World Vision Sri Lanka Tsunami Response: Humanitarian Accountability Team Lessons Learned – Perspectives from Communities and Staff

During September 2007, the Humanitarian Accountability Team (HAT) conducted 10 focus group discussions (FGDs) in three operational districts to evaluate the impact of its activities. The qualitative survey was based on FGDs with permanent housing recipients, using structured discussion guides that explored four major themes:
1. Application of skills and knowledge acquired through training
2. Forms of information sharing and consultation
3. Viability and effectiveness of community organizations
4. Improved relations in community

HAT was the first team of its kind within World Vision International. This report seeks to evaluate the impact of HAT activities, learn from successes and lessons and provide guidance to those starting to implement accountability both within Sri Lanka and outside. It highlights the findings of focus group discussions (FGDs) with permanent housing beneficiaries in Kalutara, Batticaloa and Jaffna. These beneficiaries were targeted for this study as participants in the full range of HAT activities who would have the ability to best assess them. The report also separately highlights findings from a FGD held with
HAT field staff and two key informant interviews focusing on similar issues in addition to the team’s organizational structure.