Institutional framework capacity building
A key component of SaferAfrica's work deals with assisting in capacity building efforts for implementing agencies and organizations, as well as stakeholders that will reinforce peace and security processes in the south.
Capacity building and training is a continuous process whereby role players involved in the development, and implementation of the National Action Plan, enhance their skills and abilities. Capacity building and training is undertaken in a variety of ways. This includes formal training courses, workshops, provision of reference material, etc.
Capacity building and training is directed at various levels including the regional, national and provincial structures designated with the responsibility of implementing agreed initiatives, programmes and activities on SALW, as well as relevant civil society role players.
Within the small arms environment, the National Focal Point (NFP) is the operative structure for delivery. The NFP is an inter-agency structure responsible for the coordination of all actions relating to small arms and light weapons within a national territory. The NFP comprises of a number of governmental departments (such as home affairs, defence, foreign affairs, etc.) as well as civil society organisations.
Mirroring the composition of the NFP, at a provincial level, provincial task forces are responsible for the implementation of the national action plan on the ground. In different countries, these structures are referred to by different names. For example, in Botswana there are District Task Forces, while in Uganda there are Regional Task Forces.
Training of Provincial Task Forces
SaferAfrica engaged in a number of activities focused on training of Provincial Task Forces (PTFs) to strengthen their capacity on managing and administering small arms control and disarmament policies. There is usually a single provincial task force per province or administrative region in a country. Hence, the commencement of the training roll out requires careful coordination and logistical planning to deliver on training commitments in an efficient - both cost and time – and effective manner. The SaferAfrica training team is usually in field continuously for two to three weeks when undertaking training. The training is provided at the various provincial capitals.
Two of the main objectives of the first round of training of the National Focal Point and the Provincial / District Task Forces are to firstly obtain a working knowledge of the main international, regional and sub-regional agreements on small arms and light weapons, and secondly, to gain an in-depth understanding of the structure, composition, role, functions and responsibilities of the National Focal Point on firearms and the Provincial / District Task Force for arms management as national implementation structures.
Through both training workshops and publications, SaferAfrica aims to provide this information to government and civil society. Refer to chapter 2 of the Reference and Operational Manual for National Focal Points on SALW which deals with international, regional and sub-regional initiatives on small arms control, and chapter 4 which deals with the institutional framework within which the National Focal Point and Provincial and District level Task Forces on SALW function.
Botswana District Task Force Training
SaferAfrica in partnership with the Botswana National Focal Point facilitated six training workshops in Botswana to strengthen the capacity of the Botswana National Focal Point and the District Task Forces. The training was conducted over the period 14 June 2005 to 05 July 2005. The training focused on managing and administering small arms control and disarmament policies; increasing the synergy within and between the Botswanan National Focal Point and the District Task Forces; and consulting with civil society on the implementation of the Botswana National Action Plan. Read more...
Uganda Regional Task Force Training
SaferAfrica facilitated six training workshops in Uganda to strengthen the capacity of the Ugandan National Focal Point and the Regional Task Forces. The workshops were presented in partnership with the Ugandan National Focal Point on SALW and the Security Research and Information Centre, and the training was conducted over the period 14 February 2005 to 04 March 2005. The training focused on managing and administering small arms control and disarmament policies; increasing the synergy within and between the Ugandan National Focal Point and the Regional Task Forces; and consulting with civil society on the implementation of the Ugandan National Action Plan. Read more...
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