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History and Evolution of CRDA |
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The idea of creating
CRDA was initially conceived in 1973 when a group of few organizations
agreed to exchange information and coordinate their response to the
grave humanitarian disaster of the time inflicted by drought, famine
and displacement. As the intensity of the crisis deepened, a bank
account was opened and the Christian Relief Fund was established to
mobilize resources. This offspring as a seedling, and through the
passage of time, gave way for the rise of the now CRDA.
Commencement: The period 1974 – 1976 is remarkably known as one
of establishment and recognition. It was in the year 1974 that the
first constitution of CRDA was drawn up; and the following year the
Association got registered with the Government of Ethiopia. An office
was set up, the first coordinator was employed, an operating system and
resources were put in place.
Coordinating Relief: During its nascence, CRDA’s entire focus
was on coordinating relief efforts of the NGO community in Ethiopia.
CRDA’s contribution was mainly related to the provision of logistic
supports that assisted in distribution of grain, supplementary food
supplies and medicine. It also availed seeds, oxen and implements (for
rehabilitation) to victims of the disaster. The Association also
provided funding for income-generating, recovery and reconstruction
projects and rehabilitation programs. In addition, CRDA helped in
early warning activities vis-à-vis famine and drought through its
information dissemination services.
Promoting the role of NGOs in development and policy advocacy:
Being a learning organization, CRDA has undergone several
fundamental changes in mandate, organizational structure, and
direction ever since its establishment. These changes are induced as a
result of the international and national dynamics of the environment
in which CRDA is working.
Organization: CRDA has grown from an office with a handful of
staff into a relatively complex organizational setup under Ethiopian
leadership (see Organization and Services.)
Mandate and Strategic Direction: CRDA has transformed its
mandate and itself from a mere relief coordinating entity to an
institution that strives for societal transformation and the emergence
of a vibrant civil society in Ethiopia. In so doing, it adopts the
following four strategic directions for the realization of its
Mission:
Transformation of the CRDA membership and the broader NGO sector
in Ethiopia towards bringing about overall societal
transformation;
Enabling its members to become leading exponents of civil society
(advocacy, networking and partnership at all levels);
Facilitating the creation of an enabling environment for the
emergence and development of a vibrant civil society in Ethiopia; and
Cultivating civil society organizational culture and practice
(governance, transparency, participation, dialogue, openness,
self-critics and reflection, communication, conversation and
learning)
The paradigm shift as a result of the change process at CRDA
necessitated the revision of the Memorandum of Association and the
Bye-law of CRDA and the introduction of new organizational development
schemes. It also required a systematic consideration of how to carry
out its Mission. Thus, its third Three-Year Program Plan (2005-2007)
was developed in 2004, which now serves as a basis for its
interventions in development and policy advocacy issues. The Program
Plan gave CRDA a new inertia with clearly articulated Vision, Mission
and Strategic Directions from which targeted and measurable o
operational plans are developed and implemented.
CRDA‘s success over the years is grounded in the fact that it is a
learning and flexible organization adjusting to a changing
environment.
Click Here to return to About Us
Click Here to read
more on the Organizational Objectives and Services of CRDA
Click Here to read
more on CRDA's Mission and Functions
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