SEED Assistance Summary 2001
SEED Act
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Political Overview
FY 2001 saw further political and economic progress in the Czech Republic, with high expectations for early accession to the EU. Structural reforms related to the country's EU aspirations, including criminal code, judicial, and financial sector reform, and privatization continued apace. Civil society continued to develop, with non-governmental organizations taking a more active role. Some problems, however,
remain. Lingering concerns about freedom of speech and of the press surfaced in disputes at major Czech news organizations, and the country's Roma minority still suffered from persistent discrimination.
The Czechs' EU aspirations have been a driving force behind many of the structural reforms undertaken in FY 2001, and can be expected to provide future impetus for such reforms. Legislation aimed at reforming the criminal justice system and bringing it more into line with EU norms was passed and became effective on January 1, 2002. Measures to increase the transparency of the Czech capital market and the fight against financial crimes have been initiated to meet EU requirements. However, much additional work is needed to bring the Czech Republic's financial sector up to international standards. Judicial reform legislation remains under discussion, and civil service reform was identified by the European Commission as an area of future concentration.
Civil society continued to develop, though it has not yet reached the levels in the EU. NGOs took a more visible role in Czech society during the year with a number of high-profile campaigns, and they operated across the spectrum of societal issues from education, to human rights, to environmental protection.
Areas of concern, however, remain. The year began with a revolt by journalists at Czech TV over the Radio and Television Board's choice for general manager. The journalists alleged that the new general manager was too closely tied to political parties to maintain balance, and that the Board's choice amounted to an attempt to exert political influence over CTV's news department. After large-scale public protests in support of the journalists and the broadcast of "pirate" newscasts, the general manager resigned, and a compromise was reached on an interim replacement. Radio Svobodna Evropa was also charged with bias and its broadcasts retroactively reviewed twice during the year. Critics charged that these reviews were politically motivated and aimed at pressuring RSE to tone down criticism of several prominent politicians.
Widespread discrimination against minorities, mainly Roma, remained a problem. A number of Roma were victims of racially motivated attacks by skinheads, and in a highly publicized case, the assailant faces charges of racially motivated murder after beating a Roma to death in Svitavy. The government and NGOs worked with foreign donors such as the U.S. and EU to implement programs of racial tolerance and understanding. However, most polls show that a large majority of Czechs maintain negative opinions about the Roma. The government also took steps this year to increase cooperation with Roma groups and to prosecute racially motivated crimes more vigorously than in the past.
Economic Overview
Overall, 12 years of post-communist economic reform have brought the country growth and stability, leading the European Commission to state in its annual report that the Czech Republic has "a fully functioning market economy." The standard of living has risen considerably, though it does not yet meet EU standards. Economic growth for 2001 was projected to be about 4.4 percent, despite signs of global recession late in the year. That strong growth is rooted in domestic demand, resulting in part from foreign direct investment and foreign-owned firms operating in the Czech Republic. Foreign investment is still flowing into the country and has contributed to a strong Crown vis-a-vis the U.S. Dollar. While unemployment remained steady at about 8.5 percent, certain areas of the country experienced joblessness rates in the 20-30 percent range.
Banking sector privatization was completed, and work on privatizing the energy sector began in earnest late in the year. The government repeatedly exercised an exception allowing it to offer contracts in privatization cases without public tenders. Critics asserted that this practice jeopardized the integrity of the process, while the government countered that public tenders were too slow and cumbersome to complete the privatizations in an expeditious manner.
Most observers view the Czech Republic as a leader among EU candidate countries and EU membership as a foregone conclusion. By year's end, the Czechs had concluded 24 of the 29 chapters of the acquis communautaire and trailed only one other candidate country in terms of chapters closed. It is expected that the Czech Republic will join the EU in the first tranche of expansion, in time to participate in the 2004 European Parliamentary elections.
Overview of SEED Assistance
Given the Czech Republic's membership in NATO, its relative economic successes, and excellent progress toward EU membership, SEED assistance is concentrated in cross-sectoral programs. These programs focus on democratization, and their goals are civic education, ethnic equality and minority rights, free flow of information, and rule of law/legal reform. Projects range from improving curricula and educational materials, to racial tolerance and domestic violence awareness campaigns, to programs aimed at improving the professional quality of the press and educating citizens about their rights and how to influence public decision-making.
The majority of FY 2001 SEED projects in the Czech Republic are still under way. The implementing agency for all programs is the Department of State, with the Public Affairs Section working in conjunction with other Embassy Sections. Summaries of mission Democracy Commission Small Grants Programs appear below. Where possible, preliminary evaluations are provided, but many are still in progress.
Program Impact
Civic Education and Civil Society
Strengthening Regional Foundations (Donors Forum): The Czech Donor's Forum is a nonprofit national membership association for foundations and corporate grant-makers in the Czech Republic. Established in 1995, the Forum acts as a platform for the regular exchange of ideas, information, and expertise in order to increase the effectiveness of Czech philanthropy and promote cooperative grantmaking strategies. The Forum provides services, support, and leadership to the community through workshops, conferences, seminars, and discussion series.
This project focuses on capacity building for small, regional foundations in the Czech Republic. While such foundations play an important role in their communities by raising awareness of needs and mobilizing resources to address them, they require more information about and training in important skills such as fundraising, grant-making, and endowment administration.
Status: Project completed. Participant feedback has been extremely positive. Many smaller NGOs from remote regions were unfamiliar with grant-making policy and certain laws governing their activities. One problem is the lack of a final report. The Donors Forum underwent a change of leadership, and it is assumed that that is why there has not yet been a final report, which is expected by January 31, 2002.
Foundation of Democracy-Responsibility (Tutor): Tutor, the Association for the Development of Social Science Teaching Materials, was founded in 1999. The organization focuses on the development of new educational methodologies and training teachers to utilize them effectively. It draws on materials developed in the U.S. by respected authorities, including the National Council on Economic Education and the Center for Civic Education. Tutor has been involved adapting those materials to the Czech situation and disseminating that information through seminars and workshops. Tutor also supports public discussion of the state of education, cooperation among teachers, and cooperation between NGOs and universities.
The Foundation for Democracy curriculum is based on four basic concepts: Responsibility, Authority, Justice, and Privacy. The Responsibility material has already been adapted, while the material for Justice is in the process of being adapted. Authority and Privacy have yet to be tackled. The grant request is to cover the following actions:
- Develop the Justice material for classroom use;
- Develop the teachers' guide for the Responsibility, Authority, and Justice sections;
- Implement pilots of the Justice section at schools;
- Organize teacher training in using the materials; and
- Follow-up research on the effectiveness of the materials and methods.
The purpose of this project is to promote increased understanding of the institutions of democracy and its fundamental principles and values. It is also intended to develop the skills necessary for individuals to be effective and responsible citizens.
Status: The Justice material and teachers guide are being revised after test sessions. Five teachertraining sessions already have been held. Independent evaluation of the material (CCE-California) has been positive so far. The anticipated completion date is March 1, 2002.
Moderation Methods for Rural Activists (ECOTERRA): Foundation ECOTERRA has been promoting rural and urban citizen participation since 1991. This project will involve mixed groups of rural citizens, private farmers, local area administrators, and pertinent NGOs with facilitators/moderators. It will be run in conjunction with, and take place at, the Rural Revival College in Libceves. The focus will be on improving communication between rural residents/activists and local government. This includes articulation (the ability to formulate questions and explain needs), negotiation (the ability calmly and rationally to discuss and evaluate competing needs), and moderation skills directed toward achieving equitable solutions. The project intends to encourage a shift from the us-vs.-them (citizens vs. government) mentality of the communist era, which lingers longer in rural than in urban areas. Its ultimate aim is to produce cooperative mindsets working for the common good.
Status: All training sessions have been completed, and the informal feedback has been positive. Local politicians see the value in continued dialogue with local NGOs. The final Report was delivered on time and is undergoing review.
Development of Civic Education (SVOD): The Association for Education for Citizenship & Democracy (SVOD) was founded in 1998. It is comprised of civic educators, social science teachers, and education professionals from teacher training centers, as well as private people who support the construction and implementation of an effective system of civic education in the Czech Republic. SVOD serves as an umbrella organization to support smaller associations sharing its main goal. SVOD's most urgent current task is to finish work on the basics of a comprehensive civic education plan that the Ministry of Education may use in formulating the up-coming educational reform law. Nearly all of the methodologies advanced by the Association were developed in the U.S. and adapted for the Czech Republic.
The proposed project has four constituent parts:
- Expand the implementation of the "New Horizons in Education for Citizenship" teaching strategies at pedagogical faculties of Czech Universities. Pilot courses are under way at the pedagogical faculties at the universities in Olomouc, Ostrava, and Usti nad Labem. This part of the project aims to expand that
number to include the most prestigious universities in the country, Charles University in Prague and Masaryk University in Brno, among others. This would ensure that future teachers of civic education are being equipped with the most effective methodologies available and at the same time raise the profile of civic education among policy makers in the country's two largest cities.
- Meeting of Future Teachers of Civic Education, University of Liberec. To reach teaching students enrolled at faculties that do not offer the New Horizons program, this week-long course has been designed to give them an overview of the methodologies available and some practical experience with them.
- Development of "National Standards" for Civic Education. As national standards are being developed for the Czech education system, it has become apparent that no satisfactory background material for civic education exists. To address this, the translated "U.S. National Standards for Civic Education" are being adapted to be topically relevant to the Czech situation.
- National presentations of "Project Citizen." Middle school equivalent civic education students currently participating in the Czech version of "Project Citizen" prepare presentations on the issues they address through their studies. Examples include "Fighting Drug Abuse," "Hazing in Schools," and "Solving Problems." These presentations are shown regionally, to parents and local government. In cooperation with the office of Czech President Vaclav Have], selected student groups will be able to give their presentations in Prague to the President and other federal government officials, once again reminding them of the practical importance of civic education.
Status: The expansion of New Horizons is ongoing, while the Future Teachers Seminar was successfully completed. The national presentation of Project Citizen for FY 2001 took place at the end of May. An event hosted by President Havel generated extensive positive press. Other support seminars, translations, and adjustments are continuing.
Center for Democracy and Free Enterprise (CDFE): The overall purpose of the Center for Democracy and Free Enterprise (CDFE) is to promote philanthropy and democratic development in the Czech Republic through civic education, training, and information. The organization is also strongly interested in developing the institutions necessary for Czech entry into the EU. Ladislav Venys has 10 years of experience in the non-profit sector in the Czech Republic. He was instrumental in bringing business and development experts there in the early 1990's. He has participated in numerous training projects and has overseen the development of an information center geared toward educating the general public about the Czech Republic's entry into NATO and the EU.
The project institutes town-hall style meetings across the country to facilitate interaction between citizens and their representatives in government. It strengthens regional NGOs by involving them as partners in the process of organizing and executing such meetings. CDFE will publish a "responsible citizen" handbook, including the names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of elected Representatives, along with real-life examples of politician/voter interactions and their outcomes. The costs involved include development, design, and publication of a projected 20,000 copies. These handbooks will be distributed at the town-hall style meetings, through the NGOs who partner on the meetings, and through universities where students will receive copies to distribute to family and friends. CDFE solicited prices from three separate vendors and selected the lowest bid.
Status: All of the scheduled town-hall meetings have taken place. Participants vary in their opinions as to the program's value, largely according to their position: ordinary citizens are almost unanimous in the appreciation of the opportunity to interact with their representatives. Politicians (though the positive numbers here are also surprising) are less sanguine. The Citizens Handbook has been published and two metric tons distributed. Since actual use of the handbook will largely come into play in the June 2002 election, it is too early to point to concrete results.
Environmental Partnership: Using a mixture of small grants, technical assistance, networking, training activities, and special programs, the Environmental Partnership foundation seeks to build the capacity of the nonprofit sector, increase public participation in environmental planning and decision-making, and promote cooperation among the private, public, and nonprofit sectors.
The project responds to the particular weakness of many Czech NGOs in promoting themselves and their activities, as well as in communicating with potential partners and supporters. The project will strengthen Czech NGOs and promote public involvement in community development by fostering appreciation, particularly among local officials, media, and policymakers, of the value of civic community development initiatives; increase public awareness and appreciation of the broad range of initiatives being undertaken by community groups throughout the Czech Republic, encouraging people to become involved in public life and active in improving their communities; and help Czech NGOs effectively to promote themselves and their activities and communicate with potential partners and supporters.
Status: Just starting, this activity is scheduled for completion by November 30, 2002. Ethnic Equality and Minority Rights
One World Film Festival (People In Need): The People in Need Foundation (PINF) was established in 1992. According to its mission statement, its goal is "to inspire a largeness of spirit in Czech society by helping others in need, and to promote democratic freedoms for all." Its premise is that Czechs should assume their share of responsibility in international affairs. PINF is a well-respected Czech NGO, and the only one with a truly international orientation.
The purpose of the film festival is to "expose abuses, encourage dignity, inspire solidarity, and foster mutual understanding." The festival and follow-on activities are under the joint auspices of President Havel and UNHCHR Mary Robinson.
Status: All participants (and especially the audiences) considered the film festival successful. Follow-on programs are being deployed in schools and among the public via Czech TV.
Tolerance, Respect, and Human Rights (GLOBEA): GLOBEA evolved from an informal initiative by a core group of teachers and educators from Central Europe and South Africa, who met at the 1999 international seminar "Teachers for Tolerance and Cultural Pluralism." The NGO was formed as this group prepared to create a follow-up to the seminar. Its goals are:
- To encourage tolerance and understanding among people from different ethnic groups, races, nationalities, religions, cultures, and social backgrounds.
- To promote active citizen participation in managing public policy matters and building a civil society based on justice, non-violence, and human rights.
The project's purpose is to prepare teachers to implement anti-racist policies and concepts in the educational system, to empower Roma and other educators from marginalized communities, to maintain and deepen contacts between educators and academics from Central and Eastern Europe and South Africa, and to continue the flow of information on best practices in education.
Status: There have been no concrete results, other than good press and a renewed sense of purpose on the part of the Romany assistant teachers. The final report is due in January 2002.
Training Assistants for the Mentally Handicapped (DOHA): DUHA is a civic association established in 1992. It aims to provide mentally handicapped adults with the support they need to live their lives fully, and to assist them in taking an equal and active part in the life of their communities. DUHA is committed to encouraging respect for the mentally handicapped, as well as equipping them with the tools necessary for them to lead as independent lives as possible. DUHA currently runs a working therapy center and provides assistance and support for 88 people in "assisted living" apartments.
This project focuses on improving the skills of assistants who work directly with the mentally handicapped. It will use Video Training Interactions (VTI) methodology to increase the self-awareness and effectiveness of the assistants, as well as the communication between assistants and clients. The VTI method entails voluntary recording of interactions between assistants and clients. It will allow participants to see, in an objective manner, the effect of their actions and how they might be adjusted or augmented better to support self-responsibility. This project will introduce the VTI method to the Czech republic. about racial discrimination. While this goal can be difficult to quantify, it is a necessary part of a long-term campaign to change societal attitudes toward minorities. The campaign's launch received good media coverage, with the Afro-Czech director of the organization being interviewed on a nationally broadcast TV program and in a number of newspapers.
Cultural Center Broumov (Stand Up Broumov): Stand Up Broumov, a volunteer-based NGO, has worked with Broumov-area Roma and ethnic Germans and Poles since 1998. It organizes public events, lectures, training, and workshops and promotes volunteer work and interaction among Broumov's ethnically diverse population. It cooperates closely and effectively with local and regional governments.
Located in North Bohemia, the city of Broumov has a substantial Roma population, as well as a large number of Polish- and German-Czechs. The area suffers from high unemployment and corresponding social ills. Stand Up Broumov! (Tuz se Broumovsko! or TSB) is attempting to establish a social and cultural center there. The center serves as a drug- and alcohol-free environment for Roma, other ethnic minorities, and Czechs to interact positively through a broad range of planned activities. The activities (theater, music, exercise, crafts, art, and educational programs) focus on those most at risk: young people amidst a culture of drug and alcohol abuse. The city government has leased a former brewery to TSB for its use.
Status: Acquisition of materials has been completed. The Center is already recognized by the community as strong, new engine for change. The majority appreciates it, although it has also raised unanticipated issues related to minority questions and alternative culture. The Center has attracted important political figures to the region, serving as the platform for remarks by President Havel on the importance of Civil Society and the need to confront the past openly and honestly. A report is due by March 1, 2002.
Free Flow of Information
Internet On-line News (F. Peroutka Foundation): The Ferdinand Peroutka Foundation was established in September 2000 to support a democratic media environment in the Czech Republic. The founder and director of the Foundation, Terezie Kaslova, is the granddaughter of journalist Ferdinand Peroutka, a cofounder of Radio Free Europe. Ms. Kaslova has worked for the newspapers "Lidove noviny" and "Svobodne slovo" and collaborated with "Tyden" magazine. She has also been the spokesperson for the Prague Mayor's Office.
This three-part project aims to strengthen the independence and professionalism of Czech journalism and to increase public awareness about freedom of speech and of the press. It will support an on-line journalism review, a high-profile conference on the relationship between the media and politicians, and workshops on investigative reporting.
Status: The training and speaker programs were held after an extremely fluid schedule. The independent feedback obtained thus far has been moderately positive. The final report is overdue.
Rule of Law and Legal Reform
Territorial Self-Administration (Institute for Legal Education and Information): The NGO ILEI was founded by the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the International Development Law Institute and is run by Josef Marusak. Since 1996, ILEI has conducted 39 training events involving 450 Czech lawyers and 196 government officials. The Institute has had no prior USG funding.
The project "Territorial Self-Administration and Information" is designed as practical, effective hands-on training for 20 elected representatives and staff members from four of the Czech Republic's 14 newly regional governments. This seminar is the first of a series that anticipates reaching each of the -,}-will focus on equipping officials with knowledge of the most important legal issues affecting tsglans 'their financial stability, and professional management of resources in order to provide services to citizens. A secondary part of the project is to create a database for the regions to facilitate information exchange and problem solving.
Status: Early responses from participants have been positive, although accompanied by a little grumbling as regional officials learn of restrictions by the central government. The seminars are professionally organized. A report on this on-going activity is due by March 1, 2002.
Public Participation and Access to Justice (Environmental Law Service): The Environmental Law Service (Ekogolicky pravni servis -- EPS) is the largest public interest law organization in the Czech Republic. Founded in 1995 as a student organization, it became a legal entity in 1997. With six lawyers and three law students on its staff, EPS deals with the proper execution of laws regarding the environment and has become engaged in several areas of human rights. It has provided legal consultations in those areas and cooperated with other NGOs. EPS also publishes informational pamphlets, including "State, Municipality, and Citizens" and "Expropriation and Protection of Property."
The project consists of three parts:
- Educating lawyers on environmental law and pro-bono work in the Czech Republic. Many lawyers there are unfamiliar with the laws on development and the environment. This section of the project is intended to familiarize them with the basic outlines of the laws and the steps needed to see they are properly implemented. It will also acquaint them with the concept of pro-bono work, its benefits, and drawbacks.
- Share information gained and processes used with other NGOs during the "School of Participation in Decision Making." Twenty-five other NGOs will take part in this training in how to support public participation in the decision-making processes of municipalities and other administrative units. Different experiences and responses countrywide will be evaluated.
- Spreading the information from the first two steps to a much wider Czech audience through publishing the newsletter/pamphlet "Via luris" and distributing it across the country.
Status: The newsletters have been published on schedule, and the law commentary has been acquired. There have been 20 sessions on pro-bono work. One downside of this organization is the difficulty of reaching people in their offices, as they are always out working. A report on this on-going activity is due August 31, 2002.
Rehabilitation of Women Inmates (ALTISA): ALTISA, formerly the International Women's Network, was founded in 1996 by Jana Outratova. Working with other NGOs, the private sector, government, and private citizens, ALTISA focuses on promoting the equality, wellbeing, and financial independence of women. ALTISA is well respected by its peers and those members of the public who are aware of its work. Currently, ALTISA is engaged in a project with The Home at St. Charles Borromeo, Repy, a chronic-care ward based at the convent of the same name. Women prisoners assist in the care of chronically ill patients there. They are trained and receive a certificate as "nurse-orderly." After their graduation from the program, they receive work recommendations. Other sponsors include the Czech Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
The purpose of this project is to raise public awareness, specifically about the reintegration of women inmates into society, and, more generally, the state of Roma women. Through a series of press conferences and site visits, ALTISA will show the value of its program with Borromeo, the value and feasibility of novel rehabilitation projects, and the need for society as a whole to accept responsibility for all its members.
Status: Though ALTISA has had a public session/fundraising concert, the efforts on this project so far have been disappointing. Final analysis of the project awaits the final closing report that was due December 31, 2001. The holidays have been cited as the reason for delay in filing.
Partners for Financial Stability (PFS): In addition to the foregoing activities, the Partners for Financial Stability (PFS) program, supported by SEED regional funding, remains in demand by the Czech financial sector. PFS was initiated in 1999 as a post-presence activity to benefit the financial sectors of the eight Central and East European countries that had graduated from the bilateral SEED program. PFS provides assistance in the areas of accounting, banking regulation, capital markets, corporate governance, and pension reform. In the case of the Czech Republic, PFS continues to assist the Prague Stock Exchange, helping to guide it toward increased transparency and international financial standards. Assistance to self-regulatory organizations related to accounting, auditing, and investment companies and funds also continues. Additional assistance to the Czech Securities Commission is aimed at improving corporate disclosure practices and ensuring that the securities market meets international standards.
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