International parenthood NGO accredits GRPA

The Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) was recently awarded a Certificate of Accredita-tion in recognition of its performance as an NGO that has been providing sexual and reproductive health services to Guyana.

In a press release the GRPA said in its 35 years as an NGO it maintained an excellent working relationship with the International Planned Parenthood Federa-tion/Western Hemisphere Region (IPPF/WHR) and has been, for 18 years, an associate member. At a meeting held in August, the Regional Council of the IPPF/WHR accredited the GRPA.

According to the release the receipt of this certificate is testimony to the fact that the IPPF is satisfied that the GRPA has in place all the necessary policies, regulations, structures and systems to guarantee maximum efficiency, accountability, transparency, non-discrimination  and the delivery of high quality service to its clients. Also, the IPPF’s administrative staff and volunteers at both the regional and central levels are satisfied that the GRPA is operating effectively not only in keeping with national laws and regulations but also in upholding IPPF’s standards and responsibilities.

The GRPA said with this accreditation it can now apply to the IPPF for full membership. The NGO said its board of directors, management and staff are “excited about this achievement because the Association has been re-organised and transformed to such an extent that we can respond more appropriately to the needs of adolescents, young adults, women, men, parents and families.” Also, in keeping with the IPPF’s Strategic Plan the GRPA said it will soon reinforce the 5As: Adolescents, Advocacy, AIDS, Abortion and Access. It said all its clients have expressed satisfaction with its services and it has already begun to make available to them in these areas.

The GRPA said it is grateful to the government, regional and international donor agencies, civil society organisations including the Private Sector and sister NGOs and others for the encouragement, motivation and support that have bolstered it.