- Program Civil Society
- Program Area Increasing Access to Justice
- Grant Amount $100,000
- Grant Period January 1, 2004–December 31, 2005
- Location Braamfontein, South Africa
- Geographic Focus South Africa
About this grant
The National Para-Legal Institute was established in 1999 to provide uniform, accredited training for all paralegals in South Africa. Because poor and marginalized communities do not have access to affordable legal services and support, the country’s paralegal and advice offices play a key role in supplying information about rights and how to access them.Multiyear funding will enable the institute to facilitate the accreditation and certification of paralegal trainers to ensure that they meet state standards; provide uniform accredited training for paralegals; conduct training needs assessment; enhance the image of the paralegal sector; strengthen its capacity; and work with the National Community Based Paralegal Association to improve the funding environment for the sector.Accomplishments during the past two years included developing uniform training programs and materials for paralegals; working to ensure that the programs and materials meet state standards; testing uniform training within various higher education institutions; creating a code of ethics for paralegals; and continuing discussions with the Department of Justice around the Legal Practice Bill.