Chairwoman’s report
Chairwoman’s report
Change in spite of it all This summer I heard a radio programme in which a researcher concluded that ”organisations actually work in spite of it all and they only keep doing so because, and as long as, a hope for change exists.” It led me naturally to think of IBIS and, in spite of everything, hope and change. The world is changing around IBIS and IBIS is also helping to change the world. Very often in defiance because our work is constantly challenged by those in power, undemocratic rules, corruption and much more. I am happy that, in spite of it all, IBIS is doing well and that we obtain very good results. 2010/2011 has been an eventful, challenging and positive year for IBIS, where we have succeeded with a lot and have learned a lot - not least because of the huge effort made by committed employees, partners and volunteers. My highlights from the year that has passed all include hope, change and defiance.
Regards, Mette Müller Chairwoman, IBIS
Educational results that really make a difference
It is said that it is difficult to show results of the long-term work for education but IBIS’s work for education has this year once again delivered impressive results of the kind that is most difficult to achieve: IBIS’s work in education has inspired changes throughout the school systems to the gratification of everyone in the country and not only those who were part of the project. In several places, we have managed to persuade the authorities to apply IBIS’s experience on a larger scale, to permanently employ teachers, whom IBIS has helped to educate, to change the national legislation and to create better curricula and, in general, to have created higher quality education based on our work. It shows that IBIS largely succeeds in the long haul, which creates collaboration between teachers, parents and authorities and inspires and supports people working to create good training opportunities for all children.
Hope in Sudan - inspite of the odds
It was great to meet these wonderful students in Bolivia and see how much pride they take in going to school and how much joy they get from it. 4
This year, we on IBIS’s Board have decided that the new South Sudan shall be IBIS’s new partner country. Africa’s newest country is in a crucial phase of rebuilding and the need to rebuild the educational system and give war kids a chance to get an education and learn important life skills is enormous. IBIS has already been working on a small scale in South Sudan. Since 2007, we have supported special schooling for the children and young people who missed their school start because of war and poverty and are now too old to start in mainstream classes. There are considerable challenges for South Sudan and IBIS will work closely with our partners from Alliance2015 to effectively help the country to a good start.
Taxes which work
Small taxes can change big things for many people. We believe in this and - in spite of the complexity of this subject and the major forces that are at stake - this conviction means that IBIS has this year strengthened efforts to ensure that international companies pay tax on the natural resources they extract from developing countries. Money, amounting to 160 billion dollars a year and which companies often succeed in sneaking out of the countries. In a country like Ghana, fair taxation of oil and gold could make aid entirely superfluous - that is, if the money is spent properly and transparently by the country’s government. IBIS is also active in this field and, this year, IBIS’s partners have, inter alia, managed to get the country’s oil contracts published so that citizens can see what’s coming in, and participate in discussions of how the money is to be used. In addition, IBIS has been active in the Danish and European campaigns working to introduce a tax on all financial transactions - the so-called Robin Hood tax, which now actually appears to have a chance of becoming a reality. The next battle will be to ensure that a fair proportion of the money goes to developing countries and doesn’t just end in European treasuries.
Foreign policy changes in Denmark
Just as IBIS plays an active role in creating changes in our partner countries, this year we have been active in influencing the Danish agenda. IBIS has helped to put Sudan’s debt cancellation on the agenda, create discussion about Danida’s decision to phase out in Latin America and IBIS has often participated in debates about tax and tax havens. At the turn of the year, IBIS became chairman of the NGO forum, which is the central organ of cooperation for Danish organisations interested in development assistance. The chairmanship has given us a special responsibility but also a special platform to engage in dialogue with politicians, authorities and media
Focus on Latin America
Is there anything better than when a bunch of active members gets a bright idea, make it a reality and creates a huge success? I can’t think of anything, and I have enjoyed watching Latino-movie aficionados in their hundreds troop up to IBIS every first Thursday of the month to watch movies, listen to music, talk about Latin America and send the profits from beer and popcorn to educationhungry women in Guatemala. In this way, the members help to keep Latin America on the agenda at a time when it is downgraded by nearly everyone else. At the same time, the events support IBIS’s
I have been happy to follow the success of Latino Films. With a perfect blend of exciting movies, Latino rhythms and popcorn, we succeed in filling the hall with committed people every month.
IBIS’s work in Sudan is certainly not easy or without its challenges. But the day that South Sudan gained its independence was a big step and I was happy to see the hope which shone in the faces of its new citizens.
efforts to maintain the effort in the region through country programmes in Bolivia, Guatemala and Nicaragua, and not least through
IBIS is also changing
In a changing world, it is important to ensure that the way in which we organize our work is the best way to achieve the best and greatest possible assist ance for your money. During the past year, IBIS has thus gone through a major restructuring and increased responsibilities and competencies at the offices of our cooperation countries. Changes of this magnitude are rarely easy but our employees have made considerable efforts to ensure its success. Today, the regional level, which previously existed for South America, Central America and West Africa, is redundant and IBIS now comprises the headquarters in Copenhagen and country offices in seven partner countries (eight, when the office in South Sudan is fully established). Thus the distance has been reduced and the foundations of a strong and efficient system have been laid. Finally, on behalf of the board, I want to say a big thank you to all those who support our work, either as a member, contributor, collaborator or employee. Thanks to you, we can maintain our hope that the world can be changed for the better. Sincerely,
Mette Müller, chairwoman of IBIS 5