PROJECT FOR WIDENED PARTICIPATION

IN IMPLEMENTATION OF GRASSROOTS
DEMOCRACY AND MEDIATION
The project was funded by The US Department of State
Grant #S-LMAQM-09-GR-004
CRS project number: 896-0067

FINAL EVALUATION REPORT

CRS/Vit Nam
June, 2012

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
From the bottom of our heart, we, the research team would like to express our appreciation and sincere
gratitude to those organizations and people who helped us to accomplish the evaluation report. Special
thanks to:
-

District Peoples Committee and Commune Peoples Committees in Thach That, Hanoi.

District Peoples Committee and Commune Peoples Committees in Hau Loc, Thanh Hoa.

District Peoples Committee and Commune Peoples Committees in Tien Lang, Hai Phong.

Institute for Research on Policy, Law and Development (PLD)

Management and Organization Science Research Center (MOSRC)

Vietnam Sustainable Development Center (VnSDC)

Center for Studies and Applied Sciences in Gender- Family - Women and Adolescents (CSAGA)

Center for Social Science Research and Humanities at Hong Duc University (CSH)

Center for Support Development of Education and Culture (E&C)

The evaluation was also completed with the active involvement and contribution of other concerned
people, organizations and institutions.
Thanks you all for your great efforts and contribution to the report.

Consultant: Hong Hoa

Editors and translators:

Nguyn Th Thy
Nguyn L Khanh
Nguyn Th Hng Minh
Vi Hi Nam
V Xun Ha

ABBREVIATIONS
CMHS

Students parent

Club

Law and Life Clubs

CRS

Catholic Relief Services

CSAGA

Center for Studies and Applied Sciences in Gender,Family,

Women and Adolescents

CSOs

Civil Society Organizations

DOET

Department of Education and Training

DV

Domestic Violence

BVMT

Environmental Protection

GM

Grassroots Mediation

M&F

Marriage and Family

PA

Student Parents Association

GD

Grassroots Democracy (Implementation of Ordinance on

democracy at commune level).

THCS

Secondary Schools

FGD

Focused Group Discussion

CSH

Center for Social Research and Humanities, at Hong Duc

University

E&C

Center for Support Development of Education and

Culture

PDV

Prevention from Domestic Violence

PVS

In-depth Interview

PLD

Institute for Research on Policy, Law and Development

MOSRC

Management and Organization Science Research Center

VnSDC

Vietnam Sustaianbale Development Center

3

Table of Contents
ACKNOWLEDGMENT...................................................................................................... 2
ABBREVIATIONS...............................................................................................................3
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY............................................Error: Reference source not found
Part 1: INTRODUCTION................................................................................................10
1. Context and project ........................................................................................................10
2. Objectives and contents of the project evaluation ......................................................... 10
3. Methodology and tools................................................................................................... 11
4. Time and location.......................................................................................................... 12
Part 2: KEY FINDINGS..................................................................................................13
I. PARTICIPATORY APPROACHES AND IMPLEMENTERS.................................13
1) The project sites:...........................................................................................................13
2) The participatory approaches:...................................................................................13
3) Implementers............................................................................................................... 14
II. THE PROJECT IMMEDIATE RESULTS............................................................... 14
1) Building capacity of Vietnamese Civil Societies (CSOs)...........................................14
1.1. Trainings in Ordinance on grassroots democracy, and mediation........................14
1.2. Trainings in institutional development and network..............................................20
1.3. Trainings in Policy Advocacy....................................................................................20
2) CRS supported for initiatives for community legal empowerement........................21
a) Content and processes of the initiative implementation...........................................21
b) Improvement of communitieslegal capacity and participation.............................. 21
c) Communication campaigns......................................................................................... 22
III. IMPROVEMENT OF LEGAL AWARENESS AND PARTICIPATION .............22
1) Legal knowledge........................................................................................................... 22
2) Community participation.......................................Error: Reference source not found3
4

IV. ACHIEVEMENT OF THE PROJECT OBJECTIVES.......................................... 24

1) Level of the project accomplishment.......................................................................... 24
2) Appropriateness............................................................................................................24
3) Sustainability............................................................................................................... 25
4) Replication.................................................................................................................... 25
5) Efficiency ......................................................................................................................26
Part 3: RECOMMENDATION.......................................................................................27

EXCUTIVE SUMMARY
With support from the U.S Department of States, CRS implemented a project on Widened
Participation in Implementation of Grassroots Democracy and Mediation in Hau Loc, Thieu
Hoa district (Thanh Hoa) and Thach That district (Hanoi). The project has two Strategic
Objectives as follows:
1. Parent Associations contribute to improved community participation in education (SO1)
2. Civil Society Organizations facilitate community participation in governance (SO2)
By June 2012, all of the project activities were accomplished and its results benefited the local
people.
To evaluate level of achievements and experiences gained from the project implementation,
particularly from SO2 component activities, CRS staff worked with a research consultant
(researcher) to conduct the SO2 component final evaluation. The researcher used qualitative
method, supplemented with quantitative data collected from available reports prepared by
CSOss staff.
From May 16 to May 28, 2012, the researcher conducted 4 FGDs and interviewed 12 people
who were beneficieries of the project in Thach That district. Summary of the evaluation as
follows:
MAIN FINDINGS
1) Immediate results:
a) When asked about legal capacity, all of the respondents said that their legal knowledge and
skills in institutional development, policy advocacy and community participation are
improved. Reports of PLD and CSOs also showed that after taking part in the TOT trainings
conducted by PLD, the trainees worked with co-workers at their organizations to conduct 63
replicated trainings for about 4,257 people in Thach That, Hau Loc and Tien Lang districts.
b) The project supported 6 CSOs to carry out successfully 11 initiatives for enhancing legal
capacity and community participation. The initiatives mainly focused on trainings on land
law, environmental law, law on gender equality, law on DV Prevention and promoting
grassroots democracy and mediation. More than 12,000 people participated in the trainings
and social events at communes. With CRSs support, the CSOs and local people contributed
about 2.5 billion VND (US$ 125,000) to the initiative implementation1.
c) The project launched 2 communication campaigns on grassroots democracy and mediation at
20 communes and 63 schools. 72 social events such as workshops on policy dialogues,
meetings for legal questions and answers, and legal-aid club meetings were organized at
communes to disseminate legal information about implementation of GD and GM to local
residents. The CSOs also worked with schools and PAs to launch 2 contests of law on road
1

A summary of small grant for CSOs, M&E report, CRS Officer, 2012

safety, and law on environmental protection. Thousands of students actively participated in

the contests.
Moreover, the designated CSOs supported maintaining regular meetings and monthly
workshops of Law and Life Clubs, Legal aid Clubs for Victims of DV, Clubs for Legal-aid
and counseling, and PAs to mobilize peoples participation in discussion of GD
implementation.
The designated CSOs also worked with Commune Peoples Committee to broadcast updated
information about laws and socio-economic development on loudspeakers system, on the
websites (www.nongdan.com.vn) and on public announcement boards. 7,200 leaflets, posters
on land law and domestic violence prevention were provided to the households.
d) Mobilizing community resources and participation.
The respondents confirmed that local authority, CSOs and local people participated in the
project implementation. Of which, governmental official from Department of Justice, DOET
and members of clubs and PA were active participants and pioneers in GD implementation.
Level of participation was improved. The local people were able to discuss, monitor and
voice their opinions on the work of the local authorities. A respondent in Huong Ngai
Commune said: Because lacks of legal information, the local people were usually passive
listeners. Now, they are more confident and proactive in discussion, giving feedback for
decision-making and implementation of socio-ecomnic projects related to their
communities.
All of the respondents answered that their family contributed materials, labors and money to
implementation of initiatives for enhancing community legal capacity and participation in
GD.
2) Achievement of the project objectives
All of the respondents agreed that:
- The project was accomplished on time, with sound quality as planned. The project goal and
objectives remained unchanged, and the initiatives objectives were consistent.
- The project mainly reached its objectives and target beneficiaries. 11 legal initiatives
launched by CSOs have contributed to enhancement of legal capacity and widened
participation of local people.
3) Appropriateness, sustainability and replication
a)
Appropriateness. The respondents indicated that all of project activities were appropriate
and helpful for CSOs staff and for the local people. The activities partly satisfied training
needs of CSOs staff and local people. Local authority, CSOs and the local people would like
7

b)

to continue the project activities.

Sustainability. All of the respondents believed that the trained facilitators and CSOss
saff will work together to continue the project activities. Firstly, the trained facilitators and
CSOs staff are experienced and capable to replicate the trainings, workshop on legal
dissemination. Secondly, the established community groups such as Law and Life Clubs,
Legal-aid Clubs for Victims of DV, Clubs of legal-aid and counseling; Environmental
Protection Taskforce, Parents Association have been operating regularly and properly.
Thirdly, most of the local authority in the project site recognized and highly appreciated
initial contributions of CSOs in community development. They expressed their support for
sustaining the project activities for community legal empowerment.
c) Replication. Trained facilitators in community and CSOs staff who participated in the
project implementation are more confident and committed to continue efforts for widened
participation in implementation of GD. They planned to share knowledge, skills and training
materials gained from the project with other colleagues and the local people. The CSOs are
drafting new proposals and plan to replicate the trainings for continuously promoting people
participation and GD implementation.

RECOMMENDATION
Based on the findings in this evaluation, the researcher has developed some recommendations to
relevant stakeholders to create an enabling policy environment for enhancing legal capacity and
widened participation in implementation of GD.
1) To CRS and International Non-profit Organizations
Building legal capacity for CSOs and communities is necessary for implementation of grassroots
democracy. CRS and international organizations should support for more community trainings
particularly trainings in institutional development, trainings in policy advocacy, and training
skills in conflict mediation. In terms of training methods, more time should be allocated for
practice, role play, group discussions and case studies.
2) To the government:
The government should create a favorable condition for CSOs to contribute to implemention of
GDs and GM. It is important to create opportunity for CSOs to participate in dialogue with the
government, particularly in socio-economic project monitoring, social feedback and public
consultation. The government and international organizations should commit to long-term
support for CSOs, so that they can develop more sustainable development strategies.
3) To legal, political and social institutions:
CSOs are more proactive when they work with legal, political and social governmental
organizations. Therefore, governmental institutions should share with CSOs updated
information, experiences and training materials such as leaflets, posters, training manuals to
communicate better about legal information and skills in implementation of GD and GM.
4) To CSOs and community based organizations:
To ensure greater quality of the project activities, CSOs themselves should enhance their own
8

institutional capacity, formulate long-term development strategies with clearer visions, and focus
on human resource development, particularly improving management, and monitoring and
evaluation competence.
5) To community and local people:
The local people participating actively in activities launched by CSOs will make great
contribution to accountability, transparency and GD and GM.

Part 1: INTRODUCTION:
1. Context and the project:
In recent years, Vietnam has issued policies and laws on implementation of grassroots
democracy at communal level2, ordinance on organization and activities of conciliation at
grassroots3 to enable citizens to discuss and participate in local development activities and to
supervise certain government actions.
Although policies and laws of the State are proper and good, its implementation is still less
effective as expected. The reason is that legal capacity of officials and CSOs are limited, there
are a part of them who are not capable to meet with requirement, especially in implementation
of grassroots democracy and building a socialist rule of law that is the State of the people, for
the people and by the people.
Some of CSOs have recognized the importance of building staff capacity, but they face a
number of challenges in sending their staff to relevant trainings due to limited financial
resources and high workloads. Therefore, building capacity for CSOs staff and communities is
necessary and important for implementation of GD and GM.
With support from the U.S Department of States, CRS implemented a project on Widened
Participation in Grassroots Democracy and Mediation in Hau Loc, Thieu Hoa district (Thanh
Hoa) and Thach That district (Hanoi). The project has two Strategic Objectives as follows:
3. Parent Associations contribute to improved community participation in education (SO1)
4. Civil Society Organizations facilitate community participation in governance (SO2)
To achieve the SO1, CRS worked with DOETs and PAs at 63 schools in 20 communes (4
communes in Hau Loc, 6 communes in Thieu Hoa and 10 communes in Thach That) to build
capacity of members of PAs in participatory trainings and workshops for widened participation
in education.
To reach the SO2, CRS worked closely with PLD and CSOs to organize trainings for enhancing
legal capacity of CSOs staff, and provided small grants to the CSOs for implementing 11
initiatives in order to train community facilitators in implementation of GD & GM in Hau Loc
(Thanh Hoa), Tien Lang (Hai Phong) and Thach That (Hanoi).
6 CSOs receiving CRS funding for implementing initiatives includes:
1. Institute for Research on Policy, Law and Development (PLD)
2. Center for Studies and Applied Sciences in Gender- Family - Women and Adolescents
(CSAGA)
2

The first new policy was Party directive 30/CT-TW, dated 18 Feb.1998. This was later issued as Decree 29 in 1998,
superseded in 2003 by Decree 79. Both decrees were officially titled Decree on the issuance of regulation on implementing
democracy in communes. In 2007, the Standing Committee of National Assembely promulgated Ordinance on exercise of
democracy in communes, wards and townships. However they have become popularly known as the Ordinance on
implementation of grassroots democracy at communal levels.
3
http://vbqppl.moj.gov.vn/vbpq/en/Lists/Vn%20bn%20php%20lut/View_Detail.aspx?ItemID=1238

10

3.
4.
5.
6.

Center for Support Development of Education and Culture (E&C).

Vietnam Sustainable Development Center (VnSDC)
Management and Organization Science Research Center (MOSRC)
Center for Social Science Research and Humanities of Hong Duc University (CSH).

CRS hired a consultant (researcher) to evaluate the project SO2 component activities.
Achievement and experiences gained from the SO2 activities are helpful for strengthening next
project activities for building capacity of CSOs and communities in the future.
2. Objectives and contents of the evaluation
The researcher gathered and analyzed the project data to evaluate the following aspects:
1. Effectiveness and appropriateness of capacity building activities for CSOs. Analyzing
how the trainees can apply knowledge and skills learned from the trainings to design and
implement CRS funded initiatives for enhancing legal capacity of community.
2. Relevance, efficiency, appropriateness and sustainability of initiatives implemented by
PLD, CSAGA, E&C, VnSDC, MOSRC and CSH.
3. Assess how CRS project activities for enhancing legal capacity of CSOs (trainings and
providing small grants) can contribute to the achievement of the SO2 component.
4. Recommendations for strengthening and replicating project activities for widened
participation in implementation of GD and GM.
3. Research Methodology and tools
The researcher used qualitative method, supplemented with quantitative data reviewed from
available reports prepared by CSOss staff.
The researcher developed question guides for FGDs and in-depth-interview. (Annex 1 and 2);
Interviewed 12 local people and facilitated 4 FGDs. The evaluation participants included:
Interviewed 2 CRS Program Officers
Interviewed 6 project officers of CSOs who directly implemented the initiatives for
community legal empowerment.
Interviewed 4 local people who were the project beneficiaries in Thach That
Facilitated 4 FGDs including 28 people who are local authorities, representatives of
governmental mass-organizations, and members of PAs at communes in Thach That.
The researcher also sent question-guide via Email to CSH and to E&C for data collection.

11

Respondents
Representatives of
local government
CSOs and schools
Members of PA
Total

Table 1: Summary of FGD participants (n=28)

Divided by commune
Ph Kim
Cn Kim
Canh Nu
Li Thng
3
3
2
1

Total
9

10

28

4. Time and location of data collection.

The researcher conducted the FGDs and interviews at Phu Kim, Lai Thuong, Di Nau, Hng
Ngi and Cn Kim communes, in Thch Tht district, H Ni, from May 16 to May 28, 2012.

12

Part II: MAIN FINDINGS

I. APPROACH AND IMPLEMENTERS
1) Projectsite:
According to the interviewees, the trainings and workshops for enhancing legal capacity of
CSOs organized by CRS and PLD in Hanoi are very convenient and appropriate. Most of the
CSOs have offices in Hanoi.
CRS provided support for 6 CSOs to implement 11 initiatives (6 initiatives in 2011, 5 initiatives
in 2012) in order to build legal capacity of community facilitators in implementation of
grassroots democracy at 18 communes (4 communes in Hu Lc district, Thanh Ha; 3
communes in Tin Lng district, Hi Phng, and 11 communes in Thach That).
A survey in the beginning of the initiatives found out that: people in the commune have never
attended any training courses on implementation of grassroots democracy, institutional
development and policy advocacy. Lack of legal information and participatory skills was
barriers and challenges in law fulfillment, particularly in land resettlement and reimbursement.
Therefore, the project partly meets training needs of the local people.
2) Approach:
CRS and local CSOs used participatory approaches in training need assessment, training designs
and implementation of initiatives for enhancing legal capacity of local people in GD
implementation. In addition, CRS project officers and PLDs staff regularly visited and directly
involved in technical assistance and monitoring of the project activities to ensure effective
participation and empowerment.
Participants of FGDs reached consensus that: The projects approach allows the participatory
skills and legal knowledge within each trained CSOs to extend quickly. With the participatory
and transparency process, CRS not only enhanced capacity of the CSOs, but also helped them
carry out initiatives sucessfully for widened peoples participation at grassroots level.
Particularly, CRS supported CSOs to design and conduct TOT trainings for potential, in-house
trainers who can then conduct replicating trainings for internal staff and co-workers, as well as
for people in communities.
3) Project Implementers
PLD was selected as implementer to conduct TOT trainings for CSOs saff. Firstly, PLD has rich
experiences in promoting good governance, rule of law towards a democratic and modern
society in Vietnam. Secondly, PLD is a Non-governmental Organization in Vietnam so it is very
familiar with individual abilities of staff and CSOs leaders, and existing training needs.
Moreover, participating in the project implementation, PLD has opportunity to practice training
skills and share with CSOs legal information learned from policy researches.
Implementation of the project is a good opportunity for us to enrich experiences in trainings,
13

community facilitation and collaboration with other CSOs to promote grassroots democracy
and mediation, said a PLD Project Officer.
CRS considered participated CSOs as direct implementers and participants. After participating
in TOT trainings, the trainees worked with local authority and CSOs to organize trainings in
participatory approaches for the local people.
A respondent from Peoples Committee in Huong Ngai commune said that CSOs worked
propely with District Department of Justice (DOJ) to launch initiatives for enhancing legal
capacity and participation of communities in GD implementation. Working with DOJ officials
for trainings in law is good and necessary, because DOJ officials are mainly responsible for
dissemining legal imformation and providing guidance on GD & GM.
II. THE PROJECT IMMEDIATE RESULTS (IRs)
1) Building legal capacity of CSOs
With support from CRS, PLD conducted successfully a series of trainings for enhancing legal
capacity of the CSOs, and supervised the CSOs to implement CRS funded initiatives for
community legal empowerment and participation.
PLD organized 3 trainings including (1) training in Ordinance on implementation of grassroots
democracy, (2) a training in institutional development, and (3) a trainings in policy advocacy.
Summary of the trainings are as follows:
1.1. Training in Ordinance on implementation of grassroots democracy
From October 21 to 22, 2010, PLD organized training in Ordinance on implementation of GD.
23 people from 10 CSOs in Vietnam took part in the training. Mrs. Nguyn Hong Anh, lecturer
of Hanoi University and Mr. Hong Nguyn Bnh, lawyer of An Bnh lawyer office were the
training facilitators.
Participatorytraining methodologies such as role-play, small group discussion and visual
presentation were used to help the participants understand contents of the Ordinance on
implementation of GD, and Ordinance on activities and operation of GM. The participants also
discussed what should be done to mobilize local resource and participation in implementation of
development projects.
At the end of the training, PLD conducted a quick survey on the training. Result of the survey
showed that: All of the participants understood main contents of the Ordinance on
implementation of GD. 100% of the participants knew rights to be known, and right to
participate in decision-making for community development. 76.1% of the participants pointed
out that the training materials and case-study used at the training were very informative and
helpful for their current work.4
4

Report on training in ordinance on implementation of grassroots democracy for CSOs, PlD, 2010

14

A training participant in Can Kiem commune added: After the trainings, I understood clearly
about GD and GM. It is different from what I thought. Now, I am more confident to apply legal
knowledge learned from the training to facilitate peoples participation and contribution to
implementation of GD. The training was really helpful both for me and my community.
To better similar trainings in the future, the respondents suggested that CRS and CSOs should
organize more trainings on GDs for more participants. Time for group discussion, questions and
answers, and exercises should be longer.
1.2. Training in institutional development and network
From March 9 to 10, 2011, PLD organized a training in Institutional development and Network.
16 people who are leaders of CSOs took part in the training.
The training facilitators helped the participants learn more about organizational strategic
analysis and planning, and discuss how to strengthen CSOs and network for promoting peoples
participation in community development.
A training participant shared that: As you know, CSOs need to make institutional development
plans for short term and long term. However, the plans were usually unfeasible and illogical.
The training provided good opportunities for us, CSOs leaders, to review our ongoing activities
and discuss more what should be done to better organizational strategic planning. We also
found out answers for questions as follows: who are CSOs (vision, mission, strength, weakness,
opportunities and threat)? What CSOs are doing? What should be done to strengthen CSOs and
its network to facilitate community participation in development and poverty reduction in
Vietnam?
With guidance from the training facilitators, each participant drafted a strategic plan for
development of their organization. Results of a quick survey at the end of the training showed
that 100% of the participants could voice out what are main contents in institutional
development such as strategic planning, human resource development, and networking.
A respondent at CSAGA said: Thanks to the training, I applied lessons learned to facilitate my
team to design and develop feasible and good strategic planning. I will keep sharing the lessons
and experiences gained from the training with other colleagues to strengthen the CSO
communities.
1.3. Training in policy advocacy
July 5 and 6, 2011, PLD conducted training in policy advocacy for 28 participants. Mr. ng
Ngc Quang was the training facilitator. The training participants reviewed definitions of
advocacy, elements of a strategic advocacy plan, and components of an advocacy campaign, as
well as discussed what skills are needed to be a successful advocate.
A respondent from CSH of Hong Duc University said: After taking part in the advocacy
15

training, I understood that advocacy is activities of influencing and shaping public policy, in
this case, it is implementation of GD.
Result of a quick survey at the end of the training showed that: The training session was very
interactive, participatory and helpful (75%), The content of material was relevant and the
facilitation was excellent such as to explain complex issues theoretically and practically (70 %).
55 % of the participants were able to apply skills and knowledge learned from the training on
their ongoing advocacy work5.
A training participant added: Advocacy knowledge and skills are very helpful for my work on
widened community participation. I wished CRS will support for CSOs to organize some more
trainings in advocacy.
After supporting for PLD to conduct trainings of trainers, CRS provided technical and financial
supports for PLD and CSOs to implement initiatives for widened community participation. The
trained CSOs applied lessons learned from the trainings to facilitate communitys attention to
important issues, put problems on the agenda, and build support for acting on the problem and
the solution, as well as direct decision makers toward solutions.
The respondents also suggested that PLD should organize more training courses in GD,
institutional development and advocacy for CSOs staff. The following are some more
suggestions to better similar training courses in the future:
- It is necessary to offer more TOT training skills for potential, in-house trainers.
- It is good to organize a series of trainings, which schedule more time for group
discussion, role play, case-study analysis and exercise.
- Trainers should conduct a training need assessment to better training design.
- The training organizers should support and supervise the trainers to conduct following up
activities for replicating trainings at grassroots level.
- Each CSO should send at least two staff to the trainings so that the trainees can work
together to conduct replicated trainings by then.

Report on training in policy advocacy, PLD 2011.

16

Table 2: Summary of training contents, participants and time of the trainings

No
Training
Time
Participants
Immediate results
contents
1
Trainings
in 21-22/10
76.1% of participants pointed out that
2010
Ordinance on
23
the training materials and case-study
implementation
analysis used at the trainings were very
of grassroots
informative and helpful for their current
democracy.
work.
9-10/3
2
Trainings
in
16
100% of the participants could voice out
2011
Institutional
contents of institutional development
development
such as strategic planning, human
and Network
resource development, and networking,
5-6/7
3
Trainings
in
28
55 % of the participants were able to
2011
policy
apply skills and knowledge learned
advocacy
from the training on their ongoing
advocacy work.
2) CRS supported initiatives for community legal empowerment
a) Contents and implementation of the initiatives.
Soon after PLD organizing trainings, CRS worked with PLD to encourage CSOs to develop
initiative proposals for community legal empowerment. More than 10 CSOs developed and
submitted the proposals to CRS. The CSOss proposals were quite good and mainly focused on
topics related to GD and GM. Based on the project objectives and criteria, in 2011, CRS selected
and provided financial support for 6 initiatives for community legal empowerment in Hau Loc,
Thach That and Tien Lang. In 2012, CRS supported 5 initiatives for strengthening and
replicating initiatives for enhancing legal capacity in Thch Tht and Tin Lng district. The
designated CSOs worked closely with PAs, schools and educational agencies to integrate the
project SO2 into SO1 activities in Thch Tht.
Community mediators, PAs, famers, women and youth were pioneers in the initiative
implementation. A summary account reported by the CSOs showed that 4,257 local people
participated actively in training courses and workshops on GD implementation and 12, 000
people took part in communication campaigns launched by CSOs.
All of the designated CSOs completed the project activities on time and good quality as
approved. The local people and local authorities were very supportive for CRS to implement the
initiatives for community legal empowerment.

17

Table 3: Summary of Initiatives for community legal empowerment

TT
1

3
4

7
8

Implementers
Name of Initiatives
Strengthening capacity of
CSOs in facilitating legal
empowerment of community
and policy advocates.
Applying
information
technology in improving legal
capacity
for
social
organizations and farmers in
communities affected by the
urbanization
and
industrialization.
Capacity building for legal
implementation at grassroots
level in Vietnam
Capacity building for local
staff in implementation of Law
on Prevention of Domestic
Violence in Thach That
District, Hanoi.
Building capacity for commune
district officials, authority
leaders in 3 project communes
in term of legal education for
community (Bringing law to
the villages).
Legal
empowerment
on
organization law, grass-roots
democracy and mediation to
strengthen
peoples
participation in development in
Hau Loc District, Thanh Hoa.
Increasing
awareness
and
implementation of rights of
land
Increased
participation of
parents and schools in using
information technology to
disseminate
educational
policies and laws.
Application
of
Village
regulation on environmental
protection in new villages and
strengthen partnership with
Parents
Association
in
organization of communication
events on legal policies on

Budget
(VND)

# of
participants

PLD

Location
Hanoi

277.920.000

122

291.146.650

408

VnSDC

MORSC

291,180,000

450

CSAGA

290,170,000

356

E&C Center

292.492.500

318

CSH Hong
Duc University

292.495.000

650

PLD

298.507.000

649

VnSDC

85.000.000

390

MORSC

109.946.000

550

In Hng Ngi,
Kim, i ng
Cm
communes,Thch
district

Ph
and
Yn
Tht

In Phng X, Li
Thng and ng Trc
communes, Thch Tht
In Canh Nu and D
Nu,
Thch
Tht
district.
In Kin Thit, Cp
Tin and Tin Minh
communes, Tin Lng
district, Hi Phng
In Ha Lc, Hi
a Lc v Lc
communes, Hu
district, Thanh
province

Lc,
Tn
Lc
Ha

In
Can Kiem and
Binh Phu communes,
Thch Tht district
In Ph Kim and Cm
Yn communes, Thch
Tht district
In Li Thng, Phng
X,
ng
Trc
communes, Thch Tht
district

18

environment
10

11

Improved capacity to facilitate

the implementation of law on
domestic violence prevention
for representatives of Parent
Associations.
Consolidation of Bringing law
to villages model.
Total:

CSAGA

113.311.000

364

E&C Center

83.712.000

308

2.425.880.150

4.257

In Canh Nu and D
Nu communes, Thch
Tht district
In Kin Thit, Cp
Tin,
Tin
Minh
communes, Tin Lng
district, Hi Phng
18 communes in 3
districts

Here are some evaluation feedbacks of the local authority and local people about the initiatives
for community legal empowerment:
Local authority and people highly appreciated significant contribution of the project to
community empowerment,An in-depth interviewee, at CSH, Hong Duc University.
A project officer of CSAGA said: Before the project, only 3-5% of the participants
know about domestic violence. But after the training, more than 50% trainees understood
what domestic violence is and how to prevent domestic violence as well as clarify the role
and responsibilities of local government, CSOs and each individual in domestic violence
prevention.
A governmental official at Huong Ngai Commune added: Now, trained famers and
women are able to use internet to search for legal information, particularly they can ask
question and get answers from the website (www.nongdan.com.vn) to solve problems.
Every Wednesday and Friday, the famers visit the websites to access to helpful
information and needed knowledge. The information and knowledge learned from the
trainings and from internet is necessary and important for community empowerment and
poverty reduction.
Village leaders, members of PAs, teachers and students were trained to become
communication agents, advocates and facilitators to promote legal support and monitor
implementation of law on environmental protection at grassroots level, said, a in-depth
interview at MORSC.
b) Legal capacity and community participation
On the project documents showed the designate CSOs accomplished the project objectives as
planned. 11 initiatives for community empowerment were
carried out properly; 63 training courses were organized for
empowering legal capacity of 4,257 participants; and 72 social
events on legal communication at villages and schools attracted
A training in GD by PLD in Thach That

19

attention and participation of 12,000 people6.

Particularly, E&C trained 318 legal facilitators, collaborators in Tien Lang district and supported
them to conduct replicated trainings in legal information for thousands of villagers. The trained
facilitators not only provided legal information to the local people but also guided them how to
fulfill civil rights and participate in exercise of ordinance on GD and GM. E&C also provided
200 books, 150 training manuals in facilitation skills for Grassroots Democracy
Implementation to the community mediators, facilitators. With support from E&C, trained
facilitators organized 18 counseling meetings to answer questions and deal with complaints
raised by the local people. E&C also supported broadcasting of legal information on
loudspeaker-system at 34 villages in Kin Thit, Cp Tin and Tin Minh communes, Tin Lng
district.
The project helped the local people to form Law and Life Clubs and mutual-aid groups at each
village to exchange legal information and discuss solutions for better implementation of GD
and GM. All of the local people listen to updated legal information broadcasted on village
loudspeakers system in every early morning.7
Result of a subproject evaluation conducted in Hau Loc district by CSH- Hong Duc University
showed that 92.9% of the respondents could voice out main contents of the Ordinance on
implementation of GD; and most of trained community mediators were able to solve latent
conflicts appearing in their communes.8
A report of CSAGA pointed out that: 85% of public servant and women in the project site were
trained in domestic violence prevention; 100% members of PAs and legal-aid clubs for victims
of DV were committed to facilitate implementation of law on prevention from domestic violence;
and 60% were able to apply legal knowledge learned from the training on their work. 9
In short, with CRS support, the CSOs not only conducted trainings and workshops for legal
empowerment but also facilitated local peoples participation in implementation of policy and
laws to protect human rights, particularly rights of disability, children, women and the poor.
c) Communication activities
The interviewees pointed out that: the CSOs launched creative and persuasive communication
campaigns for raising legal awareness of each particular group. The CSOs sent trainers and
communication officers to communes to directly deliver trainings and speeches on GD. Then,
the training participants facilitated legal counseling meetings for the local people to address
problems and solve conflicts appearing in the communities.
Moreover, the CSOs used mass-media and communication materials for facilitating legal
6
7
8
9

Sumary of the project information, 2012

Report on the project for bringing laws to villages, 2012. page 2
Report on final evaluation of CSH, Hong Duc University, 2011, page 11
Project activity report , CSAGA, 2011, page 13-14

20

empowerment. By organizing social events at villages, launching legal contest at schools and
broadcasted legal information on loudspeakers, the CSOs delivered legal information, leaflets,
posters and law books to community mediators and villagers.
Delivering speeches on law and policies to members of Law and Life Clubs, Clubs for
Legal aid and Counseling, and Legal aid Clubs for victims of domestic Violence
With CRS support, CSAGA helped the local people in Canh Nau and Di Nau communes to form
Legal-aid Clubs for victims of DV; E&C supported establishment of Clubs for legal aid and
counseling in Tien Lang district; and PLD strengthened Law and Life Clubs in Thach That
district. (Hereafter in this report refereed to as the legal Clubs). The legal Clubs organize
regularly, monthly meetings to discuss hot topics that affected to their life. Each meeting focuses
on a particular topic. Topics of the club meetings included domestic violence prevention,
ordinance on implementation of GD, draft law on mediation, land laws and policies for land
resettlement and reimbursement, etc... The local people participated actively in the legal club
meetings.
A respondent at CSAGA said that: Each Legal aid Clubs for victims
of DV has 25 core members. They were trained to facilitate
discussions on domestic violence prevention and conflict mediation.
During the club meeting, the participants are free to share
information, ask questions and discuss solutions for solving issues.
A respondent at E&C added Core members of the Clubs for Legalaid and Counseling in Tien Lang not only provide legal speeches at
A leaflet about land law
the club meetings but also proactively participate in other meetings
and workshops at their villages to facilitate discussions on legal topics and to promote
implementation of Ordinance on GD.
Thanks to the project, students and teachers in my schools organized successfully social events
for promoting gender equality, conflict mediation and building friendly and safe schools for all.
Audience of the social events and community theatre were school parents, youth and children
from villages in the commune, A teacher in Lai Thuong commune expressed.
Broadcast legal information on loudspeakers system
All of the CSOs used commune loudspeaker system to broadcast legal information to local
residents. A local governmental official in Huong Ngai communes shared that: There are about
100 loudspeakers in the commune. During the meetings and trainings in laws, we implemented a
live-broadcasting on the loudspeakers for everyone to listen to the training information. We will
keep broadcasting information on the loudspeakers for people to know, to participate in
implementation of transparency and democracy.
Supply of Legal book, leaflets and posters
21

The project developed and delivered 7,200 leaflets of laws to the local people. PLD printed and
released 3,200 leaflets about land ownership, procedure of land resettlement and reimbursement
policies, Guidance on application for certification of land users, and administration of land.
A local governmental official of Can Kiem commune said: The legal leaflets are very helpful
for the people. With the legal leaflets on hands, the receivers can share legal information with
their family and neighbors. The local people are very interested in administration reform in land
law implementation, particularly policies for land resettlement and reimbursement. We highly
appreciated support from the project for the communication materials.
CSAGA provided 2,000 leaflets on DV prevention to members of Legal-aid Clubs for victims of
domestic Violence in Canh Nau and Di Nau commune.
A project officer of CSAGA was proud to share with us that With high appreciation of leaflets
impact on legal communication, an international organization in Hanoi provided financial
support for CSAGA to print some more leaflets for other people in Thach That district.
E&C also provided 2,000 leaflets and training manuals about Ordinance on implementation of
GD to members of the Clubs for Legal-aid and Counseling, in Tien Lang district.
All of the respondents agreed that: Through art and proactive communication activities the
project brought laws to the villagers. The legal leaflets, posters and training manuals are very
appropriative and easy in use. The respondents also suggested that If possible, CRS and other
NGOs should support for launching legal communication campaigns; organizing more policy
dialogue meetings, workshops and training courses in legal information for particular groups
such as youth, women, parents and students; providing legal leaflets, posters to households, and
keep broadcasting updated information on the loudspeaker system.
In summary, the project has contributed to legal capacity improvement of CSOs and local
partners in term of training methodologies, communication skills and legal knowledge related to
widened people participation. Then, the CSOs facilitated participation of women, famers and
parents in implementation of GD and GM. It is obviously that CSOs are able to facilitate
community mobilization and participation.
III.

IMPROVEMENT OF LEGAL AWARENESS AND

PARTICIPATION
1) Legal awareness raising:
Reports on the training result surveys showed that: After
participating in legal trainings and workshops, the
participants understood main contents of the Ordinance
Leaflet about domestic violence prevention
on GD and GM, law on gender equality, law on
domestic violence prevention, and law on environmental protection. They also shared lesson
learned from the project with members of Women Union, Youths Union, Association of
Farmers, PAs updating legal information. Therefore, most of the residents in the project site are
22

updated with legal information related to their life.

After reading the leaflet and participating in the trainings, I understood clearly the procedure
for applying certification of land ownership. Now, I can share the leaflet and knowledge with my
neighbor. An interviewee in Can Kiem commune said.
The representative of MORSC added The project has contributed to break sensitive clouds.
At the beginning of the project, some local governmental officials considered GD as a very
sensitive issue that CSOs should not involve in. Some officials intended not working with CSOs
in the project implementation. However, at the end of the project, they recognized CSOs as
prestigious partners in community education. They asked for support and cooperation with
CSOs to continue the good work.
A government Official of District Department of Justice who participated in PLDs initiative
said: With legal knowledge, facilitation skills and training materials gained from the project, I
feel more confident and competent to conduct trainings in GD and GM for the local people. The
local people used to believe that it is impossible for implementation of GD. Contrarily, now,
they realized that what I told to them was cited from the laws. So they trust me implicitly.
Like other people in the commune, I thought domestic violence is just actions of violence by
hands. Now, I understood clearly that any intentional action by a family member to cause
damage or potentially cause damage in terms of physical, spiritual, and economic damages to
another family member is domestic violence. Sometime, my voice is too loudly, my kids
reminded me that please to be temperate in your action if not you will break the law. So, I
controlled my temper and calmly talking with my kids for solving problem, a project
participants in Di Nau commune said.
In Can Kiem and Binh Phu communes, the members of Law and Life Clubs are able to mediate
latent land conflicts appearing at their villages. If it is too complex to reconcile, they provide
guidance to the parties to consult with responsible governmental officials. By doing so, they
play an important role in conflict mediation at grassroots level10.
It is learned that the introduction of laws and skills for CSOs staff and community mediators are
necessary for implementation of GD. Due to lack of knowledge of the laws, members of the
community groups work mainly based on personal experiences and sometimes struggle with
insufficiency in recording evidence, preparing legal documents, and intervention toward
conflicts. Training on laws and consultation meetings with legal experts helped members of the
legal aid clubs enrich their legal knowledge and confidence in facilitation of GD
implementation.
In conclusion, both local authority and local people confirmed that the project has made a
10

Report on project activities, PLD, March 3, 2012, page 3.

23

remarkable progress in community legal empowerment. The local government worked closely
with CSOs to integrate trainings in law into social, economical activities at the communes.
2) Peoples Participation
All of the FGDs have reached a consensus that government officials, members of legal aid clubs,
women, youth and PAs participated actively in the project implementation. Level of and scope
of people participation is increasing. The local people are more proactive in participation. They
moved from as quiet listeners to active participants, from as information receivers to feedback
givers. The people are confident to discuss, monitor and implement socio-economic activities
for development.
A woman participating in CSAGAs initiative in Canh Nau commune indicated that since we
heard about the laws on domestic violence, we know that we absolutely have rights to ask the
governmental officials and relevant agencies to protect women and children from violence and
injustice. Some of us sent feedback and recommendation to better implementation of domestic
violence prevention and GD implementation.
A project officer of E&C added: The initiatives for bringing law to the villages organized 18
meetings for legal aid and counseling for 288 participants who are farmers in Kin thit, Cp
tin and Tin Minh communes. During the meeting, the participants were very active in
discussion on how to implement laws properly. Some participants were confident to ask the
government official for clarification and transparence.
All of the respondents agreed that members of legal-aid clubs, PAs and informal groups of
people were very interested in learning legal knowledge, while young people are more active
and very communicative in legal dissemination. Young people also can get updated legal
information from internet and mass-media to share with members in their family and
community.
Teachers in the schools did not know how to use internet and email until the project provided
trainings in application of technology in accessing to education policies. At the end of the
training, we created personal email and exchanged information with each other via email. Then,
we, trainer teachers, also conducted replicating trainings in technology for the all teachers in
the schools a teacher in Lai Thuong primary school said.
Most of the interviewees agreed that the CSOs and local people participated in implementation
of democracy at the commune level, and in making specific recommendations at the conclusion
of commune meetings. However, it is unclear whether their recommendations were taken into
account or applied by the government officials. Some CSOs do have more policy advocacy
activities at the grassroots level, but little impact can be made at this level since the commune
are often responsible only for implementation.
24

IV. ACHIEVEMENT OF THE PROJECT OBJECTIVES

1) Level of the project accomplishment
The CSOs implemented the project activities on time and sound quality as required. There is no
big difference from the project design and implementation.
In general, the project reached its strategic objectives as expected. Level of accomplishment and
achievements are as follows:
- Final report on initiatives implemented by PLD, 80% of the training participants said that
they understood main contents of the Ordinance on GD, and are able to conduct trainings on
GD. PLD also provided training materials, leaflet land laws, rights of land ownerships,
training manual for training in GD.11.
- Result of the FGDs showed that: The important achievement of the project was competent
and committed local trainers. It is the local trainers who are training and facilitating the
peoples participation in implementation of GD. The local trainers are working with CSOs to
replicate trainings and meetings for legal aid and counseling for the local people.
- A woman in Can Kiem commune said that At meetings with the local government officials,
we are confident to address our opinion, request and feedback to the government officials to
better legal implementation.
- Project Officer of PLD added The project not only provided good opportunities for CSOs
staff to learn about laws and policy, but also supported for the CSOs to conduct trainings
and workshops on legal capacity building. By doing so, CRS helped many people accessing
to legal information.
- A government official in Thach That confirmed that I was deeply impressed by the project
approach and monitoring. The governmental agencies, CSOs and local people were
encouraged to participate in and contribute to the project implementation. It was the local
people who cooperated with government officials, teachers and womens union to mobilize
resources and participation in implementation of initiatives for community legal
empowerment. With the participatory approaches, all of the initiatives were accomplished on
time.
2) Appropreciatness.
All of the respondents answered that: The project activities were designed appropriately and met
training demand of the local people. Firstly, the project activities were designed based on results
of training need assessment. Local people provided inputs and feedback to designing and
implementing initiatives for community legal empowerment. Secondly, it was good to focus on
training of trainers and technical support first, and then providing small grants to the designated
CSOs to carry out initiatives for community empowerment. Thirdly, CRS and CSOs worked
closely with both government and nongovernmental organizations at multi-levels in the project
11

Final project report, PLD 2012, page 10

25

sites to better the project monitoring and evaluation. Both local authority and local people found
the project as good model for community empowerment, and expressed their highly appreciation
to CRS support.
3) Sustainability
Most of the respondents believe that the project activities are sustainable. Although the project
activities were accomplished, the CSOs are still working on new proposal and planning for next
activities. Local trainers and members of legal clubs (Law and Life Clubs, Legal aid Clubs for
victims of DV, Clubs for legal aid and counseling) are able to maintain regular meetings for
promoting legal empowerment.
Sustainability of the project was described as follows: (1) both government and local people are
willing to participate in and contribute to implementation of initiatives for legal empowerment;
(2) Local trainers and members of legal clubs are capable of and experienced in legal aid, and
conflict mediation; (3) the local trainers and local people are familiar with legal documents and
participatory approaches; and (4) the legal initiatives are necessary and feasible for CSOs and
local partners.
Although CRS will withdraw its support from the project, I will never stop my work. It is good
to keep sharing legal knowledge and promoting social justice and development. A respondent
in Canh Nu said.
The researcher also learned that there are many factors with possible influence on the project
sustainability in coming months. If the local government and CSOs work together they can
extend the projects impact.
4) Replication.
Most of the respondents confirmed that the CSOs are able to replicate and extend the project
activities to other communes in Vietnam. Sufficient reasons for the conclusion are as follows:
(1) in context of the developing society, legal training need of local people is very huge and
increasing; (2) The local trainers and members of legal clubs established by the project are
sharing legal information and training materials with their colleagues and the local people; (3)
initiatives of CSOs for community legal empowerment are feasible and replicable. However, it
is necessary to do training need assessment and pilot projects to provide sufficient socioeconomic information and appropriative approaches for the project replication.
5) Efficiency
The respondents answered that they were very impressed by the great efforts of the project
implementers. Time and money for implementing the legal initiatives were not big, but its
impact was very significant and great. Thousands of people had opportunity to learn legal
knowledge and participatory methodology.
26

V. RECOMMENDATION:
To extend the project activities to other communities to better its impact on legal capacity
building for local people, the researcher suggested that:
1) To CRS and International Non-profit Organizations
Building legal capacity for CSOs and communities in Vietnam is necessary for implementation
of GD. CRS and international organizations should support for organizing some more trainings,
particularly trainings in institutional development, trainings in policy advocacy, and training
skills in conflict mediation. In terms of training methods, more time should be allocated for
exercises, role play, group discussions and case studies.
2) To the government:
The government should further develop a legal framework to create favorable condition and
enable working environment for CSOs to contribute to implementation of GDs and GM. The
State also should create mechanisms and opportunity for CSOs to participate in dialogue with
the government, particularly in socio-economic project monitoring, social feedback and public
consultation. The government and international organizations should also commit to long-term
support for CSOs, so that they can develop more sustainable development strategies.
3) To legal, political and social institutions:
CSOs are more effective and proactive when they work with legal, political and social
governmental organizations. Therefore, legal, political and social institutions should share with
CSOs updated information, experiences and training materials such as leaflets, posters, manuals
about legal information and skills in implementation of GD and GM.
4) To CSOs and community based organizations:
To ensure greater quality of similar project activities, CSOs themselves should enhance their
own institutional capacity, formulate long-term development strategies with clearer visions, and
focus on human resource development, particularly improving management, and monitoring and
evaluation competence.
5) To community and local people:
The local people should participate actively in activities launched by CSOs to promote
accountability, transparency, grassroots democracy and grassroots mediation.

27