Our Theory of Change
A theory of change involves interventions that build on each other to bring about a given long-term goal. (Kail. Lumley, 2012) In post-conflict societies like Cambodia, theories of change are usually applied by international or local humanitarian and development organisations that work together in planting the seeds of human rights and democracy. They strive to make a difference, for Cambodia to prosper. This is crucial and has made the Government aware of the key role it must play as both a promoter and a partner of positive and sustainable change in Cambodian society.
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Background
Like many other fledgling democracies, Cambodia has faced numerous challenges to its social and economic development and commitment to political pluralism. Cambodia has been forced to confront challenges unique to its own history, geography and culture. It is because of this extremely complex environment that Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have often struggled to be effective in their delivery of services, to be relevant to the needs and desires of the Cambodian people. NGOs have often found themselves hamstrung by Government intransigence, ineptitude and intolerance. Compounding this has been the exploitation and manipulation of some NGO programmes by Government officials and higher authorities aiming to push personal and political agendas.
Notwithstanding the myriad of challenges, over time NGOs in Cambodia have built up their operational capacity and worked hard to emphasise the relevance and sustainable nature of their work for the community. Fair and participatory democratic systems require citizens and civil society actors to actively participate in social and economic development at local and national levels. If Cambodian citizens and civil society organisations want a Government more responsive to the needs of the community, particularly of marginal groups, then it is essential that a culture of openness and public engagement and participation is fostered across all sectors of society.
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Three Levels Of Change
The process of formulating and applying a theory of change has transformed the way API plans and measures impact. API works to contribute towards change at the individual, system and policy level for the betterment of society in Cambodia. In promoting advocacy work in Cambodia, API looks at ‘advocacy’ and ‘policy’ simultaneously. In situations where there is no policy in place, there is a need for advocacy towards developing policies or new laws. Where a policy or law is in place but is poorly enforced, advocacy is needed to reinforce and implement the policy. As a result, API expects its efforts will achieve:
Policy change:
e.g., the Parliament passing the Access to Information (A2I) law, and Government institutions at both sub-national and national levels creating and implementing appropriate policy guidelines, thereby serving the needs of society;
System change:
e.g., establishing A2I working groups, mechanisms of cooperation between civil society organisations (CSOs) and government institutions which will address issues that affect people’s livelihoods, particularly those of vulnerable and marginalised groups;
Attitude change:
change in individual attitudes and behaviour patterns of people directly or indirectly involved in API’s work, in other words education and awareness, and therefore empowered individuals who are aware of the issues and understand their rights.
With its work over more than a decade, API is now recognised as a leading advocacy and capacity building institution whose main aim is to promote access to information and decentralisation policies by direct involvement in advocacy and policy activities.
Partnership and Accountability
API works with Government institutions, civil society organisations, and networks to build their capacity and support them to respond to the needs and concerns of people. By encouraging and improving partnerships, API also works to ensure that Government institutions provide space for citizens and civil society actors to interact and engage in dialogue on critical issues and concerns. At the same time, these efforts seek to hold Government institutions and their representatives accountable.
API has demonstrated sustained organisational commitment to transparency, accountability, and integrity in its internal operations. API believes that its contribution will make a difference in the long term democratic and social development of Cambodia, in poverty reduction and the protection of human rights, as well as in creating a national culture of harmony based on sustainable democratic, political, and economic stability.