As a practitioner delivering online therapy services, it's crucial to continuously improve your skills and stay updated with the latest research. A recent study titled "Protocol for a multi-country implementation research study to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of context-specific actions to train and support facilitators to deliver sexuality education to young people in out-of-school settings" offers valuable insights that can help you enhance your practice. This study, conducted in Colombia, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Malawi, focuses on training and supporting facilitators to deliver comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) to out-of-school youth. Here are some key takeaways and practical tips from the research that you can implement or explore further.
Understanding the Context
The study emphasizes the unique challenges and considerations when delivering CSE in out-of-school settings. Unlike in-school programs, these settings require facilitators to find accessible and discreet locations, recruit and retain participants effectively, and ensure that the content is relevant and engaging for diverse groups of young people. Understanding these contextual factors is the first step towards improving your delivery of CSE.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The research highlights several strategies that can enhance the effectiveness of CSE facilitators:
- Comprehensive Training: Facilitators need thorough training that covers not only the basics of CSE but also the specific needs and circumstances of the target group. For instance, facilitators in Ethiopia received training on SRHR topics, life skills, and income-generating activities, tailored to young people with disabilities and those involved in sex work.
- Ongoing Support: Continuous mentorship and support are crucial. In Ghana, facilitators benefited from daily post-session meetings, online support groups, and consultations with medical professionals. This ongoing support helps facilitators address challenges and improve their skills over time.
- Adaptive Implementation: Flexibility in the implementation process is essential. The study underscores the importance of adapting strategies to local realities and cultural considerations. This might involve modifying the content or delivery methods based on feedback from participants and community members.
- Creating a Supportive Environment: Building a supportive micro-environment is vital for the success of CSE programs. This includes engaging parents, community leaders, and other stakeholders to build support for the program and address any resistance.
Practical Tips for Practitioners
Based on the research findings, here are some practical tips you can implement to improve your delivery of CSE to out-of-school youth:
- Conduct Needs Assessments: Before starting your program, conduct thorough needs assessments to understand the specific needs and preferences of your target group. This will help you tailor your content and delivery methods effectively.
- Invest in Training: Ensure that you and your team receive comprehensive training that covers all aspects of CSE, including how to engage with different groups of young people and address sensitive topics.
- Provide Ongoing Support: Set up regular check-ins, mentorship sessions, and support groups to help facilitators continuously improve their skills and address any challenges they face.
- Engage the Community: Work with community leaders, parents, and other stakeholders to build support for your program and address any resistance. This will create a more supportive environment for your participants.
- Be Flexible: Be prepared to adapt your strategies based on feedback and changing circumstances. This will help you stay responsive to the needs of your participants and improve the effectiveness of your program.
Encouraging Further Research
While the findings from this study provide valuable insights, it's important to continue exploring and conducting research to further improve the delivery of CSE in out-of-school settings. Consider collaborating with local research institutions or other practitioners to share best practices and learn from each other's experiences.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Protocol for a multi-country implementation research study to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of context-specific actions to train and support facilitators to deliver sexuality education to young people in out-of-school settings.
