Demanding more from each other

MS Uganda director Ulla Strøbech explains her views on how to make the partnerships work even better

By Kimbowa B. James, UPA

MS is mentioning that it would like to make the partnerships even better. Is there a problem?

As observed in the 2003 baseline survey, MS has been too nice and probably for too long. So we need to put more conditions and requirements in the partnerships and also encourage the partners to do the same with us. Of course, this may require new demands from each party.

But it is in the interest of strengthening the partnership that efforts are made to encourage the local organisations to attain a level of sustainability and practise of good governance.

We would also like to contribute by empowering the partners to spend less time on organisational management issues and instead spend more time on activities that target their constituency, the grassroot community.

Will more conditions and requirements in the partnerships not scare off the partners?

No, no. We hope the requirements and conditions will become a standard upon which the partnership will run. This will also assist the partners in becoming stronger organisations. Being more capable at monitoring their activities and having better documentation of their performance.

Is it the partners that have to see the partnership work better or MS?

Both have to contribute. Of course MS would like to see a situation where the partners are making demands or asking more questions. The reactions or questions are vital and will count in strengthening the partnership.

There may be partners who feel or consider MS to be more of a donor than a partner. What is MS doing to assist such partners understand their role?

Obviously, MS sticks with the local organisations for a long time and co-operates with its partners in the good and bad times. This, a donor will not do.

Many organisations struggle to fulfil their contribution, especially in terms of raising financial resources. But many end up relying on MS support. How is MS supporting them to over come this?

We do not know why. Maybe people are just feeling that, MS support is convenient or they are too lazy to find other alternatives. MS always encourages partners to have a long-term sustainable vision and we would like to continue to make demands to the partners on this area as well. Also, we plan to organise a fundraising workshop in 2004.