New Horizons > June 2003

Director’s message

The ECLOF Managers’ Workshop in August 2002 discussed the issue of resource mobilisation. Most national ECLOF committees (NECs) have given this subject little attention because they have been able to obtain resources from ECLOF International. US$23 million is required over the next four years to meet the needs of ECLOF committees. To meet this target, NECs will have to be alert to opportunities available in their own countries. In this issue we share resource mobilisation initiatives already underway in Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, Peru and Zimbabwe.

Peru shows how the response to a fire disaster developed into resource mobilisation and encouraged ECLOF Peru to develop a new strategy. More unusual is the case from Ecuador where the NEC raised substantial resources from individuals who are committed to ECLOF. In all cases, programme performance, credibility and transparency have been essential ingredients to success.

This edition of New Horizons contains a new section: Spotlight on ECLOF staff. This highlights outstanding staff performance and begins with the work of loan officers in the Dominican Republic and Zimbabwe. Both people show social commitment plus a professional and practical approach to their work; both officers requested motorcycles in order to do their work more effectively.

ECLOF recognises that advocacy on macro socio-economic issues, which affects our own work, is essential. Articles on globalisation, a trade campaign and discussions between WCC, IMF and the World Bank reflect the work of our partners who specialise on these issues.