CORPORATE GOVERNANCE TRAINING WORKSHOP FOR CIVIL SOCIETY ACTORS IN TOGO

WORKSHOP EVALUATION REPORT Prepared by Adama Bah

11-14 May, 2009- Lome, Togo

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction 2. Overall Course Delivery 3. Course Content 4. Recommendations on How the Handbook can be Improved 5. Course Duration 6. Assessment of Resource Persons 7. Challenges 8. Immediate Impact 9. Recommendations from Participants.

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1. INTRODUCTION
The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) supported by the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) organised a Corporate Governance training workshop for 30 representatives of civil society organisations in Togo. The overall objective of the workshop was to provide participants with knowledge and skills in strengthening accountability mechanisms, maximising the Boards role and efficiency, developing effective reporting structures, and enhancing financial management. The evaluation outcomes of the workshop are highlighted below.

2. OVERALL COURSE DELIVERY Areas of Assessment Percentage Rating Outcomes of Participants Very Satisfied Not Satisfied Satisfied
63% 26% 63% 44% 37% 74% 37% 56%

1. Workshop Objectives 2. Course Handbook 3. Course Delivery 4. Workshop Methodology (lectures, discussions and exercises)

PARTICIPANT EXPLANATIONS FOR RESPONSES 1. Workshop Objectives The workshop enabled the participants to have clear understanding of good governance, the role of a Board and its members and the relationship between the Board and Management. Key Corporate Governance theories and concepts were highlighted in a simple and applicable manner; The concept of the Good Governance was practically explained by the resource person; The methodology of the workshop enabled the participants to appreciate the theoretical and contextual nature of good governance and its implications in the region. This process was eminated by practical examples. The workshop was designed to facilitate the replication of the course in their various organisations/associations.
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2. Course Handbook The handbook contained a rich blend of theory and practice. The handbook contained comprehensive learning exercises serves as a reference document. The handbook needs to be upgraded periodically so that it can become a timeless learning resource for all Civil Society Organisations in Togo. Certain aspects of the handbook need to be reviewed due to improper translation.

3. Course Delivery The lectures were interactive and allowed for participants to ask questions and made contributions. The resource persons had a firm grasp of their various subject areas; The subject areas were explained in a simple and practical manner. Although the PowerPoint presentations were in English supported by simultaneous Interpretation, it was very satisfactory.

4. Workshop Methodology The discussions facilitated peer learning and experience sharing; The combination of lectures, discussions and exercises facilitated a better understanding of the concept of corporate governance; The exercises were very engaging, educative and context specific; The participants were given the opportunity to ask questions and share their individual experiences. The discussions highlighted the problems and realities of CSOs in Togo. In future training, more case studies should be discussed such as Gbese Case Study.

3. COURSE CONTENT
Topics Covered Percentage Rating Outcomes of Participants Very useful, am Satisfied with Not very satisfied this topic, may satisfied, be useful may not be useful 67% 33% 85% 56% 41% 44% 15% 44% 59% 52% 4%

1. Introduction to Corporate Governance 2. What is Corporate Governance 3. Boards & Management 4. Legal & Regulatory Issues 5. Board Meetings & Committees

6. Accountability,
Legitimacy for NGOs

Transparency

& 85%

15% 30% 33%

7. Financial Statements & Reporting 8. Internal Controls & Audits

70% 63%

4%

9. Budgetary Control Management

and

Financial 56%

44% 56% 52% 33% 33% 48% 48% 44% 4%

10. Budgeting 11. Budget Cycle 12. Financial Management

13. Directorship Failures

44% 44% 67% 67% 52% 52% 56%

14. Duties & Responsibilities of a Board 15. Board Management Relationship 16. Training Evaluation &Action Points

4. RECOMMENDATIONS ON HOW THE HANDBOOK CAN BE IMPROVED

1. The handbook can be improved by adding additional learning outcomes that emanated from the workshop. 2. The handbook can be revised by improving the translation of various aspects. 3. The handbook should be updated periodically to take into consideration global, continental, regional and national developments. 4. The exercises enabled the participants to network and share ideas.

5. COURSE DURATION Percentage Rating Outcomes of Participants Too Long Too Short About Right
7% 11% 82%

6. ASSESSMENT OF RESOURCE PERSONS

1. The resource persons were patient, courteous and took into consideration participants concerns. 2. Determination of resource persons for CSOs to make a change did not pass unnoticed 3. The resource persons were well-versed with their various subject areas. 4. The resource persons were able to articulate the various components of the course in a clear, concise and contextual manner. 5. The high level of engagement and quality of discussions were as a result of the training competencies of the resource persons. 6. The resource persons provided an adequate platform for participants to share ideas and experiences. 7. The resource persons were open-minded and had good listening skills.

7. CHALLENGES
Most participants do not have basic knowledge of Finance, Budgeting and the role of the Board.

8. IMMEDIATE IMPACTS
Participants formed a networking association on the last day of the workshop. They agreed to meet frequently to exchange experiences and revisit how far they have practiced what they have lent during the Corporate Governance workshop. Also these meetings will be used as a platform to discuss How CSOs in Togo can move Togo forward. Mr. Koffi TOUSSA volunteered the use of his office for the next meeting. Mme Claire WILDAF Togo Executive Director has been nominated to be the head of the Association. Before the training, the participants lacked confidence. They confessed that they did not believe that CSOs in Togo could make a difference by acting as check on government.

9. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM PARTICIPANTS

More Corporate governance and leadership trainings should be organised for Civil Society Organisations in Togo. WACSI should do an extensive follow-up of the development of the newly formed Association.
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WACSI should show the Pray The Devil Back to Hell at its future trainings. This was recommended by one of the participants, who had benefited from WACSIs Corporate Governance and Leadership Training Workshop held in Accra in November, 2008.