The Communication Initiative

[pjjere]

People who matter,

In Malawi, the Learner-centred, Problem posing, Self discovery and Action
oriented approach (LePSA) to dealing with behaviour change challenges
associated with HIV and AIDS. The approach involves engaging communities
in deep reflection and analysis sessions that eventually generate a drive
for action at individual as well as group level. The approach has evolved
from Paulo Freirre (Brazilian writer)transformative writings. The approach
recognises that change is a result of a conscious decision one has to make
based on deep reflection over life and not merely knowledge acquisition.
As a Communication for Development Consultant, I have noted that most
change based initiatives are merely addressing knowledge dissemination
objectives and are not challenging enough to engage learners more
critically to facilitate commited decisions. Practitioners dont seem to
invest much time in dialogue with people to achieve critical understanding
of the effects and causes of issues happening around them. This seems to
be the reason why a lot of knowledge has flown around about HIV and AIDS
but with little impact on behaviour change. Most IEC initiatives might
need to be reexamined to see how they can engage learners in deeper
reflection at individual level beyond mere knowledge acquisition.
Practitioners might also wish to adopt new skills and attitudes to better
cope and address the needs of learners, both the literate and illiterate
as it seems behaviour change is a challenge affecting both cadres.

PETER



On Fri, July 11, 2008 4:22 pm, Nicolene Rose- Innes said:

[Nicolene Rose- Innes]

 
 


Dear Colleagues
 
 
I have worked for 7 years in Southern Africa using storytelling as a methodology for starting a conversation of change in the fight against HIVAIDS, and have found that we need to focus our efforts on how the disease affects family life, and decision making in communities
The family is the common thread which unites all people.
Sharing the experience of how the disease affects family cross culturally is tremendously healing for all who participate. It also provides an interface for gender debate as well as in a on threatening way helps us understand the different cultural views on human sexuality.
 
If we are wise we can in our conversations of change use this ghastly disease as the bridge to build the rift between the rich and poor because of the common thread, family
 
Try it and use the family in your message as a starting point, you will stand amazed at how well it works 
 
Nicolene from calltherain
www.calltherain.co.za
0822287354