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Supporting reforms and building the capacity of economic and educational institutions is at the heart of SPARK's mission. That is why a careful selection of, and a close working relation with, these institutions is an essential part of all SPARK's projects. In view of its institution-building mission, SPARK predominantly works with institutional partners in the economic and educational sphere, such as Ministries of Economic Affairs, Ministries of Trade and Industry, Chambers of Commerce, SME development agencies, and universities. The fundamental goal of selecting the right partners is to ensure that sustainability is created. One important way of ensuring the sustainability of the program, is involving partners in the start-up phases. Gradually, all financial and management responsibilities are transferred to the local partner institutions.
A new ‘partner policy' was adopted in November 2006, in which the principles and guidelines that define the selection of, and working arrangements with, partners are clearly outlined. This partner policy has led to a more standardised method of selecting new partners, formalising partnerships, and the monitoring and evaluation of activities performed by SPARK's partners. One unique aspect of SPARK's new partnership policy is that a partner's demonstrated interest, willingness and suitability is actively screened by SPARK. In order to avoid complacency and to ensure commitment from partner institutions, more than the required number of partners for a certain project are approached and screened by SPARK. Only those that best match the screening criteria will then be selected. In this way, SPARK intends to encourage competition between potential partners and ensure commitment and local ownership of project activities, as well as sustainability.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 05 July 2007 )
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