This paper presents a participatory review of the Stepping Stone (SS) project directed at Muslim communities in the Gambia. The SS training package is aimed at informing about sexual and reproductive health, and the prevention of HIV, AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). It has been adapted by the Gambian government, Medical Research Council (MRC UK), ActionAid, Gambia Family Planning Association, and the Worldwide Evangelisation for Christ mission, to make it appropriate for Muslim communities in Gambia. In reflection of community membersÆ needs, the workshop was presented as a training package addressing peopleÆs concerns about infertility and its links with STDs. The adapted SS workshop was then piloted in two communities. Subsequently, in February 2000 a participatory review of the SS activities was organised by SS facilitators together with MRC UK and ActionAid Gambia staff, using diagramming techniques designed for non-literates (Participatory Learning and Action, PLA). This report documents the results from the review that took place over two days in one of the SS communities, with a young menÆs peer group of unmarried participants up to 24 years old from the SS workshop; an older menÆs peer group with SS workshop participants over the age of 24; and a womenÆs group consisting of SS workshop peer groups for both younger and older women. Each group discussed and carried out exercises with focus on hopes, fears and expectations; positive and negative changes in the community since the introduction of SS; and development of activity plans. Some of the PLA techniques used were time lines, trend analysis, change trees, and matrix scoring. The report presents notes and quotes, and summary tables from these group discussions.
Publication year:
2000