News Archive
December |
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November |
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MDI International integrates with GRM Australia
1 November 2007
The Managing Contractor, MDI International, has been merged with GRM International and is now the Melbourne office of GRM Australia. All projects previously managed by MDI International are now managed by GRM International. |
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October |
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OPTO International conducts a Reality Check in Bangladesh on behalf of Sida.
1 October 2007
The Reality Check is an initiative of the Embassy of Sweden in Bangladesh and Sida. The overall goal of the initiative is to listen to and try to understand poor people’s perspectives on the national health and education programmes in Bangladesh, which are supported through multi-donor sector approaches. |
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September |
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Worldwide Governance Indicators Released
September 24 2007
The Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI) project reports aggregate and individual governance indicators for 212 countries and territories over the period 1996–2006, for six dimensions of governance:
- Voice and Accountability
- Political Stability and Absence of Violence
- Government Effectiveness
- Regulatory Quality
- Rule of Law
- Control of Corruption
The aggregate indicators combine the views of a large number of enterprise, citizen and expert survey respondents in industrial and developing countries. The individual data sources underlying the aggregate indicators are drawn from a diverse variety of survey institutes, think tanks, non-governmental organizations, and international organizations.
More information: World Bank Governance Matters 2007 |
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August - February |
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Mid-term Evaluation Medicinal Plants (Phase II) - Bhutan
GRM International BV will provide five experts to perform a mid-term review of the Medicinal Plants Project (Phase II) in Bhutan. This project was set up with the aim of conserving natural resources, alleviating poverty, improving health and creating economic opportunity through the sustainable development of the medicinal plants sector. The aim of the mid-term review will be to assess the efficiency, effectiveness, sustainability and impact of the project to date. In particular, the team will review the strategies adopted to achieve project objectives and provide specific recommendations on future project strategy. The five member review team includes a Team Leader and specialists in horticulture and farmer associations. The mid-term review will be performed during July/August 2007. |
Introduction of Participative Approaches to Epidemiological Surveillance - Madagascar
GRM International - Netherlands is part of a consortium led by TRANSTEC BV of Belgium supplying services to the EC in the field of Rural Development and Food Security.
Commencing July 2007, GRM International BV will provide an expert in the monitoring and control of infectious animal diseases in pastoral zones for the assignment "Introduction des approaches participatives de surveillance épidémiologique à Madagascar".
The expert will be employed to introduce participatory approaches to epidemiological surveillance and deliver a train-the-trainer's programme in participatory epidemiology amongst other objectives.
The assignment will involve two phases totalling 60 days. |
End of Project Evaluation of Micro-projects through Development of Local Communities – Lao PDR
GRM International - Netherlands is part of a consortium led by TRANSTEC BV of Belgium supplying services to the EC in the field of Rural Development and Food Security.
The overall objective of the “Micro-projects through Development of Local Communities” project is to provide priority small-scale socio-economic development to the residents of poor upland villages in four rural districts of Luang Prabang and Luang Namtha through an interactive participation of villagers, local authorities and private sector organisations. This is intended to strengthen their ability to foster rural based development in an efficient and effective manner.
GRM International BV will provide a team of four multi-disciplinary experts to perform an end of project evaluation of this project. The team includes a Rural Development Specialist/Team Leader and specialists in agriculture, the social sector and rural infrastructure.
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GRM supports Global Development Conference
GRM has agreed to support the 9th Annual Global Development Network Conference to be held in Brisbane 29-31 January 2008, by providing administrative support, equipment and funding.
Entitled ‘Security for Development: Confronting Threats to Survival and Safety', the conference will bring together nearly 600 researchers, policymakers and development practitioners from across the world to discuss the role of physical security as a precondition of human development.
The conference will focus on pervasive threats, whose potential to cause physical or material damage shortens the planning horizons of individuals, communities and enterprises and challenges their survival. Threats to be addressed include violence (domestic abuse, violent crime and civil conflict), and major calamities including pandemics and natural disasters (such as earthquakes, drought and floods).
For more information on GDN, see their website: http://www.gdnet.org |
External Evaluation Mission of the Food Security Support Programme - BOLIVIA
GRM International - Netherlands is part of a consortium led by TRANSTEC BV of Belgium supplying services to the EC in the field of Rural Development and Food Security.
In April - May 2007, GRM International BV will provide the team leader for a six-week external evaluation mission of the Food Security Support Programme (Programa de Apoyo a la Seguridad Alimentaria - PASA ) in Bolivia, implemented by the Bolivian Ministry of Rural Development, Agribusiness and Environment. The three main components of the programme are institutional assistance, public investments and micro-finance.
The team leader will be responsible for the overall coordination of the evaluation mission and the team of four experts which includes a public finance expert, agronomist/sociologist and an economist. |
Development of Donor Coordination Framework, Kano State, Nigeria (DFID Phase 1: 15 Jan 07 - 15 Mar 07)
GRM has been contracted by DFID to support the Kano State Government in its efforts to better identify and coordinate donor and aid agency interventions in all sectors. This is important to secure the most efficient and effective use of donor funds for the benefit of the people of Kano State, many of whom experience some of the worst conditions of poverty in the world. The project aims to put the determination of development programming firmly in to the hands of the elected representatives of the people, enabling the state government to set priorities and implement a more cohesive Kano State Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy to reduce poverty. Working with the Ministry of Planning and Budget, GRM has undertaken a situation analysis of current donor activities and coordination mechanisms and recommended practical steps to be taken to maximise the impact of donor assistance working within a new institutional framework based on the establishment of a donor coordination unit. Efforts are continuing to promote the new initiative with Government and NGO stakeholders, to bring about the recommended organisational changes and to collect the necessary management information on donor activities. |
Vulnerable Group Development for Ultra-Poor Programme in Bangladesh:
New Framework Contract Assignment for GRM The Netherlands. |
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January |
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Solomon Islands Artists Support Program: Exhibition
23 January 2007
The first photos are available from an exhibition held by Solomon Island Artists Association, funded by GRM's Communities 1st programme. The program aims to contribute to the national cultural heritage, foster cultural and artistic development and facilitate economic development and employment growth. |
GRM UK Mobilises Community Development Consultant to Sudan
17 January 2007
Following on from GRM’s successful bid to provide DFID with a Community Development Consultant for the Technical Secretariat to the World Bank Multi Donor Trust Fund in Sudan, Josephine Onyango took up her post in Khartoum in early January 07. The project supports community-led development in northern Sudan through partnerships among local stakeholders, including localities, communities, NGOs and community-based organizations, on the basis of subprojects submitted by local communities and developed through a consultative, participatory planning process.
Josephine will be providing technical community development advice to the Community Development Fund Project Implementation Unit with regard to the provision of health, education, water supply and other basic social and economic services and infrastructure and working to build the institutional capacity of local non-government and civil society organisations. This is in the context of seriously neglected and underdeveloped areas of North Sudan where Social service delivery is a means to facilitate conflict resolution and ensure peace dividends to the war-affected populations. |
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November |
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EC Framework Contract Assignment - Mid-term Review of the Humanitarian Plus Programme II - Sudan
29 November 2006
GRM Netherlands has won the EC Lot 1 Framework Contract assignment to perform the “Mid-Term Review of the Humanitarian Plus Programme II” in Sudan. The Humanitarian Plus Programme II (HPP II) was launched by the European Commission in 2004 and is funded from the 9th European Development Fund. The purpose of the programme is the re-establishment of sustainable self-reliance mechanism within the most vulnerable communities throughout the whole Sudan, including both the returnee and host populations, but with particular emphasis on former war-affected areas. The team of two monitoring and evaluation specialists will commence the six week mission in early 2007 to report on the programme and provide recommendations to inform the final stage of the implementation of the Programme. |
Two more Framework Contract Assignments for GRM International BV and Planet Consultants
3 November 2006
In October 2006, GRM International BV won two framework contracts assignments: in Malawi and Peru. |
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October |
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GRM Sponsors Egala A’una ("Coconut Men")
26 October 2006
GRM through PATTAF (Papua New Guinea - Australia Targeted Training Facility) sponsored the Egala A’una (translated means Coconut Men) Village Cricket Team in the Central Province cricket tournament being played in October 2006. |
Planet Consultants becomes part of GRM Netherlands
7 October 2006
GRM International would like to welcome Planet Consulants to the GRM Group. Established in 1989, Planet Consultants (www.planetconsultants.net) specialises in aid coordination for the EU. Planet is currently implementing five EU funded projects in the CIS region and is an active member of an EU Framework Consortium in education, training and social affairs. Under this framework contract two assignments are currently being implemented in the Comoros and Paraguay. In the next few weeks the office of Planet Consultants will relocate to the GRM office in Utrecht. The acquisition of Planet Consultants BV by GRM International was completed on 6 October. |
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July |
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May |
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GRM International Pty Ltd Wins Project in Rural South Australia
25 May 2006
GRM has won a project management assignment for the Adelaide Indigenous Coordinating Centre (ICC), to manage the restoration of the historic Raukkan Community Church. The assignment is based in the Coorong region on the shores of Lake Alexandrina, where the Murray River flows into the shallows of Lake Alexandrina and Lake Albert.
The Coorong's first inhabitants were the Ngarrindjeri at Raukkan Mission, and is also the burial site of one of Australia's most extraordinary men. David Unaipon (1872 - 1967) has been described as Australia's "Leonardo Da Vinci". He was an inventor, writer, poet and activist. Both an image of David Unaipon and the Raukkan Community Church appear on the Australian $50 note.
It is intended that following restoration, the building will be used for various community activities. The work is being funded by the Australian Government's Department of Environment and Heritage. |
Diwai's Teacher Training Program Highlighted
17 May 2006
The above article is from Papua New Guinea's Post Courier highlights Diwai Pacific's Teacher Quality Upgrade Program. Diwai Pacific is a joint venture between GRM International and Divine Word University. |
Simulating Life - From the Mumbai Mirror Bureau
12 May 2006
In the first of its kind, scientists have managed to computer-simulate an entire life form – a virus – in research that could hold the key to developing drugs that attack these micro organisms when they’re most vulnerable. |
GRM International BV Netherlands Wins EC Framework Contract in Zimbabwe
4 May 2006
GRM International Netherlands received confirmation today that the EC has selected our team of experts to undertake the Final Evaluation of the 12th Micro-projects Programme in Zimbabwe. |
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February |
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OPTO International appoints new General Manager
20 February 2006
Mr Christer Soderberg (pronounced Sodderbay) has been appointed as the new General Manager of OPTO International AB, a GRM International Group company based in Sweden. |
China has announced new rules to control and prevent the spread of AIDS.
12 February 2006
The law, which comes into force on 1 March, will also ban discrimination against AIDS sufferers. The new regulations make the intentional spreading of the disease a criminal offence. Local authorities will be responsible for providing free testing, as well as free medication for poor patients and pregnant women who have the disease. AIDS sufferers and their families will also have their identities protected under the new law. |
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January |
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Diwai Pacific awarded PNG Teacher Training Project
30 January 2006
Diwai Pacific Ltd, a joint venture company comprising Divine Word University, Madang, and GRM International, has been successful in bidding for the Teacher Quality Upgrading Project (TQUP), which is a major initiative of the Education Capacity Building Project, Papua New Guinea. |
GRM Group Conference Papers Released
4 January 2006
Papers from the GRM Group Conference held in London in October have now been released. The papers cover a wide range of development topics, from Sustainable Tourism to HIV/AIDS Prevention and much more. Read them here on the web... |
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December |
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GRM expands into Sustainable Tourism
20 December
GRM has joined forces with the Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre (STCRC), Australia’s centre of excellence in sustainable tourism research, to form the Sustainable Tourism Development Consortium Pty Ltd (STDC). |
The Australian Development Gateway has a new Information Sector: Enterprise Development / Microfinance
8 December
Resources include - project case studies, best practice guidelines and methodologies, SME operational toolkits, the latest approaches to microfinance delivery, relevant contacts and support services for microentreprenuers and small business owners, training and mentoring programs, advice on appropriate technologies and guidelines for dealing with regulation and supervision issues. |
VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and "Soft Phones" are set to take the cost out of long-distance phone calls, and may make the humble telephone obselete.
8 December |
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November |
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GRM has donated AUD 30,000 (approx USD 22,000) to CARE's Asian earthquake appeal.
28 November
In total, International donors have now pledged some USD 5.4 billion to help Pakistan recover. |
A new website has been launched for the RAMSI-GSF Solomon Islands Project
23 November
The Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) Governance Support Facility (RGSF) has been set up to support RAMSI in providing the Solomon Islands Government with timely access to high-level short and longer-term technical expertise, particularly on issues of economic reform and governance advice. GRM is managing the facility in association with UniQuest. |
New UNAIDS Report reveals more people are currently living with HIV AIDS than ever before
21 November
UNAIDS says there are an estimated 40.3 million people currently living with the virus across the world, with almost 5 million infected in 2005. And it warns there are growing epidemics in Eastern Europe and Central and East Asia. |
Earthquake leads to border opening between Indian and Pakistani controlled Kashmir after 58 years of division
21 November
The temporary measure, aimed at reuniting families after the October 8 earthquake that devastated the region, came with the news that international donors had given Pakistan almost USD 6 billion to help it recover from the massive earthquake. |
A prototype wind-up laptop, designed for children in the developing world, has been unveiled in Tunis.
17 November
The computer was designed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and will cost less than $100. |
GRM Donates to Mahube Care Centre for HIV/AIDS Patients, Pretoria.
15 November
"Communities 1st, a GRM Initiative” has donated ZAR 62,175 (approx. USD10,000) to fund a bed in the Mahube Care Centre, Pretoria. The financing of one Care Centre bed will enable the Centre to provide medical care and support for AIDS patients who are either homeless or ostracised due to their health status. |
The Australian Government has updated its travel advice to Australians regarding Avian Influenza.
8 November
Australian travellers, long-term residents and businesses overseas should inform themselves about the risks of avian influenza, be prepared to take personal responsibility for their own safety and put appropriate contingency plans in place. |
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October |
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August |
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Melbourne Development Institute.
2 August
Effective from 1 August 2005 a subsidiary of GRM International Pty Ltd purchased the business of Melbourne University Private's international projects division including all current development project contracts. |
GRM Netherlands PCD2 project in Niger extended for two years.
15 August
Last month the EU funded PCD2 project in Niger was evaluated and this week GRM Netherlands was informed that the project will be extended for another two years. |
GRM Opens project office in Kabul.
15 August
Support to Strategic Planning for Sustainable livelihood Programme (SSPSRL), a GRM International project in Afghanistan financed by DFID, has opened the project office in Kabul. |
"Happy is the Hearing Man....." Emerson
8 August
Selwyn Kepoia has been an employee of SIPS for the past 13 years and is a loyal and valued member of the organisation. Selwyn has been diagnosed with two conditions that are leading to profound hearing loss. GRM, with kind donations from AusAID, the Chifley at Lennons and Solomon Airlines is pleased to have sponsored Selwyn to address this condition. |
GRM's Country Manager, Solomon Islands takes study leave for eight months
8 August
Mat Pritchard, GRM's Country Manager for the Solomon Islands, is taking eight months study leave to finish his Masters degree. Mat will base himself back in Ripon, UK, to finish his studies on the Open University's Development Management MSc. |
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May |
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April |
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March |
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February |
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December |
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GRM Donates $30,000 to Tsunami Relief in Southern Asia
29 December
The GRM Development Fund made a donation to CARE Australia for its tsunami relief efforts in Southern Asia. CARE Australia is helping provide essential items and services to victims of the Boxing Day earthquake and resulting tsunamis that caused death and devastation across the region. |
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November |
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October |
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New Management Team to Lead GRM in Europe
01 October
GRM Group Managing Director Kim Bredhauer has announced a new management team, including Darryn Purdy, Janee Crane and Joost Verwilghen, to lead GRM's continued expansion into Europe. |
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September |
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August |
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| GRM International Offices |
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