Action Research geared towards Reproductive Health of Young People
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Bamenda, Cameroon
Basic course
1st - 22nd August 2001
Practical study
23rd August 2001 - 10th January 2002
Evaluation workshop
21st January - 2nd February 2002
Youth & Adolescents Reproductive Health Project PSR/J&A
Yaounde, Cameroon
in collaboration with
Centre International de Formation en Recherche Action (CIFRA)
Ouagadougou, Burkina-Faso
INTRODUCTION
The training programme on action research in the reproductive health
sector, based in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, has been ongoing since
1991. It is implemented by the Ministry of Health with support of GTZ
(German Technical Cooperation) and forms part of the supra-regional
project "Innovative Approaches in Reproductive Health". Within the
framework of this programme, a new course in English language is now
on offer in Bamenda, Cameroon: "Action Research geared towards Repro-
ductive Health of Young People".
Reproductive Health is an issue that has a profound impact on the
personal identity of young people, on their social relations and on
their emotional life. They need to be informed at an early stage
about all aspects associated with reproductive health and sexuality.
They require reproductive health services that are responsive to
their needs and that have the right kind of approach. These pro-
grammes must take young people seriously whilst at the same time en-
couraging them to adopt a responsible attitude towards sexuality.
OBJECTIVE
The training aims to equip participants with expertise that will al-
low them to design approaches suitable for young people, and thus
help this vulnerable group avoid infections, unwanted pregnancies and
sexual violence.
TARGET GROUPS
As the training seeks to find ways to better respond to the needs of
the young, the course is open to all health-care and social services
personnel, NGOs and youth programmes aiming to improve their approach
on the issue of reproductive health of their young clients.
PROGRAMME
The course consists of three stages:
* First stage: Basic course
Three weeks of theoretical training are provided in Bamenda. It is
during this phase that the three main training modules will be
taught.
* Second stage: Practical study
This phase lasts for about three months and takes place at the par-
ticipant's workplace.
* Third stage: Evaluation workshop
During this phase, the participants meet again in Bamenda and spend
two weeks finalising the results of their research work and present-
ing them to the public.
APPROACH
The programme focuses on a participatory approach that makes use of
the participants' experience, harnessing their know-how. The teaching
methods include: talks, theoretical exercises, practical fieldwork,
discussions with young people, case studies, role-play and critical
reading. Throughout their training, the participants will benefit
from individual guidance.
THE BASIC COURSE CONSISTS OF THREE MAIN MODULES
Module 1: The situation of young people and their reproductive health
status
Module 1 addresses the significance of reproductive health for the
life and future of young people, it focuses on their specific needs
in terms of reproductive health services and assesses the experience
that has been gathered with youth programmes.
Module 2: Situation analysis
Module 2 consists of an introduction to problem analysis and to the
various instruments used and also looks at the way in which situation
analyses are organised.
Module 3: Action research Methodology
Module 3 addresses the main stages of action research,
i.e.:
- Identifying the problem;
- Elaborate the action aim (practical goal);
- Defining the problem to be researched;
- Choosing appropriate research techniques and designing instruments
to collect data;
- Collecting and analysing data;
- Identifying answers to the research issue;
- Drawing practical conclusions;
- Elaborating and presenting individual research projects.
EVALUATION
Evaluation is based on the following criteria:
- Active and regular attendance at the course;
- Implementation of a research project;
- Preparation of a report;
- Participation in the follow-up workshop.
At the end of the training course, certificates will be awarded to
all participants who have fulfilled the above-mentioned conditions.
REGISTRATION FEE
There is a registration fee of CFAF 600,000; this covers the costs of
training, teaching materials and supervision during the practical
phase. Participants are required to pay their own travel expenses and
living costs in Bamenda as well as any insurance costs. For the liv-
ing costs in Bamenda, a minimum of CFAF 150,000 for the three weeks
basic course is required.
GRANTS
Candidates are encouraged to obtain a grant from private or public,
national or international organisations.
DATES AND REGISTRATION
The three-week basic course will take place in Bamenda, Cameroon from
1st to 22nd August 2001. The evaluation workshop is scheduled for
21st January - 2nd February 2002 in Bamenda as well.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE
Applications should be sent to the Youth Project in Yaounde latest
June 15, 2001.
To register for the course and for further information, please con-
tact:
Dr. Flavien Ndonko
Youth & Adolescents Reproductive Health Project
P.O. Box 7814
Yaounde, Cameroon
Tel/Fax: +237-21-9118
mailto:gtz-ssp.ong@camnet.cm
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Doris Popp
GTZ
Postfach 5180
65726 Eschborn
Tel: +49-6196-79-1347/4106
Fax: +49-6196-79-1366/7411
mailto:Doris.Popp@gtz.de
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