SADC Best Practice Training Workshop Report final.pdf - SAfAIDS
SADC Best Practice Training Workshop Report final.pdf - SAfAIDS
SADC Best Practice Training Workshop Report final.pdf - SAfAIDS
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Conttentts<br />
_______________________________________________________________<br />
Background 3<br />
Introduction 4<br />
Day 1: Overview of HIV & AIDS Documentation and Communication 5<br />
1.1 Introducing HIV & AIDS Documentation and Communication Plans 5<br />
1.2 Introducing HIV and AIDS <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> Documentation 5<br />
1.3 <strong>SADC</strong> <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> Criteria 7<br />
1.4 Peer Review – A Vital Step in Documentation 8<br />
1.5 <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> Gallery 8<br />
Day 2: Planning the Process: Team Formation, Planning, Outlining the Writing<br />
Process, Peer Review Team Establishment 9<br />
2.1 Planning the Process 9<br />
2.2 Methodology for <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> Documentation 9<br />
2.3 Linking the stories – Writing Skills 9<br />
2.4 Team Forming for Field Visit – “dummy” best practice documentation 10<br />
Day 3: In the Field- “Dummy” <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> Documentation 11<br />
Day 4: Review and Collation of Data . 12<br />
4.1 Transforming Collected and Analysed Data into Documents 12<br />
4.2 Peer Critiquing 12<br />
Day 5: Sharing Documentation and Developing Dissemination Strategies . 13<br />
5.1 Dissemination Plans for <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> Documents . 13<br />
5.2 Sharing of “Dummy” <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> Documents 13<br />
Course Evaluation 14<br />
Annex A . 16<br />
Annex B .. 17<br />
2
Backgrround<br />
_______________________________________________________________<br />
Over the past decade, there has been an increased demand for the documentation and sharing of<br />
<strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>s in HIV and AIDS programming in the southern African region. The scale-up of such<br />
documentation would serve as a springboard for diverse implementing bodies to replicate<br />
interventions that have proven effective elsewhere. The documentation and sharing of <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>s,<br />
has been shown to stimulate improved programme execution based on lessons learnt, to be<br />
sustainable, and to reach a larger pool of beneficiaries using minimal resources.<br />
The Member States of the Southern African Development Community (<strong>SADC</strong>) have been responding<br />
to the HIV epidemic for more than two decades. The combined experiences of the Member States<br />
have not been fully harvested or systematically documented to guide the Member States and region<br />
at large in the design and implementation of HIV and AIDS interventions. One of the most useful<br />
avenues for strengthening the response is through Member States sharing <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>s on HIV and<br />
AIDS. This will guide and maximise efficiency and effectiveness in responses to the various facets of<br />
the epidemic. Under this premise, the Member States of <strong>SADC</strong>, have further reinforced their full<br />
commitment to the challenge of controlling HIV and AIDS in the region, through the development of a<br />
strong framework for regional response to the epidemic by implementing resolutions contained in the<br />
2003 Maseru declaration. The Maseru Declaration on Combating HIV and AIDS recognizes that:<br />
“..within the <strong>SADC</strong> Region there have been successes and best practices in changing behaviour,<br />
reducing new infections and mitigating the impact of HIV and AIDS , and that these successes need<br />
to be rapidly scaled up and emulated across the <strong>SADC</strong> region”. Both the <strong>SADC</strong> Strategic Plan and<br />
Business Plan on HIV and AIDS advocate the sharing of <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>s between and within Member<br />
States.<br />
In line with the above regional strategic directions, a five-day training course was conducted for<br />
representatives from 14 <strong>SADC</strong> Member States, in South Africa, in December 2008. Representatives<br />
from various National AIDS Councils and Ministries of Health were selected to attend the training (see<br />
Annex A for list of participants). The participants were experienced programme implementers,<br />
communications officers and/or managers working in the field of HIV prevention, care, treatment or<br />
support. The training was designed and facilitated by <strong>SAfAIDS</strong> (Southern Africa HIV and AIDS<br />
Information Dissemination Service).<br />
3
IInttrroducttiion<br />
____________________________________________________________________________<br />
At the beginning of the training course (see programme in Annex A), participants were asked to<br />
outline their expectations for the course. They stressed that by the end of the course they expected<br />
to:<br />
- Gain skills in documentation<br />
- Strengthen knowledge in HIV communication and knowledge management<br />
- Know the difference between behaviour change communication and <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong><br />
documentation<br />
- Exchange experiences and <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>s from other countries<br />
- Learn what a <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> is and how to identify ‘<strong>Best</strong>’ practices<br />
- Learn how the documentation of <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>s can support monitoring and evaluation<br />
- Learn about communication strategies (to reach populations about HIV and AIDS)<br />
- Learn more about <strong>SADC</strong> <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> criteria<br />
The goal of the course was to create a pool of individuals (HIV and AIDS programmers and<br />
managers) with skills to document and communicate <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>s in the areas of HIV prevention,<br />
care, treatment or support.<br />
Participants received comprehensive Handouts for each session within the course, to enable<br />
heightened appreciation of knowledge and skills gained, and the sharing of these with their peers and<br />
partners upon return to their respective countries.<br />
Using a range of participatory and practical exercises, the course aimed to:<br />
• Demonstrate an understanding of the <strong>SADC</strong> criteria for evaluating <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>s in<br />
HIV prevention, care, treatment and support<br />
• Outline processes focused on developing documentation and communication plans<br />
• Demonstrate how to use a Score Card to evaluate <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>s in HIV and AIDSrelated<br />
prevention, care, treatment and support<br />
• Describe the value of peer review, and strategies for using peer review in the<br />
documentation process<br />
• Demonstrate skills in developing <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> documentation<br />
• Present a variety of methods for disseminating and communicating <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>s, to<br />
diverse audiences<br />
• Enhance cross-sharing of experiences among Member State, and subsequently<br />
facilitate networking towards a scale-up of HIV and AIDS <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> documentation<br />
at national and regional level<br />
From the post-course evaluation form, the course successfully:<br />
• Equipped participants with skills to plan, document and communicate <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>s<br />
in HIV and AIDS prevention, care, treatment and support<br />
• Created awareness and appreciation of the seven <strong>SADC</strong> criteria for HIV and AIDS<br />
<strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>s<br />
• Instilled an appreciation for development and use of relevant methodologies (data<br />
collection tools, data analysis tools, data source identification and mapping of data<br />
types) for documenting <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>s<br />
4
Day 1:: Overrviiew off HIIV & AIIDS Documenttattiion and Communiicattiion<br />
_______________________________________________________________________________<br />
1.1 Introducing HIV & AIDS Documentation and Communication Plans<br />
The purpose of the session was to share<br />
information on how and why it is important for an<br />
organisation to develop an HIV and AIDS<br />
Documentation and Communication (D&C) plan as<br />
part of its organisational HIV and AIDS Knowledge<br />
Management System. This session also briefly<br />
explored the various types of documentation that<br />
can be employed in HIV &AIDS initiatives.<br />
As experienced communication officers and<br />
programme implementers, many participants were<br />
aware of various types of documentation and could<br />
share experiences from their own countries.<br />
Facilitators built on the experiences of participants<br />
to explain the process and rationale for developing a Documentation and Communication Plan (as<br />
per Figure 2).<br />
Figure 1: Participants of the workshop in plenary<br />
1.2 Introducing HIV and AIDS <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> Documentation<br />
From the first session, the facilitators presented the background to <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>s, and their value in<br />
strengthening the regional response to HIV and AIDS. Participants thoroughly discussed the cycle of<br />
<strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> documentation (see Figure 3), which included identification; reflection; data collection;<br />
document write-up; peer review; <strong>final</strong>isation, and the dissemination and monitoring and evaluation<br />
components.<br />
Coupled with exercises, an open discussion was held among participants to share their experiences<br />
in documenting <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>s. While many participants had been involved in some documentation<br />
and communication activities, few had documented a <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>, in a systematic manner.<br />
The above two sessions generated rich discussion amongst participants and enabled cross-sharing<br />
of experiences relating to both documentation and communication of HIV and AIDS activities, as well<br />
as specific focus on <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> documentation and communication, and their implications for<br />
programming within Member States. This appreciation set a strong foundation of common<br />
understanding, for the remainder of the sessions in the training course.<br />
5
Figure 2: Steps in Establishing a D&C Plan<br />
Monitoring and<br />
Evaluation,<br />
Offer feedback and<br />
inform future<br />
documentation and<br />
systems<br />
strengthening<br />
Set Goal and Objectives for the Documentation:<br />
- Identify need – why are we developing this, what information/programming gap is being closed?<br />
- Identify target – who are we developing this for?<br />
- Identify the type of products – what are we developing, is it print, audiovisual, drama?<br />
- Identify responsible persons – who will do what in the process?<br />
- Identify when – set timelines<br />
- Identify how – what resources will be needed (human, financial, equipment) and how they will be<br />
secured<br />
- Use the Usefulness/Appropriateness Table (see below) to decide on documentation product<br />
Data collection and analysis:<br />
- Use existing (secondary) data (reports, M&E data, archives, literature review, research reports,<br />
photo galleries) , or Collect fresh (primary) data (quick surveys, studies, interviews, pictorials)<br />
- Decide what type of data is needed (pictures, statistics), and when is best time and way of<br />
collecting it<br />
- Who and by when, what are methods for data collection and analysis methods<br />
Writing it up/Putting it all together:<br />
- Writing style<br />
- Type of document<br />
Pre-test/Peer Review:<br />
- With stakeholders and beneficiaries<br />
- Incorporate feedback<br />
Production, Dissemination and Feedback:<br />
- Printing quantities<br />
- Develop a dissemination plan : determine target, ways of dissemination, locations and quantities<br />
for dissemination, tracking dissemination, methods for feedback from recipients<br />
- Develop a Feedback retrieval and storing plan<br />
Figure 3: Basic Steps towards Systematic <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> Documentation<br />
Disseminate (community members,<br />
target groups) &<br />
Inform future<br />
documentation<br />
and programming<br />
Finalization<br />
- incorporate feedback<br />
from peer review<br />
- <strong>final</strong>ise and package<br />
accordingly<br />
- begin making<br />
dissemination plan<br />
Identification<br />
- several <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>s can be<br />
identified and prioritized<br />
- identification can be done by<br />
community group organizations,<br />
beneficiaries, government agencies,<br />
and other stakeholders<br />
Cycle for<br />
<strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong><br />
Documentation<br />
Reflection<br />
- agree with stakeholders (implementers,<br />
donors, beneficiaries)<br />
- FGDs/key informant<br />
interviews/observations/survey<br />
- weigh experiences & information shared<br />
- operations research<br />
Peer Review<br />
- select peer review team<br />
and set TORs<br />
- submit report to team<br />
Document/Write-up<br />
- collate analysed data into a<br />
template report<br />
- style of writing: analytical, clear,<br />
factual and concise, to suit<br />
primary readers (program<br />
planners & implementers)<br />
Data Collection<br />
- select criteria<br />
- design methodology for data<br />
collection (methods, tools, samples)<br />
- field visits<br />
- measure data against selection<br />
criteria, after analysis<br />
6
1.3 <strong>SADC</strong> <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> Criteria<br />
Participants were divided into ‘buzz groups’ to discuss what criteria they would include in an analysis<br />
of <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>. Feedback from the groups was drawn out in a plenary session, and the facilitators<br />
compared and contrasted the feedback from the participants with the agreed <strong>SADC</strong> criteria for <strong>Best</strong><br />
<strong>Practice</strong>s (see Figure 4). An open discussion was held to fully discuss the definitions of each criteria,<br />
as well as analyse the value of including them in <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> analysis. Further discussions clarified<br />
the difference between “<strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>” and “good practice”.<br />
Figure 4:<br />
HIV & AIDS <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> Criteria from the <strong>SADC</strong> Framework on <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>s<br />
Criteria for Evaluating <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>s<br />
Effectiveness<br />
This measures whether an activity achieves overall success in producing its desired<br />
outcomes and reaching its overall goal<br />
Ethical Soundness<br />
An ethical practice is one that follows or does not break, principles of social and professional<br />
conduct. Important principles in HIV/AIDS work include compassion, solidarity,<br />
confidentiality, consent, responsibility and tolerance. <strong>Practice</strong>s should support equity and<br />
distributive justice.<br />
Relevance<br />
Relevance is about how closely the practice is focused on the HIV/AIDS response in the<br />
context of the society/environment in which it is implemented. It includes factors such as<br />
cultural traditions, religious beliefs, the political system or economic organizations – in so far<br />
as they affect vulnerability, risk behaviours, or the successful implementation of a response.<br />
Acceptability<br />
This measures the extent to which the intervention is accepted by communities,<br />
implementers, the cultural and social spaces of the area where intervention has been<br />
launched, and it is closely related to relevance and ethical soundness.<br />
Efficiency<br />
Efficiency of a programme measures the capacity of the programme in producing desired<br />
results with minimum expenditure of energy, time and resources. It also includes innovative<br />
utilization of available resources to realize the goals and objectives of the programme at<br />
hand, and in a timely manner<br />
Cost Effectiveness<br />
Cost-Effectiveness is related to efficiency. It measures whether the services are provided in<br />
a none-wasteful and cost saving manner<br />
Sustainability<br />
Sustainability is the ability of a programme or project to continue, and to do so effectively,<br />
over a medium to long-term basis, especially without total reliance on external resources.<br />
7
1.4 Peer Review - A Vital Step in Documentation<br />
A session was held to elaborate on the role of Peer Review in the validation and endorsement of <strong>Best</strong><br />
<strong>Practice</strong> documentation. Using a presentation, facilitators outlined the purpose of Peer Review and<br />
this generated an open discussion on:<br />
- How to plan and manage the process of Peer Review<br />
- Peer Review team establishment<br />
- Stakeholder reviews<br />
This critical step went down well with some Member States who shared their experiences on the<br />
value to be added by the establishment of a Peer Review team at the onset of the documentation<br />
process.<br />
1.5 <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> Gallery<br />
In this session, participants reviewed a series of <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> documents/materials on various HIV<br />
and AIDS programmes and from various countries and settings. They discussed the components of a<br />
‘<strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>’ and the common features documented (criteria and standards). Participants were<br />
challenged to review various writing styles and documentation media, and percolate what they<br />
perceived were ‘good writing styles and presentation’ of <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> documents. This stimulated the<br />
analytical skills of the participants as they had to explain how an ideal <strong>final</strong> <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> product<br />
should look like.<br />
During this session, representatives from Swaziland shared a video of a programme targeting OVC<br />
which has been documented a <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>. The video highlighted the development of KaGogo<br />
Centres which are community centres managed by traditional leaders/chiefs in support of orphans<br />
and vulnerable children within their constituency.<br />
Following this viewing, participants spilt into three working groups and :<br />
- discussed the programme components shared via the video, with reference to the 7 <strong>SADC</strong><br />
Criteria for <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> documentation<br />
- analysed how the documentation was conducted and presented<br />
- identified areas for strengthening the sample (Swaziland video) documentation<br />
The exercise offered an opportunity for participants to objectively consider how programmes can be<br />
documented, mindful of the planning cycle and criteria for <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> documentation.<br />
Day 1: Highlights<br />
******************************************************************<br />
To round-up the activities, learning and sharing for Day 1, facilitators gave a brief summary of key<br />
issues and highlights of the sessions covered:<br />
- Value and key steps in development of an HIV & AIDS Documentation and<br />
Communication Plan<br />
- Definition, cycle steps and value of <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> Documentation in HIV & AIDS response<br />
- Criteria for selection of <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>s for documentation<br />
- Critical role of Peer Review teams in <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> Documentation<br />
8
Day 2::<br />
Pllanniing tthe Prrocess:: Team fforrmattiion,, Pllanniing,, Outtlliiniing tthe<br />
Wrriittiing Prrocess,, Peerr Reviiew Team esttablliishmentt<br />
_________________________________________________________________________________<br />
After a review of the first day’s proceedings, facilitators took participants through a series of<br />
presentations and activities to build on their skills for planning, implementing and evaluating<br />
documentation and communication initiatives.<br />
2.1 Planning the Process<br />
The purpose of the session was to discuss planning the <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> documentation process. This<br />
included a presentation on the following:<br />
- documentation team formation – balancing the skills and experience of the team<br />
- checklist development<br />
- design literature and background investigation plan<br />
- development of framework of <strong>final</strong> document write-up details<br />
- identification of partners and liaisons necessary<br />
- definitions of the writing and dissemination process<br />
- establishment of peer review mechanism<br />
- developing a dissemination plan or strategy for <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> documents or products; and<br />
- establishing feedback mechanisms<br />
Emphasis was placed on planning the latter stages of the documentation process (such as a<br />
dissemination strategy, peer review team, feedback mechanisms) during the planning process. This<br />
implied that a monitoring and evaluation process needs to cut across each stage of planning.<br />
2.2 Methodology for <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> Documentation<br />
This session focused on a more detailed presentation and discussion of a methodology for <strong>Best</strong><br />
<strong>Practice</strong> documentation. The facilitators shared three samples of data collection tools, and the<br />
<strong>SAfAIDS</strong>-developed analysis Score Card for <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> documentation, centred on the 7 <strong>SADC</strong><br />
criteria of <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>s. Within the methodology discussion the following issues were addressed:<br />
- Identification of data types and data sources<br />
- Identification of data collection methods and development of respective tools<br />
- data analysis tools and mechanisms<br />
- use of a comprehensive <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> Score Card<br />
“Triangulation” of multiple data collection methods was raised as a critical process in validating<br />
various data collected. Emphasis was placed on the Score Card which would be used as an analysis<br />
tool during their field visit on Day 3. But the sample data collection tools may also be adapted to the<br />
organisations and programmes being documented during the ‘dummy documentation’ on the field<br />
visits.<br />
2.3 Linking the Stories – Writing Skills<br />
The purpose of the session was to strengthen the participant’s skills in meaningfully using stories in<br />
documentation. The session highlighted the importance of collecting qualitative stories related to the<br />
projects, in addition to the scorecard and other tools.<br />
The session emphasised that:<br />
9
- Storytelling, whether in a personal or organizational setting, connects people, develops creativity, and<br />
increases confidence.<br />
- The use of stories in organizations can build descriptive capabilities, increase organizational learning,<br />
convey complex meaning, and communicate common values and rule sets.<br />
- Description capabilities are essential in strategic thinking and planning, and create a greater awareness<br />
of what we could achieve.<br />
- With the advent of the Internet and Intranet, there is a larger opportunity to use stories to bring about<br />
change. Electronic media adds moving images and sound as context setters (think of photos and other<br />
documentation media)<br />
- In summary, when used well, storytelling is a powerful transformational tool in organizations and a key<br />
part of documentation.<br />
Participants worked in groups to apply the above guiding principles, practically. One representative of<br />
the group received a sample scenario of a character – which was not shared with the rest of the<br />
group members. Each group practiced interviewing and writing the life story of the individual<br />
presented, as outlined in the scenario. The stories were captured, shared and discussed. The activity<br />
allowed practical analysis of the data collection process, identification of what key information needs<br />
to be collected and what questions (tools) needed to be developed to obtain the required data. The<br />
discussions culminated in linking the lessons learnt during the activity with an actual <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong><br />
documentation process.<br />
2.4 Team Forming for Field Visit – “dummy” best practice documentation<br />
The <strong>final</strong> session involved establishment of teams for the ‘dummy documentation’ (field visit) and<br />
planning for this activity. Four teams were formed, to visits four identified HIV and AIDS project sites<br />
in Johannesburg. During the field visit, the teams were expected to place the strategies for<br />
conducting a <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> documentation activity into practice. The purpose of the “dummy<br />
documentation” was to offer participants hands-on experience in applying the knowledge and skills<br />
gained through previous session, and included:<br />
- Engaging in a “dummy” <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> documentation process of planning, data collection, analysis and<br />
write-up<br />
- Utilizing the tools shared in previous sessions and assess:<br />
o user friendliness of the tools<br />
o adaptability of the tools to different projects/programmes<br />
o “sensitivity” of the tools<br />
- Encouraging cross-sharing and learning by different member states, of their experiences in <strong>Best</strong><br />
<strong>Practice</strong> documentation as they planned, collected data and collated their dummy documents<br />
Each team was provided with a brief background on the project to be visited, and spent the session<br />
planning within their respective teams, for the field visit.<br />
*******************************************************<br />
Day 2: Highlights<br />
To round-up the activities, learning and sharing for Day 2, facilitators shared a brief summary of key<br />
issues and highlights of the sessions covered:<br />
- The value of thoroughly planning the process for <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> documentation, and<br />
developing a systematic methodology plan, before entering the field for data collection<br />
- Writing skills and their relevance to <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> documentation<br />
10
Day 3::<br />
IIn tthe Fiielld – “Dummy” <strong>Best</strong>t Prracttiice Documenttattiion<br />
__________________________________________________________________________________<br />
Four HIV and AIDS project field sites were selected with support from the Departments of Health and<br />
Social Development, in the government of the Republic of South Africa.<br />
The four projects reflected different aspects of the southern African response to HIV and AIDS,<br />
including a peer education project, OVC project and two prevention projects.<br />
This day was spent planning and data collecting at<br />
the four project sites. The activity proved useful as it:<br />
• offered participants an opportunity to employ<br />
skills learnt in <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> documentation<br />
processes : planning; data collection tool use;<br />
data collation; data analysis using Score Card;<br />
and developing good team dynamics<br />
• generated discussion on : what works; how to<br />
adapt tools; and how to strengthen overall<br />
processes for best practice documentation<br />
• gave a ‘face’ to the various concepts shared<br />
during the previous days and enabled<br />
transformation of these concepts into practice<br />
Figure 4: Participants during data collection of<br />
‘dummy documentation’ at the various projects<br />
*******************************************************<br />
Day 3: Highlights<br />
This day focused on data collection and field visits.<br />
11
Day 4::<br />
Reviiew and Collllattiion off Datta<br />
__________________________________________________________________________________<br />
During the fourth day, workshop participants analysed the information that they collected during the<br />
field visits and developed draft ‘<strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>’ documents. They used the tools, and practiced writing<br />
styles for documenting <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>s. The process of analysing the information took more time than<br />
anticipated, however participants found that it was a useful experience, as too often people feel that<br />
documentation is something that can be done quickly. It confirmed that there is a need for more<br />
planning and preparation to document and develop quality materials.<br />
4.1 Transforming Collected and Analysed Data into Documents<br />
The four groups were led through a recap on writing skills, and approaches to collating collected and<br />
analysed data into a report format. Sample <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> document format was shared with each<br />
group, to support their write-up of the “dummy documentation”.<br />
Discussions addressed queries from each group and enabled them to begin writing their reports.<br />
4.2 Peer Critiquing<br />
A recap of peer reviewing was done, with a reminder to each team that they would practice being<br />
“Peer Reviewers” as their colleagues presented their respective dummy documentation, and this in<br />
itself would build their skills as future Peer Review team members of actual <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> documents.<br />
A guide and terms of reference was shared with each team to guide them in this process.<br />
The remainder of the day was spent writing the dummy <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> documents, with regular<br />
guidance from facilitators.<br />
*******************************************************<br />
Day 4: Highlights<br />
To round-up Day 4, facilitators addressed outstanding queries from the writing sessions.<br />
Preparations for the Day 5 focused on the following:<br />
- The sharing of the dummy documentation by each group, in the sample report format style<br />
and covering of all key elements of <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> as this was done<br />
- Sharing their experiences, from the field visit, around:<br />
• the planning process for documentation,<br />
• development of methodology and<br />
• the use of the sample data collection tools and the Score Card<br />
12
Day 5::<br />
Sharriing Documenttattiion and Devellopiing<br />
Diissemiinattiion Sttrrattegiies<br />
__________________________________________________________________________________<br />
5.1 Dissemination Plans for <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> Documents<br />
This session gave an overview of the various methods for disseminating <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> documents<br />
and the importance of developing a <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> Document Strategy that outlines:<br />
- the type of document being disseminated<br />
- the target recipients by geographical position<br />
- quantities to be distributed by methods of dissemination<br />
- tools for tracking dissemination processes, and<br />
- feedback mechanisms to measure the reach, usefulness and influence of the disseminated<br />
<strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> document, as part of the <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> documentation monitoring and evaluation<br />
process<br />
It was emphasised that the development of the dissemination strategy needs to take place at the start<br />
of the planning of documentation, to align with the available budget and ensure its feasibility.<br />
5.2 Sharing of ‘Dummy’ <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> Documents – report, experiences and lessons learnt<br />
Each team presented its draft ‘dummy’ <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> report, and received constructive critiques from<br />
other participants and the facilitators. Groups outlined:<br />
- The key elements of <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>, as per the 7 <strong>SADC</strong> criteria for <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>s<br />
- Their experiences in the use of the data collection tools and where they had adapted some to<br />
suit the project type documented<br />
- Lessons learnt from the: planning process; the development of methodology; the building of<br />
positive unified team dynamics’ the actual data collection activity; and the report writing<br />
process<br />
- A draft dissemination plan for their ‘dummy’ documentation<br />
The <strong>final</strong> draft documents of the four field groups are attached in Annex B. the quality of ‘dummy’<br />
reports shared demonstrated the level of understanding of <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> related to knowledge and<br />
skills gained throughout the course by the teams.<br />
Overall, the participants found the field visit ‘dummy documentation’ a useful exercise, though<br />
conducted in an artificial setting and with meagre time for data collection – as an actual<br />
documentation would take longer. Key lessons learnt included:<br />
- Building team dynamics that are positive, and ensuring that roles and responsibilities in the<br />
documentation team are clear from the onset, is important<br />
- Establishing a clear methodology to address: what data is to be collected; from whom; through<br />
what method; and using which tools, is fundamental in ensuring the field work is conducted<br />
smoothly and in time and that financial resources are used effectively during the data<br />
collection phase of documentation<br />
- The data collection tools and the Score Card were useful tools. During the session, on Day 1,<br />
when the tools and Score Card were introduced, participants had various queries around them<br />
and expressed concern about the tool with respect to user-friendliness, adaptability of the tool<br />
to different projects/programmes, and the “sensitivity” of the tool. Following the ‘dummy<br />
documentation’ and having actual experience in using the tools, the value of the tools became<br />
more apparent to participants.<br />
13
Courrse Evalluattiion<br />
_______________________________________________________________________________<br />
At the end of the course, all participants filled out a Course Evaluation Form. Overall, the participants<br />
of the course were very happy with the content and the facilitation.<br />
The key concern was the amount of time allocated to practical assignments. However, participants<br />
felt that the exercises provided them with useful skills in documentation and communication, which<br />
helped them meet their expectations for the course.<br />
All participants felt that the course work was directly related to their work, and that by completing the<br />
course they were more confident in taking part in documenting <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>s.<br />
Below are comments and feedback from the participants.<br />
• “The course is a great eye-opener and I hope that through the training, all 14 countries can<br />
document their <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>s. I also propose country by country training for most documentalists<br />
to benefit from it”.<br />
• “The behaviour change communication component should be taken on board in order to achieve<br />
<strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>s”.<br />
• “ Nice organisation of the training”<br />
• “ Trainers sometimes assumed that trainees already had knowledge of <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>s and<br />
skipped a few things. Trainers should rather take it that trainees do not know anything about the<br />
subject.”<br />
• “ This course is quite good and there is a need to train trainers at country level so that the skills<br />
can be scaled up.”<br />
• “ The hotel did not provide appropriate writing pads for the documentation training workshop. We<br />
needed more pages. Next time, a needs assessment of tools should be done beforehand.”<br />
• “Nous avons apprecie la methodologie appliqué par les facilitateurs.” (we liked the methodology<br />
taken by the facilitators)<br />
• “I think the handouts should have been translated into other languages ( Portuguese and French)<br />
to accommodate our colleagues from other countries”.<br />
• “I feel that the content of the course was okay, only that the time for practicals was not enough.<br />
The facilitators are just superb”.<br />
• “More time should be allocated to the Score Card and data collection tool because they are very<br />
important for getting information to properly rate the organisation.”<br />
• “Well-planned and informative course that is paving the way for information within the <strong>SADC</strong><br />
region”.<br />
• “This course is a very good course but needs more time”.<br />
14
• “More field work and more time to write the document is needed”<br />
• “This course is just right and it was long overdue as there are a number of HIV and AIDS<br />
responses, however very little is documented.”<br />
• “The course was very effective, but there must be follow-up sessions in another <strong>SADC</strong> country,<br />
perhaps next year with the same groups of participants”<br />
• “Need to translate all documents into Portuguese”<br />
• “I felt that there was sometimes poor time management. We spent a lot of time on feedback,<br />
which should be avoided by giving a few participants this task.”<br />
• “It was a good course which will help countries to document best <strong>Practice</strong>s.”<br />
• “The course content was clear and is user-friendly even to a person who is not a documentalist.<br />
Handout provision could be improved a little though we did get the material on our flash disk.”<br />
• “More time should have been allocated to the write-up process of documentation. Otherwise it has<br />
been an excellent workshop.”<br />
• “I would recommend to <strong>SADC</strong> a refresher course sometime next year. “<br />
• “Because I was not prepared, the course was initially difficult for me to grasp and internalise the<br />
subject - but in the end it was fine.”<br />
• “While the course was too short, the facilitators need to be a bit strict on time allocated to group<br />
work.”<br />
15
Annex A<br />
__________________________________________________________________________<br />
Day 1: Introduction to <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>s<br />
TIME ACTIVITY FACILITATOR<br />
08.30 – 09.00 Registration<br />
09.00 – 09.30 Introductions<br />
Welcome Remarks<br />
Objectives and Expectations<br />
09.30 – 10:30 Overview of Documentation and Communication<br />
- Exploring types of documentation<br />
- Overview of a documentation and communication<br />
plan<br />
10:30-10:45 TEA<br />
11:00– 11:30 Introduction to <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>s<br />
11:30 – 13.00 Presentation on <strong>SADC</strong> <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> Criteria<br />
13.00 – 14.00 LUNCH<br />
14:00- 14:45 Discussion on best practices (participatory debate)<br />
14.45 – 15.30 Introducing Peer Review<br />
15.30 – 15.45 TEA<br />
15.45 – 16.30 Practical I: Reviewing <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> Gallery<br />
16.30 – 16.45 Wrap up of Day 1<br />
Day 2: Beginning the Process<br />
TIME ACTIVITY FACILITATOR<br />
08.30 – 09.00 Recap<br />
09.00 – 10:30 Planning the Process: Team formation, Planning,<br />
Outlining the Writing Process, Peer Review Team<br />
establishment<br />
10:30-10:45 Tea<br />
11:00– 13:00 Collecting and analyzing information: Methodology,<br />
Tool Development and Score card<br />
13.00 – 14.00 LUNCH<br />
14.00 – 15.30 Practical II; Collecting and analyzing information:<br />
Linking to the stories – writing exercise<br />
15.30 – 15.45 TEA<br />
15.45 – 16.30 Team Forming for field visit: debrief on 4 field sites,<br />
sharing of field visit objectives, team-planning<br />
16.30 – 16.45 Wrap up of Day 2<br />
16
Day 3: In the Field<br />
TIME ACTIVITY FACILITATOR<br />
08.30 – 09.00 Recap<br />
09.00 –13.30 Practical III: 4 project sites visited by 2 teams/site for<br />
data collection<br />
13.00 – 14.00 LUNCH<br />
14.00 – 16:30 Practical III (continued) Field Visit<br />
Day 4: Review and Collation of Data<br />
TIME ACTIVITY FACILITATOR<br />
08.30 – 09.00 Recap<br />
9:00-10:30 Transforming Data Collection into Documents<br />
10:30-10:45 TEA<br />
10:45-13:00 Practical IV: Writing in Groups<br />
13.00 – 14.00 LUNCH<br />
14.00 – 15.30 Practical IV (continued): Writing in Groups<br />
15.30 – 15.45 TEA<br />
15.45 – 16.30 Practical V: Peer Critique: Swapping stories and<br />
providing meaningful constructive feedback<br />
16.30 – 16.45 Wrap up of day 4<br />
Day 5: Sharing Documentation and Developing Dissemination Strategies<br />
TIME ACTIVITY FACILITATOR<br />
08.30 – 09.00 Recap<br />
09.00-10:30 Writing- Incorporating Feedback from Peer Critique<br />
10.30 – 10.45 TEA<br />
10:45–13.30 Preparation of best practice document from field visits<br />
Plenary presentation<br />
13.00 – 14.00 LUNCH<br />
14.00 – 14.45<br />
Discussing Dissemination<br />
- dissemination strategy/plan<br />
- methods of dissemination<br />
- seeking feedback, measuring change<br />
14.45 – 15.30<br />
Action Planning<br />
15.30 – 15.45 TEA<br />
15.45 – 16.30 Evaluation of training<br />
16.30 – 16.45 Closing<br />
17
Annex B<br />
____________________________________________________________<br />
A BEST PRACTICE DOCUMENTATION<br />
ANTIOCH HEALTH CARE AND SUPPORT CENTER ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE<br />
CHILDREN INITIATIVE PROJECT<br />
SOUTHERN AFRICA DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY<br />
(<strong>SADC</strong>)<br />
DECEMBER 2007<br />
18
Table of Contents<br />
Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................................19<br />
Acronyms .......................................................................................................................................20<br />
2.2 Data Analysis and Interpretation ..................................................................................22<br />
3.0 Overview ...........................................................................................................................22<br />
3.1 Project Activities ...........................................................................................................23<br />
3.2 Community Home Based Care.....................................................................................23<br />
3.3 Psycho social support services ....................................................................................23<br />
3.4 Income generating services..........................................................................................23<br />
3.5 Extra Mural Services.....................................................................................................24<br />
3.6 Nutritional Support ........................................................................................................24<br />
4.0 <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> Elements.................................................................................................25<br />
4.1 Effectiveness ................................................................................................................25<br />
4.2 Ethical Soundness ........................................................................................................25<br />
4.3 Cost Effectiveness ........................................................................................................25<br />
4.4 Relevance.....................................................................................................................26<br />
4.5 Replicability...................................................................................................................26<br />
4.6 Innovativeness..............................................................................................................26<br />
4.7 Sustainability.................................................................................................................27<br />
5.0 Major Achievements..........................................................................................................27<br />
Lessons Learnt...............................................................................................................................28<br />
7.0 Way forward ......................................................................................................................28<br />
References.....................................................................................................................................28<br />
Annexes ...........................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.<br />
<strong>SADC</strong> Project - Documentation of HIV and AIDS <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>s among Member StatesError! Bookmark not<br />
defined.<br />
Interview Guide: Project/program Implementers.............................Error! Bookmark not defined.<br />
Acknowledgements<br />
The documenting process of this <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> could not be achieved without the notable contribution of various<br />
institutions and individuals. We therefore wish to thank everyone who contributed to the success of this process.<br />
We also wish to acknowledge financial and technical support provided by <strong>SADC</strong> and <strong>SAfAIDS</strong> in supporting the<br />
documentation process as this support has made it very possible for the team to document this <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>.<br />
The contributions made by <strong>SADC</strong> Member State representatives from Botswana, Democratic Republic of<br />
Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania - Zanzibar, Zimbabwe and Zambia<br />
providing technical guidance to ensure this <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> is well documented are commendable. Gratitude is<br />
extended to the following <strong>SADC</strong> Member State representatives, Mr. Kebabonye Thamuku, Mrs. Mpoetsi<br />
Mothibeli, Mrs. Patricia Rakondramboa, and Mr. Eliam Kamanga (Chairperson), Mr. Moses Mulalo Ramufhi,<br />
Mrs. Yvonne Masemola, and Mrs. Itumeleng Kgomanyane.<br />
The success of this documentation would not have been possible without the kind support, corporation and<br />
contribution of information from project implementers at Antioch Health Care and Support Center and the open<br />
sharing by various community Care Givers and beneficiaries.<br />
Contribution made towards the development of this document by all those that may not have been specifically<br />
mentioned here is highly acknowledged.<br />
19
This best <strong>Practice</strong> document has been authored by Group one members namely Mr. Kebabonye Thamuku,<br />
Mrs. Mpoetsi Mothibeli, Mrs. Patricia Rakondramboa, Mr. Eliam Kamanga (Chairperson), Mr. Moses Mulalo<br />
Ramufhi, Mrs. Yvonne Masemola, and Mrs. Itumeleng Kgomanyane.<br />
Acronyms<br />
AHCSC<br />
AIDS<br />
ART<br />
ARVs<br />
Antioch Health Care and Support Center<br />
Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome<br />
Antiretroviral Therapy<br />
Antiretroviral Drugs<br />
CHBC<br />
ECD<br />
HBO<br />
HIV<br />
IGA<br />
OVC<br />
PLHIV<br />
<strong>SAfAIDS</strong><br />
<strong>SADC</strong><br />
Community Home-Based Care<br />
Early Childhood Development Education<br />
Home-Based Care Organizations<br />
Human Immunodeficiency Virus<br />
Income Generation Activities<br />
Orphans and Vulnerable Children<br />
People Living With HIV<br />
Southern African HIV and AIDS Information Dissemination Services<br />
Southern Africa Development Community<br />
SANCA<br />
VCT<br />
Voluntary Counseling and Testing<br />
20
Antioch Health Care Support Centre Orphans and Vulnerable Children Project<br />
1.0 Introduction<br />
Antioch Health Care and Support Centre located in Benoni, Gauteng Province, Republic of South Africa. It is a<br />
community based multipurpose drop in center. It has a physical structure which offers comprehensive services<br />
focusing on Orphans and Vulnerable Children within the communities. The have two catchment areas namely<br />
Actonville and Wattville. The project has thirty six (36) staff members comprising of nine (9) teachers for Early<br />
Childhood Development (ECD), one (1) Program Administrator, and two (2) Project managers, twenty three (23)<br />
Caregivers, and one (1) Income Generating / Poverty Alleviation Coordinator.<br />
Antioch Health Care and Support Centre (AHCSC) OVC projected started in 2006. The project reaches out to<br />
530 orphans and vulnerable children, 560 families, 200 elderly persons, and 120 women in the catchment area.<br />
2.0 Purpose and Methodology<br />
The purpose is to illustrate the best practice project selected among several projects in Gauteng Province South<br />
Africa.<br />
In coming up with this document field interviews, focus group discussions observation and literature review a<br />
community participatory approach was used.<br />
2.1 Data Collection Techniques<br />
The following techniques were employed<br />
during data collection<br />
Face to face interviews<br />
Visit to some beneficiaries<br />
Observations<br />
Figure 1: Team members have a face to face<br />
interview with board member of AHCSC OVC<br />
project<br />
Table 1:Antioch Health Care and Support Centre Captions<br />
Prayer without ceasing – Thessalonians 5:17<br />
Antioch Tabernacle: We declare a prayer war<br />
“ We love, we care, we support”<br />
21
2.2 Data Analysis and Interpretation<br />
The <strong>SADC</strong> best practice score card was utilized to ascertain whether project confirms with the <strong>SADC</strong> best<br />
practice criteria. After the assessment the project was found to be a best practice that needs minor<br />
improvements in certain areas that will be highlighted in the recommendations.<br />
3.0 Overview<br />
Antioch Health Care and Support Centre (AHCSC) is a multi-denomination faith based non-profit organisation.<br />
The organisation was founded in 1997. Initially the organisation solicited funds within the church community for<br />
their activities including HIV and AIDS interventions. The centre promotes HIV and AIDS prevention, care and<br />
support and mitigation through knowledge sharing, openness and acceptance of the pandemic.<br />
The main source of funding is the Gauteng department of Social Development since 2006. Since 2006 the<br />
organisation managed to mobilize about 1, 403.592 million South African Rand.<br />
Figure 2: Project Objectives<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Project Objectives<br />
To render psycho-social services for OVCs<br />
To undertake Income generating projects<br />
To conduct social mobilization and referrals<br />
To provide nutritional support to OVCs<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Project Activities<br />
Community Home Based Care<br />
Psycho-social support services<br />
Income generation<br />
Extra Mural Services<br />
Nutritional support services<br />
Target Groups<br />
0 – 18 years OVC<br />
Women 25 – 60<br />
17 – 26 year youths<br />
Bereaved households<br />
22
3.1 Project Activities<br />
The center provides community based care and support services to enable beneficiaries have access to much<br />
needed services including the following:<br />
3.2 Community Home Based Care<br />
These services are offered to orphaned and vulnerable children, youth, child-headed households, and elderly<br />
headed households. Identification of OVC’s is done through referrals from the clinics, schools, door to door<br />
visits and the community.<br />
Figure 3: AHCSC Community Home Based Care members (CHBC) cleaning the surroundings.<br />
AHCSC Community Home Based Care members also help their clients with general daily house work such<br />
washing and cleaning surroundings among other activities. Households that are frequently assisted with such<br />
activities are those headed the elderly and children.<br />
3.3 Psycho social support services<br />
Through psycho-social support the following services are rendered:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Counselling<br />
Material assistance<br />
Provision of cooked meals<br />
Referral to social grants<br />
Referral to SANCA<br />
Establishment of support groups for foster parents and elderly people<br />
Support People living with HIV/AIDS<br />
3.4 Income generating services<br />
To ensure sustainability of the project, a number of income generating activities are run at the centre these<br />
include, tailoring, gardening and basic computer literacy skills.<br />
23
Figure 4: Computer lab and vegetable garden for income generation at AHCSC OVC project<br />
3.5 Extra Mural Services<br />
Among others the following are the activities conducted by the center to promote community awareness on HIV<br />
and AIDS; music concerts, drama shows, and market campaigns. These activities also include topics aimed at<br />
reducing stigma and discrimination of those infected and affected.<br />
3.6 Nutritional Support<br />
The center also provides daily meals to OVC. Due to intensive mobilization activities the center has entered<br />
into a number of partnerships with food processing companies around Gauteng province. These companies<br />
include Nestle (Pty) Limited South Africa which provides milk to the center on a monthly basis; Albany Bakery<br />
(Pty) Limited South Africa which provides eight hundred (800) loaves to the center on a daily basis.<br />
Further, Rebel fruit and vegetable market assists the center with fruits and vegetables.<br />
Figure 5: OVCs having a meal at AHSCS Nutritional Support programme<br />
24
4.0 <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> Elements<br />
A detailed reflection on AHCSC reveals its fulfillment of various criteria needed for a best practice. In this<br />
section the project is validated using <strong>SADC</strong> best practice criteria.<br />
Figure 6: Team comprising of representatives<br />
from <strong>SADC</strong> members visiting AHCSC to conduct<br />
a documentation interview. Lead the delegation<br />
is Mrs. Crestwell from AHCSC.<br />
AHCSC has been identified as one of the<br />
best practice in Gauteng Province in South<br />
Africa. A team comprising of<br />
representatives from <strong>SADC</strong> member states<br />
from Democratic Republic of Congo,<br />
Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Namibia,<br />
South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and<br />
Zambia visited AHCSC to carry out<br />
interviews with key informants to capture<br />
necessary information to document this best<br />
practice. <strong>SADC</strong> has developed a<br />
framework and tools to facilitate the<br />
validation and documentation of best<br />
practices; the team applied these tools<br />
during data collection and documentation<br />
process.<br />
4.1 Effectiveness<br />
The AHCSC is effective because it has defined clear, specific and measurable objectives that are being met<br />
through various project activities. These objectives are in line 2007 – 2011 National Strategic Plan on HIV and<br />
AIDS. According to the national strategic plan on HIV and AIDS, Community based projects targeting the OVCs<br />
and other vulnerable groups in communities recognized as partners in the fight against the epidemic. AHCSC<br />
is one of the unique initiatives in the country and it is complementing the government efforts in responding to<br />
HIV and AIDS. It is also evident that the project objectives are clear to both project implementers as well as to<br />
beneficiaries and community members in general.<br />
4.2 Ethical Soundness<br />
The AHCSC Initiative has gained recognitions from vulnerable groups, including: people living with HIV and<br />
AIDS (PLHIV), the orphans and vulnerable children and the aged. It has good involvement of these community<br />
groups including in the implementation of project activities. Issues of confidentiality and informed consent are<br />
adhered to by all project staff.<br />
“..Men are difficult to involve in community activities especially if it’s voluntary work.despite being the only<br />
man in the group of care givers we still manage to carry out our community outreach very well”<br />
4.3 Cost Effectiveness<br />
AHCSC demonstrates a good example of cost effective projects as it had not received financial assistance<br />
before 2006. Since then the project has survived financial contributions from community church members as<br />
well as community at large through voluntary worker. Despite limited financial resources the project has<br />
continued to have an impact on the community.<br />
The project staffs are drawn from the local community and have a passion to help within their community.<br />
Project personnel are all dedicated volunteers who have given their time to serve the needs of the community.<br />
The level of commitment among the staff is amazingly encouraging and commendable but critical to the<br />
success of the project.<br />
25
“.to do this voluntary community work it’s not only a matter of commitment but you must also<br />
have a heart for it people are suffering because of this disease (HIV and AIDS) and they<br />
need these services that’s why we are here..”<br />
Although the majority of project implementers do not have higher formal education attainment, they have<br />
received some short term trainings in HIV and AIDS management, home based care training, gardening and<br />
sewing workshops, door to door campaign, care for the dying and project management.<br />
4.4 Relevance<br />
The project has received tremendous support and acceptance from the government and the community. What<br />
makes AHCSC project relevant to the local community is that it to addresses the problems and issues related to<br />
HIV and AIDS. Further, the project is objectives are aligned to the national strategic plan on HIV and AIDS<br />
2007 – 2011.<br />
4.5 Replicability<br />
AHCSC OVC project applies simple but effective activities and processes that can easily be replicated in <strong>SADC</strong><br />
member states and even beyond. The project has used locally available resources in an effective manner and<br />
its impact has been felt by community members. Critical to replicating such an initiative requires transparence<br />
and accountability in the manner the resources are utilized; a case in point is that AHCSC recruits an external<br />
auditing firms to audit its financial statement.<br />
Transparency has attracted the attention of other business entities to contribute with material support such as<br />
bread. Milk, fruit and vegetables<br />
4.6 Innovativeness<br />
AHSCS project is one of the few initiatives in the Gauteng province as well as the country that has succeeded in<br />
using community level resources to contribute to the national response to the HIV and AIDS epidemic in cost<br />
effective manner. What makes this project very unique is that it has comprehensive and complementing<br />
prgrammes such psycho-social and nutritional support for OVC, Early Child Development programme,<br />
preschool education, life skills based education and community home based care. The Initiative has properly<br />
been managed with the full involvement of the community members.<br />
Number of Project Staff by Catergory<br />
Teachers Prog. Administrator Prog ECD Managers<br />
Care givers<br />
IGA Coordinator<br />
1<br />
9<br />
1<br />
2<br />
23<br />
The staffing levels at AHCSC also add up to<br />
innovativeness; the project has larger<br />
number of care givers to enable them reach<br />
out to as many clients as possible though<br />
the provider client ratio is too high (1:23);<br />
The project has more care givers than any<br />
other project staff. The presence of any<br />
IGA Coordinator is also a good innovation.<br />
Key to the project is also the availability of<br />
ECD teachers to enable the project fulfill<br />
one of its core mandate.<br />
Figure 7: Staffing levels at AHCSC OVC project<br />
26
4.7 Sustainability<br />
Not until 2006, AHCSC project relied on financial and material support from community member and well<br />
wishers. The project has gain a lot of recognition and buy-in from the community and government in the recent<br />
past. As a result of this recognition and buy-in, there is continued financial and technical support from the<br />
Department of Social Welfare. Therefore this project can still functional even without external financial support.<br />
Figure 8: Tailoring for IGA<br />
The project has cited a number of activities for income<br />
generation (IGA) such include tailoring. Some of the IGA are<br />
also meant to complement some services already being<br />
provided by the project; tailoring to support the provisions of<br />
clothes and uniforms to OVCs to enhance sustainability of<br />
the project as well as cost effectiveness.<br />
Further, to ensure sustainability the project has also embarked on income generating activities (IGA), though<br />
some are not fully operational, such as gardening, basic computer training and tailoring.<br />
5.0 Major Achievements<br />
Figure 9: AHCSC Care Givers singing songs of<br />
praise<br />
The AHCSC project has gained community<br />
recognition and buy-in such that volunteer<br />
community care givers dedicate their time and<br />
life to save the communities.” At times we<br />
walk distances as far as 10 – 15 kilometers to<br />
go and save our clients and the communities<br />
”<br />
Besides the community involvement and<br />
ownership of the project, the other amazing<br />
thing is that the care givers are able to capture<br />
information on their daily working to facilitate<br />
the process of reporting to project as well as<br />
Department of Social Welfare<br />
The project has record the following success since its inception;<br />
Establishment of partnerships with local government clinic, SANCA, Home Affairs, Department of<br />
Education, Department of Child Welfare, Department of health and Department of Social Welfare among<br />
others for referral and other purposes<br />
Enlisted support and participation of community members<br />
Mobilization of financial and material resources from local and international organizations<br />
Provision of elementary education to OVCs<br />
Provision of life skill based HIV and AIDS education to OVCs and other children<br />
Provision of life skills to women in the form of vocational training in tailoring<br />
Capacity building of Care givers and project staff with various HIV and AIDS skills<br />
Provision of free HIV and AIDS care services to communities<br />
27
6.0 Lessons Learnt<br />
A good community based HIV and AIDS initiative does not always<br />
require an initial provision of financial support from external sources<br />
or does it require huge amount of funds to be initiated. Communities<br />
can mobilize resources locally within the communities to start a<br />
community initiatives but key to this is transparency in the manner in<br />
which a community initiative is managed.<br />
The following are the key lessons learnt from the AHCSC project;<br />
Community participation in running a community based project is key to its success; community has to fully<br />
involved to ensure ownership<br />
Transparency in running a community project is important as this is partly a building block for motivation of<br />
the community volunteers<br />
Even if a project is simple good record management is fundamental to ensure good management as well as<br />
transparency<br />
A good community initiative may not always require initial financial support from external sources but the<br />
local community can be mobilized for initial support<br />
7.0 Way forward<br />
The AHCSC is undoubtedly a best practice contributing to the national response to HIV and AIDS pandemic at<br />
community level. However, to further strengthen this project the following issues require attention;<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Need to mobilize more resources including transport for care givers<br />
HIV AIDS programmes should be fully integrate in other services provided by the project i.e. mainstreaming<br />
of HIV AIDS in all programmes at the centre as current HIV and AIDS programmes are mainly focussing on<br />
community home based care<br />
Need for more involvement of the community at administration and board level<br />
Involvement of men is very limited hence need for strategies to engage more men<br />
Need for operationalization and intensification of all income generation activities in order to further<br />
strengthen sustainability<br />
References<br />
1. Southern Africa Development Community ( 2006) Framework for Developing and Sharing <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>s on<br />
HIV/AIDS, <strong>SADC</strong>, Gaborone<br />
2. Antioch Health Care and Support Center (2006) Introduction to Services, AHCSC, Benoni<br />
28
HIV and AIDS Prevention best practice from SOWETO<br />
2007<br />
29
Executive Summary<br />
The <strong>SADC</strong> region is the most affected by the HIV and AIDS epidemic and efforts to find interventions to<br />
respond to this challenge have been put in place by Member States (MS). It has become apparent that these<br />
interventions need to be documented and shared so that MS can benefit and learn from country experiences.<br />
As part of the training organised by <strong>SADC</strong> on Documentation and Communication of <strong>Best</strong> practices, our team<br />
undertook a field trip to the Youth in Action project in Soweto. The purpose of the visit was to document and<br />
find out if the project met the criteria of a best practice project as stipulated by <strong>SADC</strong>.<br />
The methodologies used were interviews, focus group discussion with implementers and observations in the<br />
site visit.<br />
Prevention is one of the priorities in the NSP for HIV and AIDS hence this project is addressing the issues of<br />
HIV and AIDS among the youths and young adults in the high transmission areas. The project is integrated<br />
with other programmes and also collaborates with other organisations in implementing the project.<br />
After the analysis of the tools used by <strong>SAfAIDS</strong>, our team concluded that the Youth in Action project was indeed<br />
a best practice. Some of the challenges noted in the project were heavy reliance on volunteers, difficulties in<br />
mobilisation of funds and having a large catchment area in which to provide services.<br />
Some of the achievements identified were the community ownership of the project, the working partnership with<br />
other organisations and the commitment of the project implementers,<br />
among others. The team also learnt that community involvement and participation in programming enhances<br />
ownership of projects, integration of HIV and AIDS services with other programmes is important and HIV and<br />
AIDS projects are enhanced by appropriate outreach activities.<br />
Acknowledgements<br />
This document has been put together by a number of people, who helped provide or compile information in one<br />
way or the other. The documentation team comprised of Indrasen (Mauritius), Lina (Tanzania), Namburett<br />
(Mozambique), Tapeng (Botswana) and Freeman (Zimbabwe). Other team members were Arlene (Zambia),<br />
Tlotliso (Lesotho), Sydney (Swaziland), Sandra (Madagascar), Betty (South Africa) and Joaquim(Angola).<br />
Sara, one of the facilitators from <strong>SAfAIDS</strong> was also part of the documentation team.<br />
This document would not be complete without the help of the people from the project who gave us all the<br />
information about the project and and guided us through the entire visit, these are Ms Thandi, Regional<br />
Coordinator, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Isaac and Mr. Muzi. Our gratitude goes to this team for their patience and<br />
willingness to provide us with the information we needed.<br />
Acronyms<br />
AIDS<br />
ART<br />
DOH<br />
DSD<br />
HIV<br />
HTA<br />
IEC<br />
IGAs<br />
MS<br />
NSP<br />
OIs<br />
SA<br />
<strong>SADC</strong><br />
<strong>SAfAIDS</strong><br />
STIs<br />
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome<br />
Anti-retroviral Therapy<br />
Department of Health<br />
Department of Social Development<br />
Human immunodeficiency Virus<br />
High Transmission Areas<br />
Information, Education and Communication<br />
Income Generating Activities<br />
Member states<br />
National Strategic Plan (for HIV and AIDS and STIs)<br />
Opportunistic Infections<br />
South Africa<br />
Southern African Development Community<br />
Southern Africa HIV and AIDS Information Dissemination Service<br />
Sexually Transmitted Infections<br />
30
Background<br />
Soweto, which falls within the Johannesburg Metro, has a population of 6 million and the Youth in Action Centre<br />
is situated in region D of this township. Region D is subdivided into Shiawela, Protea (North, South and Glen),<br />
Moletsane, Mapetla and Zola and Youth in Action Centre is located at the Protea North Library offices.<br />
The project was established by a group of youth on 19 th June 2000 with the sole purpose of raising awareness<br />
by establishing HIV and AIDS information centre. What prompted the establishment of the centre was the rate<br />
of the escalating epidemic. They realised that they had a duty to raise awareness because of the escalating<br />
epidemic in the area. Therefore, they established a one stop information centre at the Protea North Library<br />
offices which houses the project.<br />
Methodology<br />
The method used for data collection was Focus Group Discussion involving the Project Managers, The Project<br />
Coordinator and the documentation team. One unstructured interview was also conducted with one condom<br />
distributor. Non participatory observation of community members in the catchment areas where condoms and<br />
Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials are distributed was also done.<br />
Introduction<br />
The Youth in Action project is run by a group of vibrant young men and women who have taken the bull by its<br />
horn by coming up with an intervention aimed at stemming the rate of HIV infections in their area. The<br />
uniqueness of the project is the involvement of “patrons” and clients of High Transmission Area (HTA), such as<br />
taverns, taxi and truck drivers, miners, and those living in hostels. Door to door campaigns using a cadre of<br />
committed volunteers are a common strategy engaged by Youth in Action.<br />
The project works in collaboration with other government departments and agencies like the Departments of<br />
Health, Social Development, Sports, Art and Culture and the local municipality, and also has the support of<br />
community members.<br />
The project has contributed to behaviour change in the community as can be seen from the increase in the<br />
demand for condoms within the last six months. This increase can probably be attributed to the activities of the<br />
project.<br />
This report is an account of why the Youth in Action project is a best practice which should be replicated in<br />
other parts of the <strong>SADC</strong> region.<br />
31
<strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> Elements<br />
The Youth in Action Project indeed meets the <strong>SADC</strong> standard criteria of a best practice because of the<br />
following:<br />
Effectiveness<br />
The project goal is To prevent HIV and STI infections among the youth and young adults aged 13 to 40 of<br />
Region D of Soweto Township and this was clearly articulated by the project implementers. The goal is also in<br />
line with the South African National Strategic Plan for HIV and AIDS 2007 – 2012, which has Prevention as its<br />
priority number 2.<br />
The project also has clear strategies for implementation of their activities and these include:<br />
• Condom and IEC material distribution in taverns, taxi ranks, truck drivers and other HTAs;<br />
• Door to door HIV and AIDS campaigns;<br />
• HIV and AIDS education in schools;<br />
• Edutainment sessions for out of school youths in parks and open markets;<br />
• Media campaigns.<br />
Condom distribution point at phone shop in Protea South<br />
The project also integrates other programmes such as Home Based Care, gender violence issues, substance<br />
abuse etc. There is considerable community participation in the project as evidenced by the former’s<br />
involvement in needs assessments, volunteerism, and the number of distribution points within the community.<br />
Whilst there is no clear monitoring and evaluation system, methodologies have been designed to collect data on<br />
project activities. For example, they have reports on households visited, number of condoms distributed,<br />
monthly and quarterly reports, number of people reached and fact sheets showing vital statistics.<br />
Ethical soundness<br />
Whatever the project does is in line with the provisions of the country’s constitution on human rights issues.<br />
Cases involving human rights, health and social issues are usually refereed to the appropriate bodies. They<br />
also have a suggestion box for complaints.<br />
In addition to an internal audit which is conducted by the DOH, the organisation is also audited by an external<br />
consultant. This helps the project implementers to be accountable and transparent in their project<br />
management.<br />
32
The Youth in Action project also does not conflict with religious norms of the community and has the support of<br />
the political and local government authorities.<br />
Young men are also encouraged by the project to be “agents of change” in their community which ensures that<br />
gender issues are taken care of.<br />
Cost effectiveness<br />
The main agency funding the project is the DOH. However, they also run some Income Generating Activities<br />
(IGAs) for sustainability. Some of the IGAs they run are photocopying, laminating, faxing, typing, certificate<br />
design and writing Curriculum Vitaes.<br />
The project relies heavily on volunteers for manpower whom they pay a little stipend. However, the issue of<br />
volunteerism has become a major challenge in HIV and AIDS work due to challenges such as burn out and high<br />
turn over.<br />
The project implementers often use public transport for their outreach activities, which cuts down their<br />
administrative costs.<br />
Relevance<br />
Since this is a high transmission area, the project specifically addresses identified challenges regarding HIV<br />
infection in youth and young adults, mobile populations, commercial sex workers, drug abusers, and other high<br />
risk groups. It is also in line with the NSP strategic objectives, of which prevention is one. The demand for the<br />
services provided by the project is also a clear indicator of its relevance.<br />
Replicability<br />
The Youth in Action project can easily be replicable in other areas as it uses locally available resources, both<br />
human and material. Programme activities are clearly documented in reports and M and E tools and this would<br />
enable other areas to implement similar projects. However, as distance between distribution points seems to<br />
be a challenge, it would be advisable for those who wish to replicate this project to increase the number of<br />
distribution points in order to reach more beneficiaries.<br />
Innovativeness<br />
Youth in action use innovative strategies to reach as many people as possible with their services. For example,<br />
they use public phones as distribution points for condoms. These points have been identified by the project as<br />
high traffic areas and therefore ideal for the distribution of such materials.<br />
The use of door to door campaigns to disseminate HIV prevention messages is also an innovation that needs to<br />
be scaled up.<br />
Sustainability<br />
The project has novel ways of fundraising to ensure sustainability. The implementers are highly committed to<br />
the project<br />
They rely on community volunteers therefore there will always be human resources to carry forward the project.<br />
As one of the implementers said, “Do not give me R50 to give you this information. People are dying”.<br />
The project has established a good working relationship with the community creating a demand for its services<br />
which is likely to keep the project in operation.<br />
In addition, even though they do not have a fundraising plan, the project is already running some IGAs, which<br />
shows that they can engage ventures to generate more income. The project also uses cost sharing<br />
mechanisms, e.g. distributing IEC materials and condoms from other organisations.<br />
33
Focus group discussion with implementers<br />
Partnerships<br />
The project organises monthly Partnership Forums where they address challenges and needs of the<br />
organisation and also find solutions. They also work with organisations that provide services in other thematic<br />
areas such as VCT, OVC and HBC and refer some clients to these when the need arises.<br />
Challenges<br />
• Reliance on volunteers<br />
• Mobilisation of funds<br />
• Catchment area is too big<br />
Achievements<br />
• Community ownership of the project<br />
• Increased demand for service and distribution of condoms<br />
• Working partnership with other organisations<br />
• Commitment of the project implementers<br />
• Transparency and accountability in the project<br />
Lessons learnt<br />
• Community involvement and participation in programming enhances ownership of projects;<br />
• It is important to integrate HIV and AIDS services with other programmes;<br />
• HIV and AIDS projects are enhanced by appropriate outreach activities like door to door<br />
campaigns, use of public phones as distribution centres, malls, taverns and taxi ranks;<br />
• Having cost saving systems in the programme does not necessarily compromise the quality of the<br />
service (e.g. using volunteers, public transport, distributing IEC materials developed by other<br />
organisations etc).<br />
Conclusion<br />
The Youth in Action project in our view is a best practice which has the potential to be replicated in other areas.<br />
It uses locally available resources, is cost effective and had an element of innovativeness. In addition, it uses<br />
appropriate IEC materials in local languages to disseminate information on HIV and AIDS. The project also<br />
used a human rights approach in addressing HIV and AIDS issues. The project implementers are highly<br />
committed to their work and they are instrumental to the success story of this project. The goals of the project,<br />
target groups and outcomes are clearly defined and this conforms to the <strong>SADC</strong> criteria for a best practice.<br />
However, the project needs minor improvements in certain areas for it to be more effective. These include an in<br />
built training programme, monitoring and evaluation tools and consistence in service delivery.<br />
34
HIV/AIDS BEST PRACTICE DOCUMENT<br />
“Emthonjeni” Fountains of Life<br />
“Life is a journey and Emthonjeni will not allow you to walk alone”<br />
13-14 December 2007<br />
Team leader: Ms Maserame Mokoena<br />
Compiled by: Dr. Fayzal Sulliman, Dr. Alphonse Mulumba, Ms Mavis Releni, Mr. Muhle Dlamini, Dr. Lucien<br />
Masangu, Mr. Wilfrid, Velonantenaina, Mr. Blackson Matatiyo, Dr. Florence Soroses and Ms<br />
Medelina Dube<br />
35
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY<br />
The Government stakeholders including the FBO’s have joined hands to mitigate the impact of HIV and AIDS in<br />
communities using different strategies. In Gauteng province south of Johannesburg the Emthonjeni project has<br />
embarked on an integrated HIV/AIDS intervention program. The program has a number of components so as to<br />
present a comprehensive response to the epidemic. The documentation of this project aims at sharing the<br />
experiences of this project, the best practices conducted by the project in the Emthonjeni catchment area.<br />
The project involves communities to support people living with HIV and AIDS. It provides HBC, VCT, ART and<br />
adherence counseling to the support group and community. The project achievements include community<br />
education, community mobilization through door to door visits and ownership with acceptance of the project by<br />
the community members. The fact that this project is supported by the local churches it is guaranteed of<br />
sustainability. Integration of programs in this project provides a holistic and comprehensive approach to address<br />
community needs and as such the project has stimulated demand for other services for the community. The<br />
project has helped the community by breaking the silence of people infected and affected by HIV and AIDS.<br />
Despite the success of the project it is not without challenges. Due to its overwhelming success results there is<br />
a high demand for PLHIV services in the area. Secondly the involvement of men in the area remains a big<br />
challenge.<br />
Documenting and sharing of the Emthonjeni project will allow communities in different settings to learn from<br />
these experiences and replicate such initiatives in their areas. One of the lessons learnt from the project is that<br />
involving the community and all their structures addresses the needs of the community. Indeed the Emthonjeni<br />
project has brought change and improvement of health of the community members.<br />
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS<br />
The documentation team would like to express their appreciation and thanks to the following people:<br />
• The district coordinator Ms Hlatswayo<br />
• The Emthonjeni project manager Thamsanqa Sonile<br />
• The psychologist Dr. Ingrid Artus<br />
• Members of the support group<br />
• The community for coming up the unique project<br />
• SAFAIDS team of consultants for training us on the documentation of best practice<br />
• The <strong>SADC</strong> secretariat for organizing such a workshop which is greatly needed in our region<br />
• The participants for sharing their valuable experiences<br />
• Interpreters for their tireless efforts<br />
• The driver for taking us to Emthonjeni and back<br />
LIST OF ACRONYMS<br />
PLHIV<br />
HIV<br />
AIDS<br />
ART<br />
VCT<br />
FBO<br />
NGO<br />
SAFAIDS<br />
<strong>SADC</strong><br />
People living with HIV<br />
Human Immuinodeficiency Virus<br />
Acquired Immune deficiency Syndrome<br />
Antiretroviral Therapy<br />
Voluntary Counseling and Testing<br />
Faith Based Organization<br />
Non-Governmental Organization<br />
Southern African HIV and AIDS information Dissemination Service<br />
Southern African Development Community<br />
36
TABLE OF CONTENTS<br />
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...............................................................................................................36<br />
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ..............................................................................................................36<br />
LIST OF ACRONYMS....................................................................................................................36<br />
PURPOSE AND METHODOLOGY ...............................................................................................37<br />
BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT ..................................................................................................37<br />
INTRODUCTION OF THE PROJECT BEING DOCUMENTED ....................................................38<br />
ELEMENTS OF BEST PRACTICE ................................................................................................39<br />
CONCLUSION ...............................................................................................................................40<br />
REFERENCES...............................................................................................................................40<br />
PURPOSE AND METHODOLOGY<br />
For an organization working with people living with HIV and AIDS (PLHIV), the development of best practice<br />
documents is important for sharing knowledge, experiences and lessons learnt.<br />
“<strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>” documents are documents that describe and evaluate, against specific criteria, elements of<br />
programme, project or activity which have contributed towards successful interventions. A <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong><br />
document presents and describes in detail, an example of a programme, project or activity which has shown to<br />
contribute towards making interventions successful. The purpose of documenting a best practice includes to:<br />
1 avoid duplication of efforts (within the same target area) by sharing information and lessons learned<br />
2 promote knowledge exchange and learning to improve and adapt effective strategies of intervention,<br />
within specific environments<br />
The overall purpose of this document is to share the EMTHONJENI Project focusing on PLHIV as an HIV and<br />
AIDS <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong> intervention. This document:<br />
- validates the EMTHONJENI Project as an HIV and AIDS best practice<br />
- adds to the body of knowledge on Care and Support of PLHIV<br />
- is anticipated to stimulate replication of programmes focussing on PLHIV<br />
The documentation of the EMTHONJENI Project as a best practice was done using a scientific approach . The<br />
following data collection methods were employed:<br />
- Focus Groups Discussions (2 FGDs conducted with programme beneficiaries and implementers i.e.<br />
support group facilitators),<br />
- Key Informant Interviews (3 interviews with Project Manager, Psychologist, Regional Coordinator)<br />
- Literature review<br />
- Observation data<br />
BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT<br />
Documentation of <strong>Best</strong> <strong>Practice</strong>s is an essential skill for HIV and AIDS programme implementers, including<br />
managers, it is against this background that Group 2 members embarked on documentation of Emthonjeni<br />
project focusing on PLHIV. The documentation will also incite greater debate, exchange of ideas and increase<br />
collaboration and coordination among the multiple actors and institutions responding to the epidemic across the<br />
region.<br />
37
INTRODUCTION OF THE PROJECT BEING DOCUMENTED<br />
The project is offering holistic services to people living with HIV and AIDS and is run by highly skilled staff.<br />
Emthonjeni is a Non-Profit organization, funded by the Department of Health, Faith based organizations,<br />
Department of Social Development and other donors. The activities of the project are carried out in informal<br />
settlements of Sweetwaters, Thula Mntwana and Weiler’s Farm, south of Johannesburg. This location is<br />
characterized by poverty, unemployment, lack of proper housing and health facilities. In 2006 water was<br />
supplied to the settlements, and in 2007 electricity is due to be supplied. It is estimated that 30,000 people live<br />
in this settlement. These people are largely drawn from the rural areas in search of economic opportunities.<br />
Child-headed homes, under-education, HIV/AIDS and poverty are all common features of these communities.<br />
An estimated number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) are 11,000. This has necessitated Emthonjeni to offer<br />
services.<br />
Emthonjeni seeks to create a structure that brings PLHIV and affected members of ther community together.<br />
They offer emotional, spiritual, physical and psychological support. It has been noted that these groups have<br />
brought sense of belonging to many and serve to relief stress.<br />
Aim of the organization<br />
• The aim is to assist the infected and affected by HIV and AIDS<br />
• Other beneficiaries for the service are: Unemployed women<br />
HIV/AIDS orphans<br />
Youth<br />
Community members<br />
The purpose of the organization<br />
The overall purpose of the Emthonjeni meaning “Fountain of Life” HIV/AIDS project is to offer a Christian<br />
response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. They provide support services to people living with HIV and serve as a<br />
link to more specified services.<br />
Objectives of the organization<br />
• To provide home based care services to people living with HIV/AIDS on continual basis<br />
• To provide counseling, holistic support for HIV/AIDS affected persons through a programme of regular<br />
visitation so as to affect quality of sustenance<br />
• To provide an information base/resource centre that facilitates the sharing of accurate information and<br />
empowerment through value-based knowledgeable decision<br />
• To work closely with local clinics, health service providers, schools, churches, businesses and other<br />
stakeholders around issues of linkages and quality service provision for persons living with HIV/AIDS<br />
Current services offered to people living with HIV/AIDS<br />
• Home based care<br />
• Voluntary HIV/AIDS counseling and testing<br />
• Spiritual and material support for people infected and affected by HIV & AIDS<br />
• Community workshops to heighten HIV/AIDS awareness and appropriate care<br />
• Door to door community awareness campaigns<br />
• Social services to people living with HIV and AIDS and to the community at large<br />
• Pre-HAART & HAART for HIV & AIDS patients and medical services referrals<br />
• Micro income generation skills training to economically empower people living with HIV and AIDS<br />
• Fund raising<br />
38
Strengths of the project<br />
• Holistic approach to the support of people living with HIV and AIDS<br />
• Quality of services to the clients is very good because the clients have access to a nurse and a doctor<br />
immediately after being diagnosed positively<br />
• The readiness program for enrolment in the ART program is shortened thus attracting more clients<br />
• Adherence counseling tool used is proven effective<br />
• The project also promote the skills development to community volunteers<br />
• The project is having good marketing strategies for resource mobilization i.e. website and DVD<br />
Lessons learned<br />
• Multi-sectoral project with highly skilled staff including care givers<br />
• Positive living of people living with HIV and AIDS<br />
• Good marketing strategies including DVD, videos and web page that is linked internationally<br />
• Provision of love and compassion to people infected and affected by HIV and AIDS including orphans<br />
and vulnerable children, while working to raise up a healthy community<br />
• Active community participation that resulted to rapid expansion of the project without the necessary<br />
infrastructure and financial backing<br />
Challenges of the project<br />
• Crime<br />
• Poverty and unemployment<br />
• Child-headed households<br />
• Child abuse<br />
• Stigma<br />
ELEMENTS OF BEST PRACTICE<br />
Replicability<br />
This project is an initiative by faith based organizations, which is a familiar set up of southern African and<br />
Africans in general hence it could be replicable. It is a typical example of the multi-sectoral approach to the<br />
response of HIV and AIDS in many countries.<br />
The cost of setting up the project is not very high as exhibited in this project, mostly the resources were donated<br />
by local churches and the community.<br />
Innovativeness<br />
This project is unique in the sense that it offers a holistic approach in the management of PLHIV.<br />
Relevance<br />
Emthongeni project is socially and culturally acceptable.<br />
Socially<br />
The community of Emthongeni belongs to the various church groups found in the area. The project organizes<br />
social functions and outings for its members.<br />
Culturally<br />
Caring for the terminally ill patient is not left to the close family alone but is seen as a community responsibility.<br />
Emthonjeni offers support to the PLHIV who are ill and bedridden.<br />
Sustainability<br />
The Emthonjeni project was established through funding by churches, community members, business people<br />
and internal sponsors. The Department of Health only started funding this project only in 2006.<br />
39
Sustainability is possible because the project is not dependant on one source for funding. They also make<br />
money from selling stuff made through income generation projects by the support group members e.g.<br />
beadwork, gardening, crafts etc.<br />
The project is also submitting financial statements as required to secure continuous funding.<br />
Effectiveness<br />
The project is in line with the National Strategic Plan.<br />
The volunteers, the PLWA, the religious leaders participate actively in mobilizing the community in<br />
order to face the pandemic.<br />
The community is satisfied and feels that the project belongs to them.<br />
A PLHIV said: “The EMTHONJENI project has changed my life, I have a family, I am no longer sick, I can now<br />
go back to work”<br />
Ethical Soundness<br />
The project respects totally Human Rights:<br />
• Respect for confidentiality from the onset to the end.<br />
• Respect for gender sensitivity, for the poor, the rich, young, old etc<br />
• The PLWA is the centre of interest in the project.<br />
Cost Effectiveness<br />
The project is looking after more than 7000 families with very little means and the impact is felt within the<br />
community. The partnership with NGOs has decreased the costs as well as the income generating activities for<br />
the beneficiaries.<br />
CONCLUSION<br />
Caring of people living with HIV needs to be done in a holistic manner targeting multisectoral response.<br />
The project has a holistic approach to people living with HIV and AIDS which is very uncommon with most<br />
NGOs. The approach adopted by this project is contributing to the national efforts to fight the HIV and AIDS<br />
epidemic. The content of this document is envisaged to inspire other implementers of HIV and AIDS prevention.<br />
It is hoped through sharing this document with a wide population, relevant government departments, civil<br />
society groups and private sector, can replicate and adapt this model of response as a practical method<br />
towards providing optimal care and support to PLHIV.<br />
REFERENCES<br />
1. Project profile<br />
2. Strategic plan of the project<br />
3. Constitution of the organization<br />
4. Quarterly and annual progress report of the organization<br />
5. Quarterly and annual financial report of the organization<br />
6. External audit reports<br />
7. Attendance and home visit registers<br />
8. Emthonjeni Advocacy DVD<br />
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