The Special Programmes are implemented by special actors which all operate on a non-profit basis. Information on how to apply is compiled on this webpage and can be downloaded here.
Background
The financing and control of Belgium’s indirect co-operation initiatives are in the domain of the Directorate General for Development Co-operation (DGDC) which directly reports to the Federal Minister of Development Co-operation. Its role is to conceive development co-operation policy guidelines, to manage co-operation instruments, allocate funds and follow up and evaluate their use.
The Special Programmes are implemented by special actors which all operate on a non-profit basis. However, they are not recognised as non-government organisations (NGOs) since they do not meet with the conditions fixed by the royal decree of 18 July 1997. They are governed by separate agreements, royal decrees and ministerial regulations. The majority of those involved also work within the framework of approved programmes spanning several years.
VVOB, APEFE
The Flemish Association for Development Co-operation and Technical Assistance (VVOB) and the French-speaking Association for the Promotion of Education and Foreign Training (APEFE) are non-profit associations that support the education, training and research capacities of target institutions in developing countries with whom they have signed co-operation agreements. The DGDC subsidises annual programmes of activities under the provisions of a general agreement between the State of Belgium and these non-profit organisations, with a term of five years. More information can be found online.
Indirect university co-operation
Belgian development co-operation is channelled through Belgian universities. More information can be found online.
Scientific institutions
: In 1997, the foundations were laid for of a new approach to co-operation with scientific institutions. Just as for all other players, this is based on annual programmes instead of a variety of small projects. Programme administration is primarily focused on the control, monitoring and evaluation of the interventions. Monitoring of the annual programmes is entrusted to a consultative body or steering group, in which representatives of the government and the scientific institutions involved regularly meet with each other. More information can be found online.
International group traineeships
Each year, the DGDC finances a programme of international group traineeships. This programme encompasses two different types of traineeship: traditional group traineeships for participants from developing countries who come to Belgium to complete their professional training, and group traineeships organised in developing countries. More information can be found online.
Programmes related to migration and development
These programmes are oriented toward immigrants from developing countries. They offer immigrants the opportunity to make an active contribution to the development of their country of origin. The emphasis lies on (1) institutional and structural assistance for local organisations pursuing socio-economic objectives, in order to fashion them into reference centres in specific regions (strengthening partnerships) and (2) increasing the involvement of immigrants in these partnerships. More information can be found here.
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