1. Lessons learned from experience: case studies Inclusive Employment Title : From economic nuisance to economic economic empowerment; Improving the livelihoods of vulnerable population including people with disabilities, using an inclusive approach. Country: Sierra Leone Specific thematic: Service providers Presented by: Benedict J. John-Simbo & Joe Fred Feika

2. Description of the good practices MICRO FINANCE 1.Conducted I month survey to identify micro finance institutions with low interest rate and willing to extend services to vulnerable including persons with disability. 2.Administered individual institution questionnaire to assess the loan product that can be easily adapted by the clients. 3.Convened workshop on disablility issues with service providers 4.Trained credit officer on disability issues 5.Designing and signing of partnership agreement to review and adapt loan product 6.Follow-up to ensure timely repayment of loan and conduct business counseling by all partners including service providers. 7. Institutional support to MFI.

3. Skills Training 1.Conducted survey to identify skills training service providers such as VTC, CBT that are qualified and willing to accept PWDs. 2.Assesses training facilities including structural accessibility. 3.Convened workshop on disablility issues with service providers 4.Formalize partnership by developing MOU or service contract, signing and transfer of support fund. 5.Presentation of trainees profile to service providers for admission/enrollment in the VTC or CBT. 6.Work with service provider to develop training plan. 7.Follow-up and monitor service providers’ activities and give necessary feedback.

4. Obstacles and Measures taken to overcome obstacles Attitudes of some service providers; continue network meetings, capacity building training interms of dealing with vulnerable groups especially pesons with disabilities Reporting- capacity building training in planning and reporting, time to time follow-up monitoring of activities ( micro finance and skills training) and give effective feedback. Lack of structured curriculum; HI directly work to design structured curriculum with specific objectives for the services. Expectation for institutional support; HI provides basic institutional support to service providers

5. The most significant changes 1.Service providers willingness to support inclusive employment proccess through the apprenticeship scheme. 2.Service providers help to raise awareness and engage employers for employment/job placement in their companies. 3.Community people impressed and always talk positive about training outcomes especially skills graguates hence forth hoping for similar benefit. 4.MFI aware about PWDs engaged in sucessful micro finance business and are presently extending loan facility/ support to others. 5.Service providers willing to enroll PWDs for skills training and microfinance

6. How to duplicate or develop these practices? 1.Collaborate with stakeholders 2.HI to empower service providers -technical & financial 3.Local actors involved in monitoring of project activities 4.Convene frequent meetings with all service providers to discuss on issues affecting the project 5.Continue partnership agreements to ensure commitment 6.Develop tools for assessing service providers

7. Summary of Key Points Conduct market survey to assess service providers Develop ToRs for all service provider Ensure partnership agreements with service providers Conduct routine service provider’s assessments to reassure quality service delivery Convene regular meetings with all service providers