Detailed Mechanism Funding and Narrative

Years of mechanism: 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Details for Mechanism ID: 14748
Country/Region: Mozambique
Year: 2013
Main Partner: United Nations Children's Fund
Main Partner Program: NA
Organizational Type: Multi-lateral Agency
Funding Agency: USAID
Total Funding: $0

The goal of this project is to deliver long distance learning based on a regional 18-month certificate program to community-based activists working with children and youth in the context of HIV, AIDS and poverty to promote good caring practices and quality psychosocial support interventions. The fundamental strategy behind this activity is the adoption and adaptation of an 18-month Certificate Program for Community Based Work with Children and Youth that has already been successfully implemented in the region, as evidenced by an independent external evaluation . The Program is offered as a distance learning course and as such, maximizes learning opportunities, both at the workplace and at community level, for activists with minimal formal education and training already working for and with children. As an accredited Program, it also offers learners pathways for career development. The certificate Program examines key trends, theories and approaches when dealing with children at risk, including introducing concepts of child rights and child protection. The course also includes practical skills that are needed when working with communities, families, youth and children, particularly in terms of pyscho-social support. The direct target group for this proposal is 160 government and community-based activists (with a target of equal distribution by sex ) who are already working on issues related to children (particularly OVC) at CBOs, NGOs, and FBOs, but have not had the opportunity to access formal training. It is anticipated that each activist will reach at least 30 children, resulting in nearly 5,000 children being reached with quality support services. The three provinces to be covered in this first phase are likely to be Maputo, Beira and Nampula

Funding for Care: Orphans and Vulnerable Children (HKID): $0

This activity will be implemented by a Public International Organization working in the area of Children Advocacy, UNICEF.

The goal of this project is to deliver long distance learning based on a regional 18-month certificate program to community-based activists working with children and youth in the context of HIV, AIDS and poverty to promote good caring practices and quality psychosocial support interventions

The fundamental strategy behind this proposal is the adoption and adaptation of an 18-month Certificate Program for Community Based Work with Children and Youth that has already been successfully implemented in the region, as evidenced by an independent external evaluation (South African Institute for Distance Education - Evaluation Report of the Certificate Program. 2010). The Program is offered as a distance learning course and as such, maximizes learning opportunities, both at the workplace and at community level, for activists with minimal formal education and training already working for and with children. As an accredited program, it also offers learners pathways for career development. The certificate program examines key trends, theories and approaches when dealing with children at risk, including introducing concepts of child rights and child protection. The course also includes practical skills that are needed when working with communities, families, youth and children, particularly in terms of pyscho-social support.

One of the critical success factors identified in the evaluation is the strong collaboration between University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) academic team, the African Centre for Childhood team, UNICEF, REPSSI and the local university/training institution hosting the program whereby each partner provides inputs per their comparative advantage to ensure a program that is of high quality in all aspects. Another success factor is the well-designed decentralized student support model whereby students attend regular and well organized mentor-led group sessions. The evaluation also found evidence that the program had well-designed learning materials, appropriate assessment, and responsive management. Therefore, the program is ready to be rolled out immediately.

All of these proposed activities are in line with the experience at the regional level, and also incorporate the aspects for attention identified in the evaluation. They are also evidence-based in that they incorporate the lessons learned during the pilot phase, which are in fact in line with the findings of the evaluation.

The partner is one of the key partners working with the Ministry of Women and Social Action in implementing a holistic child and social protection system to reach poor and marginalized children, including a focus on social welfare workforce strengthening. One of their main assets in this regard is the international and domestic expertise, comfort in dealing with partners at all levels, and a solid grounding in a human-rights based approach to programming.

Key Issues Identified in Mechanism
Implement activities to change harmful gender norms & promote positive gender norms
Increase gender equity in HIV prevention, care, treatment and support