learning DAA ran a major national diaspora conference (held in 2016) and regular events and seminars.
Afghan Australian Development Organisation (AADO) Established in 2002 under the leadership of Afghan-Australian Dr Nouria Salehi AOM and an active Committee of Management.

AADO has effectively delivered education and training support for thousands of women and men to foster sustainable livelihoods and professional skills development.
AADO’s Master Science Teacher Training Program has been highly successful in strengthening the quality of science teaching and improving students’ results/employment prospects.

Bridging Lanka Formed in 2010, Bridging Lanka connects expatriate and in- country Sri Lankans, harnessing the expertise and resources of one for the benefit of the other.

Programs include livelihood support, business development, community advocacy, urban planning and social cohesion projects.
Potential role in Pilot • Main point of contact for Consortium members and DFAT • Convening of Consortium members for planning, monitoring, learning processes and communications • Accountability for the Pilot’s funding from DFAT funding • Ensuring reporting (financial, narrative, monitoring) is submitted according to agreed standards and times • Support for networking with DAA membership, through Diaspora Learning Network • Active engagement in all aspects of the Pilot’s design, implementation and learning processes • High quality management of MSTT, as funded • Accountability to DAA for funding, to feed into overall Pilot management process • Promotion of the value of partnership with DFAT and the pilot approach in the Afghan-Australian community • Active engagement in all aspects of the Pilot’s design, implementation and learning processes • High quality management of funded programs • Accountability to DAA for funding, to feed into overall Pilot management process • Promotion of the value of partnership with DFAT and the pilot approach in Sri Lankan-Australian community 11 Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 Oxfam Australia Oxfam Australia is a leading development NGO with over 60 years of experience in complex and diverse development advocacy and programming effort in 80 countries.
Oxfam is committed to tackling poverty, injustice and inequality and to demonstrating the effectiveness of its programs and efforts.

Oxfam is committed to engagement with diaspora-led organisations for maximising contributions to addressing development challenges.

Oxfam has the highest level of accreditation and governance.
• Support for linkages between development agencies and diaspora-led organisations, consistent with its role in establishing DAA • Support for efforts at national levels (in Afghanistan and Sri Lanka) based on existing networks and systems • Facilitation of Pilot learning processes, using relevant action-research and other methods • Support for reporting and sharing findings across extensive global networks.
12 Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 Governance and management Within a partnership context, details of governance, management, financial and risk management should be determined collaboratively between the Consortium members and DFAT.

Proposed Consortium members are high calibre, widely-recognised leaders.
Executive Directors of all members have extensive governance and development experience with impressive and long-term track records of initiating and influencing positive change in Australia and internationally.

Their commitment to this innovative approach makes for a highly effective and efficient governance process.

Representatives from Consortium members will participate in advisory and monitoring committees to support an effective piloting process.
Risk management strategies will need to take account of the particular access issues for diaspora engagement in their countries of origin, as well as the aspects of safety and security related to each particular context.

For example, in the case of AADO’s work in Afghanistan, practical approaches have been developed and tested over years, to minimise risks to participants and personnel involved in program delivery.
In relation to funding the development programs delivered by diaspora-led organisations, there is an understanding that diaspora-led organisations will source and contribute their own funding towards programs (in some cases, re-directing funds from supporting family members).

However, the nature and extent of this diaspora-led contribution may need to be tested during the pilot period.
Monitoring and evaluation, and reporting systems Monitoring and evaluation approaches for this type of partnership and funding will need to be customised to suit the nature of the agreed mechanism and the particular contexts and stakeholders involved.

It will be important to draw on contemporary monitoring and evaluation systems and practices used within the broader official Aid Program.
Given the innovative nature of the proposed pilot funding mechanism, approaches used for monitoring and evaluation in DFAT’s Innovation Exchange may also be relevant.

Accountability mechanisms that recognise the distinctive strengths of diaspora-led organisations will need to be designed and trialled.

This work would strengthen the capacity of DFAT and diaspora organisations to deliver high quality accountability without unreasonable burdens being placed on small organisations.
The following performance questions are suggested, to be asked in two stages – mid-way and towards the end of the Pilot: 1.

What are the strengths and benefits of diaspora-led organisations in contributing to developmental change?

2.

What do diaspora-led development organisations add to the current mix of development partners?

3.

Does the Australian community element of diasporas change the nature of aid programming and results, compared with faith-based or other NGOs?

4.
4.

What comprises a tailored framework for diaspora NGO’s reporting and accountability?

13 Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 5.

What works well in terms of collaboration between DFAT and Australian diaspora-led organisations and what could be improved?

6.

Which elements of the funding mechanism are effective and which elements need to be improved?

7.

What has been learned about the value of remote-management of aid programming?

8.
8.

Have the Consortium and the partnership with DFAT worked well?

If so, what have been the success factors?

If not, what could be done in future to improve collaboration?
14 Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 8 November 2016 Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Sent via email to: To DFAT – Canberra and Kabul Australian NGOs in Afghanistan We, the members of ACFID’s Afghanistan Community of Practice (CoP), appreciate the opportunity to provide you with the information contained in this letter to support decision making regarding ANCP-funded programs in Afghanistan for 2017-18.
We reiterate our deep commitment to development work in Afghanistan, and we acknowledge the essential support of the Australian Government in this endeavour.

Background On 31 October 2016, DFAT convened a teleconference between ACFID’s Afghanistan CoP, DFAT’s Afghanistan Development Section, NGO Performance and Quality Section, and Kabul Post.
This meeting was convened at the request of ACFID’s Afghanistan CoP to clarify DFAT’s current approach to funding NGOs in Afghanistan and DFAT’s future strategies and priorities in Afghanistan.

At this meeting, DFAT outlined its assessment of the security environment in Afghanistan and the security incidents DFAT have engaged in over the last year.

Post was asked whether they would recommend approving ANCP-funded programs in Afghanistan in 2017- 18.
A response was not provided at this meeting but DFAT committed to confirming its funding approach and advising the Afghanistan CoP of its position within two weeks.

Before making this decision, we ask that you consider the following information and recommendations, which are based on consolidated input from ACFID Afghanistan CoP members and associated local partner organisations working in Afghanistan.
Risk mitigation strategies by Australian NGOs We appreciate DFAT’s acknowledgement that Australian NGOs provide excellent value for money.1 We also draw your attention to the results of work in creating positive changes in people’s lives, notably the lives of women, our well-established links with local partners and communities, our thorough understanding of the nature of security risks, and comprehensive risk mitigation strategies.
ACFID members have been working in Afghanistan for several decades; we understand the local environment and security 1 ANCP has consistently outperformed other DFAT programs on development results.
While ANCP partners only receive 2.7% of Australia’s official development assistance budget, ANCP partners deliver 18.2% of development results: See, Australian Government, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Office of Development Effectiveness (2015) Evaluation of the Australian NGO Cooperation Program Final Report, 54.
Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 context, and take seriously the responsibility to mitigate and reduce security risks to our staff, partners and community members.
As organisations who collectively expended $842 million in Financial Year 2014-15, $18 million of which was spent on work in Afghanistan, we have considered, deliberate and sophisticated security management arrangements to meet our obligations under law and to put the safety of our people, partners and community members at the heart of our planning processes and security protocol.
We understand the concerns held by DFAT in relation to security risks to personnel working in Afghanistan, and we understand that we need careful planning to reduce risks from terrorism, criminality and corruption.

To do this, NGOs have developed and adhere to robust security management frameworks.
Our strategies for risk mitigation include:  dedicated security teams that review all activities and travel; continual monitoring of intelligence and situation reports;  connections to the International NGO Safety Organization which provides  immediate security information via text message and email notifications; crisis management plans, security manuals, and regular staff training on risk mitigation and emergency procedures; incident mapping;   maintaining office and accommodation security by changing locations and  monitoring perimeters; regular communications and coordination with other NGOs and partners; keeping low profiles and minimising the amount of expatriate staff;    minimising the need for any foreign national staff travelling outside of Kabul city;    ensuring staff accessibility to up to date emergency contact details;  enhancing acceptance strategies and getting local support for non-local staff to vehicle tracking and electronic tracking for foreign national staff; keeping emergency rations in stock; operate in the province; and  maintaining all safety and security measures around travel with emphasis on: controlling travel related information; gaining community approval for road travel prior to departure; and gathering as much route information locally and through police, military, partners, contractors, other NGO operating in the areas of intended travel.
Australian NGOs largely follow the same security protocols as non-NGO partners.

Our advantage over multilateral organisations includes our ability to maintain a low profile and our direct access to invaluable local knowledge.

The overwhelming majority of staff on our programs are Afghan nationals with strong connections and ties to the communities with which we work.

We have our ear to the ground, and often receive prior notice of increased risks.
Communities alert us immediately or report any ‘symptoms' of imminent attacks such as women, children and elderly leaving an area.

We are vigilant about changes to the security context and continually review and update our security management plans in line with changes in the security environment.

ANCP accreditation is a rigorous risk-management process.
To gain accreditation, NGOs are required to undergo a thorough and independent assessment of our organisational structure, systems, policies and philosophies against an agreed set of criteria.

This process ensures that all risks are reduced to the furthest extent and the track record of ACFID members working in Afghanistan is proof of its effectiveness.
It is also important to note that despite our agencies being based in Australia, and being funded by the Australian Government in some instances, it does not directly follow that Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 many of our staff are Australian in Afghanistan.

And thus, funding our agencies should not directly infer in an increased presence of and risk to Australians in Afghanistan.
Recommendations In light of the concerns outlined by DFAT on 31 October 2016 and in previous engagements, we make the following recommendations to address the needs of both DFAT and NGO programs: 1.

Take a case-by-case approach to deciding whether to approve an ANCP- funded program.

This would reflect that the level of risk varies depending on the type of activities, the province the NGO is working in, and the robustness of the NGO’s security management; 2.
Facilitate consultations between Kabul Post, Canberra desk and the relevant NGO/s about any concerns before a final decision about an ANCP-funded program is made.

This would ensure that decisions are made with operational experience in mind and NGOs have an opportunity to explain how their risk mitigation strategies address concerns and how these strategies have adapted to any changed circumstances; 3.
Continue the process initiated at the 147th Committee for Development Cooperation (CDC) meeting on 3 November 2016 in relation to ANCP contract issues.

At this meeting, DFAT agreed to consider a brief on ANCP contract issues prepared by NGO representatives on the CDC and that the issues raised will be discussed and resolved with DFAT Contracts and CDC.
One such issue is the question around DFAT’s liability under work health and safety legislation for delivery partners if the relationship is characterised as a contract for services rather than a partnership; and 4.

Consult with NGOs about any concerns regarding general security practice and/or significant changes to the Smarttraveller threat-level.
Yours Sincerely ACFID Afghanistan Community of Practice Act for Peace │ ActionAid Australia │ The Afghan Australian Development Organisation │ CARE Australia │ TEAR Australia │ The Fred Hollows Foundation │ Mahboba’s Promise │ Oxfam Australia│ Save the Children Australia │ World Vision Australia Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 Afghan Australian Development Organisation Livelihoods Education Training 9 November 2018 Dear Tony and Maureen, Tashie, Anna, Mark and Marcus, Our warmest congratulations on ten years of giving through the Planet Wheeler Foundation.
We have found the Wheeler Foundation to be extraordinary amongst Australian philanthropy because it has stuck with us in a longstanding partnership that goes far beyond a financial one.

In the PWF, we have a partner that has embarked on a journey with us at AADO with a shared commitment to building the capacity and sustainability of our volunteer, diaspora-led organisation.
The PWF board’s decision in funding capacity building and not just direct program delivery was an invaluable decision at the right time for AADO and is a testament to Mark’s leadership as chair.

It is also the reason that a small diaspora-led, volunteer organisation NGO is still going strong after 17 years of working in post-conflict Afghanistan.

Back in 2008, Lonely Planet started our long association by supporting our village programs.
By 2010, the Wheeler Foundation committed to AADO for a Science teacher training program for a period of five years.

Then you stood by AADO when we developed this into a more impactful train-the-trainer program.

Your very significant financial contribution to this work since 2012 has allowed us to train 4,100 teachers overall from 540 high schools across Afghanistan who have graduated as Master Teachers.
They now act as school-based teams providing training and practical support to their colleagues, especially women returning to the profession.

In participating schools we have seen the final year exam results of young men and women improve dramatically, along with their chances of gaining professional qualifications.

When we needed time for a transition into a new income stream, Anna and Mark have proved a helpful sounding board for our advocacy plans and supported that transition period.
Marcus made sure we had pro bono help to develop our business development plans for approaching new major donors.

For us, the Foundation has been the very best of friend to Afghans and to AADO and we join with our Committee of Management, and with our leadership team in Kabul, to congratulate you all on this fabulous milestone and to wish you every success in the future.
Dr Nouria Salehi Executive Director Sarina Greco President The Afghan Australian Development Organisation provides education and training in Afghanistan for those with minimal opportunities, in particular women, to foster sustainable livelihoods and develop professional skills.

AADO has a proven track record of high outcome, low cost programs which are delivered by local project staff with deep community networks and trusted relationships.
Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 Afghan Australian Development Organisation (AADO) Annex 8: Roundtable with delegation of Afghan Parliament and Civil Society Leaders and with 60 key stakeholders to develop recommendations on how women’s rights could be prioritised and protected during transition and post-2014, and how women’s participation in the peace process could be assured https://aado.org.au/wp- content/uploads/2014/01/AADO-Annual-Report-2013.pdf Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1 Afghan Australian Development Organisation (AADO) Annex 9: Australia-Afghanistan Dialogue with Afghan Women Leaders https://www.aado.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/AADO-Annual-report-2019.pdf Issues facing diaspora communities in AustraliaSubmission 61 - Attachment 1