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Description
The project aims to strengthen the capacity of the Development and Innovation Training Center (AIMC) by improving the management process and sustainability of financial resources. Improving the management processes of the AIMC includes the implementation of the Strategies and Action Plan 2023-2024, performance evaluation approach (M&E system), and quality management principles. The project includes the activity of developing a strategy for obtaining independent funding for AIMC.
Improved governance processes and the implementation of a fundraising plan will contribute to the AIMC''s goals by expanding the range of AIMC services. It will provide an opportunity to use innovative digital technologies and educational approaches to motivate children and young people to engage in activities that, together with the development of digital skills, make them more skilled in democratic civil society, develop their social skills, strengthen their national identity, and teach them to be useful to society. The results of the project will allow to better represent the interests of the part of the society that is at risk of social exclusion or digital exclusion.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address several key challenges:
Capacity Building: Strengthening the capacity of the Development and Innovation Training Center (AIMC) by improving its management processes and the sustainability of its financial resources.
Management Process Improvement: This includes the implementation of the AIMC''s Strategies and Action Plan for 2023-2024, the development of a performance evaluation (M&E) system, and the adoption of quality management principles.
Financial Sustainability: The project seeks to develop a strategy to secure independent funding for AIMC, improving its financial stability and sustainability.
Governance and Service Expansion: The improvement of governance processes and the implementation of a fundraising plan will help AIMC expand its services, allowing it to offer more innovative digital technologies and educational programs.
Youth Engagement and Skill Development: The project also focuses on motivating children and young people to participate in activities that develop their digital, social, and democratic skills, fostering a stronger national identity and sense of civic duty.
Inclusion: Finally, the project addresses the challenge of representing and supporting marginalized groups at risk of social or digital exclusion, ensuring that they are better integrated into society.
These challenges emphasize both internal improvements (management, financial sustainability) and broader societal goals (youth engagement, inclusion).
The project carried out a range of activities and produced several outputs aimed at improving governance, strengthening financial capacity, and expanding services. Here’s a summary of the key activities and outputs:
1. Governance Process Improvement
- Strategic Planning: Developed a strategic plan for 2023-2027 and an action plan for 2023-2024, guided by a mentor, Edgar Jānis Paulovičs.
- M&E System: Created and implemented a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) plan.
- Quality Management: Established and applied a quality management system.
- Partnership Engagement: Partner organizations provided recommendations, and the strategy was regularly reviewed in discussions involving AIMC''s board, volunteers, and partners.
- Meetings and Consultations: Numerous meetings were held to discuss strategy, M&E, and quality management with key stakeholders, including representatives from Ogres municipality and educational experts.
2. Implementation of 2023 Plans
- Action Plan Implementation: The 2023 action plan was implemented, including securing partial funding for new staff positions, setting up document access systems, and completing evaluations of organizational progress.
- Expansion of Services: Introduced new services, such as TikTok filter usage workshops and secured contracts to provide services to municipalities.
- Membership Growth: By September 2023, the project had attracted five new members, with plans to recruit more by the end of the year.
3. Resource and Financial Capacity Strengthening
- Fundraising Strategy: Developed a resource acquisition strategy for 2023-2027, coordinated by Kristīne Tjarve and the AIMC team.
- New Website: Designed and launched a bilingual (Latvian and English) website (aimc.lv) to support visibility and fundraising efforts.
- Public Engagement: Published promotional materials and established a social media presence, increasing awareness about AIMC''s services and mission.
- Partnerships and Grants: Secured grants and financial support from various entities, including "Fazer Latvia" and Rēzeknes Municipality, to support camps and educational activities. Ongoing efforts continued to secure funding for additional projects.
4. Outputs
- Fundraising Success: Achieved a significant increase in independent income, with EUR 12,500 earned from non-project sources in one year.
- Increased Volunteer Engagement: 27 volunteers were involved in organizing events and activities by September 2023, exceeding initial targets.
- Service Contracts: Secured multiple contracts to deliver educational services to municipalities and other organizations.
- Successful Events: Organized events, including a nuclear energy conference, and expanded Erasmus+ partnerships and youth programs, exceeding engagement targets.
The project successfully improved AIMC''s governance, financial sustainability, and service offerings, while also engaging new members and securing external funding.
The project achieved significant outcomes and impacts across different areas, benefiting both the AIMC and its broader community. Here''s a breakdown of the results and the primary beneficiaries:
1. Improved Organizational Governance
- Outcome: The development and implementation of the strategic plan (2023-2027), M&E plan, and quality management system significantly improved AIMC’s internal governance processes.
- Impact: AIMC became more efficient in its operations and better equipped to measure its performance, ensuring long-term sustainability.
- Beneficiaries: The AIMC board, staff, and volunteers directly benefited from better-organized and streamlined processes.
2. Increased Financial Sustainability
- Outcome: A comprehensive fundraising strategy was developed and executed, resulting in the generation of independent revenue streams. AIMC increased its income from non-project sources to EUR 12,500 within one year.
- Impact: This financial boost ensured the stability and growth of the organization, allowing it to expand its programs and services.
- Beneficiaries: AIMC and its staff benefited from greater financial security and resources, enabling them to continue their work with the community.
3. Expansion of Educational Services
- Outcome: AIMC expanded its service offerings, including new workshops on TikTok filters, 3D printing, and LEGO robotics, as well as delivering animation workshops to teachers and students.
- Impact: These services promoted digital literacy and creative skills among young people, making them more engaged with technology and helping to prepare them for future roles in society.
- Beneficiaries: Children, youth, teachers, and educational professionals in the community gained access to innovative educational programs, enhancing their digital and social skills.
4. Engagement of Marginalized Groups
- Outcome: AIMC’s activities, such as the "Daugavas stāsti" diaspora camp and educational workshops, actively included groups at risk of social or digital exclusion.
- Impact: This inclusion helped foster a stronger sense of national identity, civic engagement, and digital competence among marginalized children and youth, promoting their integration into society.
- Beneficiaries: At-risk youth, including diaspora children, benefited from these programs, gaining social and digital skills that enhance their ability to participate in civic life.
5. Volunteer and Membership Growth
- Outcome: By September 2023, AIMC had attracted five new members and involved 27 volunteers in its activities, exceeding its goals.
- Impact: Increased volunteerism and membership growth enhanced AIMC’s capacity to deliver its programs and further strengthened its community ties.
- Beneficiaries: AIMC, its volunteers, and members benefited from this growth, creating a stronger and more engaged organizational community.
6. Increased Visibility and Partnerships
- Outcome: AIMC launched a new website, expanded its social media presence, and secured contracts with several municipalities to provide educational services.
- Impact: AIMC’s increased visibility attracted more partners and funders, leading to a broader impact through educational initiatives and expanded service delivery.
- Beneficiaries: Local municipalities, educational institutions, and the general public benefited from AIMC’s enhanced services and collaborative projects.
7. Youth Empowerment
- Outcome: Through various programs, including workshops on 3D printing and social media tools like TikTok, AIMC empowered youth to develop their digital and creative skills.
- Impact: These activities fostered greater youth engagement in technology and creative industries, helping them develop the skills needed for future success in a digital world.
- Beneficiaries: Children and young people, particularly those involved in digital and creative workshops, gained essential skills for their personal and professional development.
8. International Collaboration
- Outcome: AIMC participated in three international projects with foreign partners and submitted additional proposals for future collaborations.
- Impact: This expanded AIMC’s reach beyond national borders, facilitating cross-cultural exchanges and learning opportunities for its members and community.
- Beneficiaries: AIMC staff, volunteers, and participants involved in international projects benefited from the exchange of knowledge and practices.
9. Positive Impact on Local Communities
- Outcome: AIMC organized educational and cultural events, including conferences and workshops, that engaged over 320 participants by September 2023.
- Impact: These events promoted awareness of key issues such as nuclear energy and digital education, enhancing community knowledge and engagement.
- Beneficiaries: Local community members, including educators and students, benefited from these events, gaining knowledge and participating in discussions on important societal issues.
Overall, the project resulted in better governance, financial sustainability, expanded services, and increased community engagement, benefiting a wide range of stakeholders, including AIMC staff, volunteers, children, youth, educators, and local communities.
Summary of bilateral results
The project significantly benefited from its partnership with Norsensus Mediaforum, a Norwegian organization with expertise in digital communication and storytelling. This partnership provided the AIMC team with essential knowledge and skills, such as using digital storytelling techniques and social media tools like TikTok for educational purposes. The donor partner shared innovative practices, helping AIMC develop new services and improve its communication strategies. The collaboration also enabled AIMC to enhance its human resource capacity by involving young people with up-to-date IT skills, thus expanding their offerings in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) education. Overall, the donor project partner added immense value through knowledge exchange, capacity-building, and providing real-world insights into successful digital strategies.At the bilateral level, the project produced several notable outcomes: Knowledge Exchange, Service Development andImproved Communication: AIMC also improved its communication strategy by incorporating digital tools and social media platforms that resonate with their target audience—children and young people. This included learning to effectively use TikTok, which was previously untapped by AIMC, thus broadening their outreach efforts.AIMC plans to continue bilateral cooperation with Norsensus Mediaforum by further building on the successes achieved during the initial project. The next steps include: Continued Learning and Service Innovation, Strengthening Human Resources and Ongoing Exchange of Ideas: Regular discussions and meetings with Norsensus Mediaforum will help AIMC refine their digital strategies and continue innovating. They plan to further explore the use of digital tools like TikTok for engaging young audiences and storytelling in education, ensuring a sustained impact.