UNICEF Peacebuilding, Education and Advocacy (PBEA) Programme in Uganda Final Report
Participatory Video and MSC Evaluation and Capacity Building
Over the course of 2014 and 2015, Straight Talk Foundation used an innovative media programme to respond to drivers of conflict and violence and promote education for peacebuilding in Lorikumo and Singiila - two parishes in Moroto District - and in Iriiri, Kasile, a parish in Napak District. The media programme consisted of a newspaper titled EduTalk, a weekly radio programme, pre-recorded radio messages and community theatre performances. From December 2015 to March 2016 a team of 14 young people from Karamoja district were trained by Insightshare to carry out an evaluation using Participatory Video combined with Most Significant Change (PV MSC) for UNICEF C4D Headquarters and UNICEF C4D Uganda. The aim of the activity was to carry out a qualitative end-of-programme participatory evaluation led by youth who participated in the PBEA programme at the same time as building capacity in the trainees and delivery agencies.
The evaluation followed a case study approach by focusing on the work of the Straight Talk Foundation (STF) in the North Eastern district of Karamoja. We used the PV MSC method to generate evidence and qualitative information from the perspective of the stakeholders in the programme. PV MSC follows a rigorous process of selection that uses storytelling circles and film to capture, share and generate discussion about young people's experiences. The evaluation was designed to contribute to the peacebuilding activities of the organization, to create dialogue, share lessons, raise awareness and build youth capacity. During a 3 stage process, we trained 14 local youth who collected and analyzed 101 stories of change in 3 districts in Karamoja, and screened the films to 347 people from 6 districts, including 19 district leaders. The total number of community members directly involved in the project was 361 people.
The results of the participatory analysis show that teaching and advising others (41%), peaceful relationships (25%), and stopping drinking (33%) were the most significant changes the young people recognized in themselves since their involvement with the Straight Talk Foundation groups. 59% of the changes that were described in the stories were particularly relevant for the welfare of women and girls while 49% of the changes reported a reduction in violence and 21% described an improved economic situation for the young people involved. Drinking (42%), hurting others (31%) and unsettled lives (21%) were the 3 principle blockers of change, followed by marriage and pregnancy, leaving school and violence.
In this context The Straight Talk Foundation (52%), The Radio Listenership Groups (38%), earning or saving money (33%) and education (18%) were key enablers of change. In particular, STF radio programming and joining a group had provided new knowledge which enabled the young people to address some key domains of change in their lives. The interrelated domains of change identified by the team were gaining and giving advice, resolving or reporting violent acts, becoming more financially secure, returning to school and sensitizing their communities.
All of the community stakeholder groups involved in the selection process chose stories of individuals who had extended their individual change to driving change in the community and family and in particular amongst peers. They had become role models or agents of change. The local decision makers were also impressed with the extent to which the stories showed personal integrity, discipline and improved self-esteem, they demonstrated the capacity for young people to change themselves. The audience were unanimously enthusiastic about sharing these examples of change to inspire others.