Fostering Freedom of Information for Inclusive Governance Project - 5th Quarter Report

The project focuses on establishing a culture of freedom of information, empowering citizens to access and use public information, and promoting good governance. The project has made significant progress in implementing its objectives, despite facing financial constraints. The "Citizens' Manual for Freedom of Information" and the "Training of Trainers FOI Manual" have been completed and are awaiting funding for printing and distribution. The Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) have reached the halfway point, with 457 participants from various communities, including community leaders, officers, and representatives from schools, PNTL, churches, and NGOs. The FGDs have provided valuable insights into the participants' experience and knowledge regarding access to information. The majority of participants have found the concept of FOI to be new and motivating, and they are eager to learn how to use their rights. Feedback from the participants has been positive, with some expressing their excitement about the potential of FOI to hold leaders accountable and access information about developments and progress. The project has also made progress in implementing its objective of promoting transparency and accountability. The Interim Baseline Survey has been completed and submitted to USAID, and the data for the Baseline Survey is being collected in conjunction with the ongoing FGDs. The Public Campaign is still in its infancy, but it has registered two cases. The project has also faced challenges, including financial constraints, which have slowed down the achievement of some of its objectives. The Suku Elections held in October and November have also caused delays in the project's activities. Despite these challenges, the project remains committed to promoting transparency and accountability in Timor-Leste. The project's objective of promoting transparency and accountability is aligned with the Government of Timor-Leste's commitment to promoting good governance. The project's activities are also aligned with the National Framework on Freedom of Expression and Information, which enshrines the right to access public information. The project's progress is being monitored and evaluated through the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan for Year Two, which is included in Appendix One. The plan outlines the project's objectives, indicators, and indicators for measuring progress. The plan also outlines the project's expected outcomes and the resources required to achieve them. The project's activities are being implemented in seven municipalities, including Ainaro, Aileu, Dili, Ermera, Liquiça, Manatutu, and Oecusse. The project's target is to reach 65 FGDs with 10 participants each, which will be completed by February 2017. The project's activities are being implemented in collaboration with various stakeholders, including community leaders, officers, and representatives from schools, PNTL, churches, and NGOs. The project's progress is being supported by USAID, which has provided funding for the project. The project's activities are also being supported by the Government of Timor-Leste, which has committed to promoting good governance and transparency.