Organisational development project in the development sector in Malagasy Lutheran Church (MLC) : project review April 2006

Abstract

The MLC Organisational Development Project in the Development Sector is now in its second phase (2005-2007). The project consists of three ingredients: 1.To establish a united policy for all the development activities in the MLC. 2.To establish a National Coordination Office for development, and a structure for development on all levels. 3.Give training in development related topics both to professionals and volunteers. This project review takes place within a period during which the Basic Philosophy Document was approved by the MLC, the National Office for Coordination of Development activities is constituted with the staff, the administrative structures are settled and in function and training both on national and synod levels have been carried out. One of the main points in the Policy Document is that development is basically promoted by what is going on on the grassroots’ level, what kind of initiatives single persons, farmers and others, church committees on different levels and other organizations take. This review focuses especially on that aspect.

The conclusion was that the impact of the National Office in the synods was very visible. They have guided the synods through a process so that the synods now have their own development plans. Every synod also has a development coordinator and a development committee. And the National Office is still following up the processes in the synods. The review team strongly suggests that these follow-up activities continue.