What is EACSOF? East Africa Civil Society Organizations Forum (EACSOF) is the only inclusive platform for all CSOs in East Africa. EACSOF was founded in 2007, with a Vision of an empowered citizenry in East Africa that is fully involved in all affairs affecting them and has full ownership and control over their own governance and development. EACSOF is a space for CSO shared learning and collective action, in pursuit of Article 127 of the Treaty for establishment of the EAC. The mission of EACSOF is to make EAC integration work for the citizen, by providing a platform for civic expression in a people-centered East African integration process. According to the EAC Consultative Dialogue Framework (CDF) for CSOs, PSOs and other interest groups, EACSOF is recognized as the voice of Civil Society in East Africa and the CSO focal point for engagement with the EAC. Achievements Since its founding in 2007, EACSOF has registered a number of significant achievements: Policy Engagement: Advocated for the Consultative Dialogue Framework (CDF) for engagement between EAC, civil society organizations, private sector organizations and other interest groups, whereby EACSOF has been mandated as the focal point for CSO voices in the integration process. Prepared a Draft Gender Protocol and Draft Youth Policy for consideration by the Council of Ministers Played a leading role in advocating for the HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management Bill, as well as lobbying for changes in the EAC Anti-counterfeit Bill aimed at protecting citizens access to quality generic medicines. Coordinated CSO perspectives and key issues to the first SGs forum in Dar- es Salaam December 2012. Contributed to advocacy initiatives, defending EALAs mandate to raise private members bills. Participated in ongoing advocacy for strengthening the EACJ. Collaborated with EABC to launch the EAC Health Forum and initial key issues, with support from GIZ. Initiated advocacy for free movement of Africans in Africa, under the auspices of CCP-AU. Member Capacity Building: Trained member organizations on human rights, good governance and policy engagement, including civil society participation in trade negotiations.
Developed a sensitization manual for CSOs on EAC structures and processes and how CSOs can engage with the EAC Strengthening Popular Participation in the East African Community- A Guide to EAC Structures and Processes. Established the EAC Annual CSO Conference, as a strong pillar for galvanization of the civic voice. Organized 6 CSO capacity development events through increased collaboration, interaction and experience sharing among Civil Society Organizations across the region from 2006 to 2012, during which CSOs explored the following themes: Agenda-Setting: the Role of Civil Society in the East African Community Arusha 2006; Elaborating the Human Rights System in the East African Community Arusha 2007; Strengthening Civil Society in the EAC: Sharing experience with other RECs - Arusha 2009; The role of Civil Society in the EAC Common Market - Arusha 2010; Promoting Good Governance for Sustainable Development in the EAC - Bujumbura 2011; Activating Thematic Advocacy Working Groups Nairobi August 2012 During each of these annual forums, CSOs produced a joint communiqué submitted to the Heads of State through the EAC Secretary General to voice out priority concerns of civil society in the integration process EACSOF Organizational Development: In 2009 formulated a Strategic Plan 2010 2015, which defines 5 thematic areas for CSO-EAC engagement: (1) Human Rights, Democratization and Good Governance; (2) Peace and Security; (3) Economic and Social Justice; (4) Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change; (5) Harnessing Science and Technology. Prepared a comprehensive business plan derived from the strategic plan 2010 2015. This is a vital tool for guiding EACSOF operations over the next 3 years. Resource Persons: At EACSOF Secretariat, the CEO is supported by the Organizational Development Advisor; Financial Management Expert; Communications/ IT, Accounts and Administrative Officers. Developed supportive partnerships with TMEA, GiZ, SIDA, DANIDA, OSIEA & VSO bringing institutional and Programme support to the Forum. The Secretariat is currently undertaking internal development processes such as development of policies, strategies and systems on finance, human resource, communications, membership and constituency development, policy research and advocacy. More information can be accessed at our website: www. eacsof.net Core Values: Honesty, openness, transparency, and personal accountability. Social Responsibility and caring for others. Inclusiveness and equal participation. Respect and tolerance. Capacity Building for self determination and sustainability.
People Centeredness - citizen focused institutions and service delivery systems. Vision: A community in which citizens are fully engaged in all affairs affecting their lives. EACSOF envisions a future for people built on self-determination with citizens in control of the social, economic and political capital. Mission To make integration work for the citizen This is effected by providing platforms for debate and dialogue to ensure that citizens realize maximum benefits from the EAC cooperation and integration, to promote equitable and sustainable development We exist to represent CSOs to raise their voices on what the civil society wants to see at the EAC and also keep them abreast with what is going on at EAC. EACSOF facilitates the citizens of East Africa to effectively shape and drive integration processes that foster accelerated growth and development in the region. As a regional based civil society organisation, EACSOF works in cooperation with Community institutions and organs to play a facilitative role for CSOs, rather than engaging in hands-on action and service delivery. Through National Focal Points EACSOF is connected deeply to members and the broader civil society. Programming Principles Gender equity and equal opportunity. Independence, impartiality and active participation of members. Collective ownership and responsibility. Confidentiality, mutual respect and trust. Accurate representation of constituent groups. Competence and professionalism. Equal rights and responsibilities. Information education and training. Collaboration among civil society. Cooperation with the market and the state. POLICY ENGAGEMENT THEMATIC PRIORITIES: These priorities have been identified by CSOs and the EAC across all Partner States: Democracy & Good Governance. Peace and Security. Social and Economic Justice. Environmental Protection, Natural Resources and Climate Change Management. Mainstreaming Science and Technology.
EACSOF strategic directions are three (3): 1. (SD1): Policy Engagement with the State and Private Sector - policy implementation, policy research and analysis; alternative policy formulation, enhancing policy interrogation, lobbying and advocacy by civil society organisations in the region. The overall objective is... To Ensure Citizen Centred Policy Development and Implementation at National and Regional Levels... by providing a platform for meaningful engagement with Partner States for accelerated human development. 2. (SD2): Strengthening the capacities of civil society, by providing capacity building support to members. 3. (SD3): Developing EACSOF into a fully-fledged operational institution - increased IEC outreach services to CSOs and expanded membership; setting up systems to gather, record and process information about regional integration; establishing effective information dissemination and members communication strategies. Specific objectives are five (5): i. (Policy Implementation already existing policies) To provide leadership to civil society and the citizens of East Africa through the dialogue mechanism in demanding for the execution of the EAC Treaty and existing policies, protocols, strategic plans and programmes, focusing on EACSOF strategic themes. ii. (Policy Development new policies) To facilitate citizen participation in policy development for the realization of EAC objectives through CSO position papers, policy proposals and legislative drafting following EACSOF thematic areas, in collaboration with EALA, sectoral committees and SGs forum through the dialogue mechanism. iii. (Policy Monitoring and Evaluation) To monitor and evaluate implementation of EAC policies, strategic plans and programmes, in order to provide feedback to the EAC Secretariat and Partner States on successes, progress, obstacles, challenges and proposed solutions to the integration process focusing on EACSOF thematic areas. iv. (Capacity Building): To strengthen the capacities of East African civil society organizations. v. (Organizational Development): To develop EACSOF into a fully-fledged Sustainable Institution. NATIONAL FOCAL POINTS: Burundi: Forum for Strengthening Civil Society Organizations (FORSC). Kenya: Collaborative Center for Gender Development (CCGD) Rwanda: EACSOF Rwanda Chapter formerly hosted by Rwanda Civil Society Platform (RCSP). Tanzania: Tanzania Association of NGOs (TANGO). Uganda: Uganda National NGO Forum. EACSOF Key Stakeholders: Citizens and CSOs. Marginalized groups. Partner States governments. The EAC with all its Organs and Institutions. The business sector. Professional groups. Other regional CSOs. CCP -AU and related Continental Bodies. Development Partners.
EACSOF Constituency: EACSOF constituency is wide and diverse; it includes individuals and citizens organisations for farmers, fishermen, pastoralists, entrepreneurs, academicians, professionals, workers, the youth, special interest groups (cultural groups, marginalized communities, etc.) organised in sustainable and results-oriented units within their local legal systems and structures, and meeting the minimum standards for organised civil society. EACSOF Composition: EACSOF draws its membership from Civil Society Organizations including Non-Governmental Organisations, Community Based Organisations, Faith Based Organisations, and Networks and Coalitions of such organisations situated within the East Africa Community Member States. Regional Organizations. Regional Networks. National CSO Networks. Alliances and Coalitions. NGOs working at national and sub-national. FBOs, CBOs, Individuals all inclusive. Membership Application Form can be downloaded from www.eacsof.net EACSOF Wider Relationships and Affiliations: The EAC and Partner States. National, Regional and International Networks. The Centre for Citizen Participation at the African Union (CCP-AU). The African Centre for Civil Society (ACCS). The West Africa Civil Society Organisations Forum (WACSOF). Southern African Development Cooperation Council of NGOs (SADC -CNGO). The African CSO Platform on Principled Partnerships (ACPPP). MEMBERSHIP SERVICES AND BENEFITS INCLUDE: EACSOF is the focal point for CSO engagement in EAC integration processes through the Consultative Dialogue Framework i.e. representation at the EAC through the dialogue framework. Exchange of ideas, information and networking with likeminded CSOs in the region through robust knowledge networks, information, education and communication strategies. EACSOF Conferences, Workshops, Seminars and Training Processes. Facilitated up-take of knowledge and its management. Participatory and inclusive agenda setting for EACSOF and influencing of EAC integration processes through a BIG voice and collective civic action across the region. Empowering of active citizenry through policy advocacy for sustainable growth and development by joining existing thematic clusters and platforms at national and regional levels respectively.
A monthly e-newsletter (and e-bulletins) detailing happenings around EAC and CSOs in the region. Opportunities to attend and participate in EACSOF meetings that discuss critical regional integration issues on development and human rights. Subsidized costs on purchase of EACSOF publications upon marketing & advertising in our media. Association & Networking with prominent CSOs beyond East Africa and other stakeholders in their fields of expertise through the use of ICTs. The famous EACSOF Annual CSO Conference & General Meeting. CONTACTS For further information please contact: East African Civil Society Organisations Forum, Plot 233, Oloirien Area, Perfect Printers Street, P. O. Box 12583 Arusha Tanzania, +255 786 027 746 Email: eacsof@gmail.com / info@eacsof.net Website: www.eacsof.net