LocalLink Hub podcast

Data thinking – Collect what is needed, analysed, and used

Explore data collection and analysis for small NGOs with LocalLink Hub's second data related podcast. In this episode, host Enikő Vass interviews Sukanta Paul, Regional Quality and Accountability Advisor at Terre des hommes, about effective methods for gathering and utilizing data in community-based projects.
Key topics include:
Quantitative and qualitative data collection methods
Technology's role in transforming data processes
Recommended tools and software for NGOs
Ethical considerations in data collection
Challenges faced by smaller organizations
Discover practical insights and tips to enhance your organization's data practices. Listen now to empower your projects with data-driven decision-making!
Sukanta Paul shares real-world examples from his experience, including innovative approaches like photovoice used in action research on child labour. He emphasizes the importance of ethical data collection, particularly in emergency contexts, and discusses how smaller organizations can overcome resource limitations to effectively manage data. The episode also touches on the critical balance between collecting necessary data and avoiding overburdening staff, offering valuable strategies for prioritization and efficiency.

Behind Human Trafficking in Macedonia: A 24-Year Mission with Open Gate

Marija Todorovska from Open Gate La Strada, North Macedonia, is our guest on the 4th episode of our podcast series. Marija is a leader in the fight against human trafficking. She has set up helplines, shelters, and advocates for the rights of victims. She also works as a consultant and trainer, sharing her knowledge on human rights, gender-based violence, and refugee protection.
In this episode, we talk about Open Gate's 24 years of work to protect victims of human trafficking and prevent it from happening. Over these years, the NGO has made great progress, but they still face many challenges. For example, after 10 years of constant advocacy, Macedonia passed a law in 2022 to compensate victims of crime, including those affected by human trafficking.
Open Gate established a shelter for trafficking victims in 2005, and it now operates in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy. The shelter is expanding, and they hope to provide separate spaces for children, as well as support for male victims.
Marija shared some alarming facts about human trafficking. Of the victims they have helped, 60% are children aged 10 to 17, and sadly, this age is dropping each year. Even more troubling, 40% of the traffickers are family members or people known to the victims. The typical victim is a girl, often from marginalized communities like the Roma population.
Despite the challenges, Marija and her team are committed to their work. Not long ago, a woman who had been part of their program in 2009 returned to offer her help. Now living a happy life, she is a powerful reminder of the impact of Open Gate's work and why it must continue.

If you fail to plan, you plan to fail

In this episode of the LocalLink Hub podcast, Enikő Vass, the communications and content manager for Local Link Hub, talks about the significance of monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) in NGOs with Mariela Lazi, a Regional Quality and Accountability Advisor for Terre des hommes in Europe.
In this podcast about the basics of MEAL Mariela Lazi explains that MEAL stands for Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning, which evolved from the older term, M&E (Monitoring and Evaluation). MEAL includes accountability to donors and beneficiaries and emphasizes continuous learning to improve project outcomes.
Mariela discusses how, in the past, local NGOs often included monitoring and evaluation within project coordination tasks rather than having a separate unit. However, having a dedicated MEAL team is crucial to avoid bias and ensure objective evaluation of projects. She notes that the capacity to carry out MEAL tasks varies among local NGOs, and there is a growing need for strong capacity-building efforts.
The practical challenges of implementing MEAL
The conversation touches on the practical challenges of implementing MEAL. Projects must be designed with clear, measurable goals to facilitate effective monitoring and evaluation. The unpredictability of NGO work makes it even more essential to have well-defined plans and adaptable strategies.
Mariela also emphasizes the importance of independence and decision-making power for MEAL professionals within NGOs. They must be able to voice concerns and highlight issues objectively, without pressure from project implementers. This helps ensure the effectiveness and impact of projects.
Good practices in the sector include a growing desire for capacity development among local organizations and the establishment of dedicated MEAL units. Mariela advises NGOs to strengthen their MEAL structures and allow MEAL professionals to operate independently to maintain accountability and improve project outcomes.
In closing, Enikő Vass thanks Mariela Lazi for her insights and invites listeners to learn more about Terre des hommes initiatives and contact the podcast team with feedback or comments.

Fighting the effects of climate change with localisation

Figthting the effects of climate change with localisation
In this podcast episode, Enikő Vass interviews Tanvi Chattoraj and Paulami de Sarkar from Terre des hommes (Tdh) India about the Local Link Initiative, which officially launched in India on May 1st. 2024. They speak about the Sundarbans, a region severely affected by climate change, and emphasize empowering children and communities through participatory methodologies and safeguarding measures.

Uncovering the hidden: indirect costs in NGO funding

In our podcast, we discuss with Martin Gallard, localisation project manager at Tdh, what counts as indirect costs, the structural barriers around them. We suggests three models that could be applied to indirect costs - participatory grant making, pooled funds and the smart way of doing things. And finally, we spend some imaginary money granted to us by a fairy on indirect costs.