This report by Restless Development-Tanzania represents the end results of a fact based Monitoring and Evaluation exercise carried out entirely by young community volunteers with young people in the regions of Iringa, Mbeya and Ruvuma. It culminates in the presentation of some valuable strategic and programmatic recommendations for NGOs and government bodies. Read more about the report and its findings here.
In summary the exercise identified five key issues that Restless Development should orientate its 2011-2015 strategy towards:
It is advised that Restless Development continue to advocate for the governmental policy on return to school; further investigate alternative causes for students to drop out; and work together with other educational actors to influence ongoing constitutional reform consultations.
It is advised that Restless Development work alongside other educational actors to ensure the availability of SRHR teaching materials in schools as well as to promote the mainstreaming of SRHR and life-skills training for teachers and peer supervisors; assist the government in developing a collaborative framework around commitments to sustaining the implementation of class room peer education; and research those reasons affecting the completion of classroom peer education.
It is advised that Restless Development prioritise the opening up of spaces for increased representation and participation of young men and women in both Ward Multi-sectoral AIDS Committees (WMACs) and Council Multi-sectoral AIDS Committees (CMACs). A broader focus should also be placed on advocating for meaningful participation at district, regional and national levels.
Additionally, based on existing evidence of youth willingness to participate in Community Action Groups (CAGS), it is proposed that Restless Development build on this momentum and advocate youth involvement in ward and council committees. Additionally it is recommended that Restless Development devote attention to the five priority areas of CAGs (as recently determined by young people); support the people of Matemanga and Itaka CAGs in registering as legal entities; build the capacity of CAGs to emerge as financially sustainable units; and sustain the recent shift towards increased female participation.
It is advised that Restless Development investigate the apparent disconnect between awareness of existing youth friendly services and ability/willingness to access said services. Additionally, the health facilities of Ruvuma need to increase their level of quality (based on youth perception).
It is advised that Restless Development increase the uptake of available Information Resource Centers (IRCs) by developing a sustainable framework in collaboration with other key sectoral actors that encourage ownership, use and support of IRCs.
All findings are founded on extensive participatory research. For more information please follow the below link to the full report.
The Report:http://restlessdevelopment.org/file/res-tz-voices-inspirations-challenges-pdf