National Multi-Sectoral Collaboration on Behalf of Young Children
Author
Janet Brown
Publication Date
2000
Summary
A two-week evaluation of the Better Parenting Project was conducted with multisectoral, government/NGO collaboration. The evaluation reported project success in addressing child-rearing practices related to the physical, social and emotional development of children in relationships with family members.
A number of recommendations were put forth to improve project quality and effectiveness. Some communication-related recommendations include:
Selection/development of new materials that reflect the integrated nature of supporting children's total development. Project materials were last developed in 1996, and hence need to be updated on a regular basis to include the latest research. Also, it was recommended that future materials draw from participant experiences and stories to create a reciprocal learning approach.
Ongoing training of new facilitators and refresher courses for continuing facilitators.
Focus groups to assess impact of programme on the participants, improve upon programmes, and develop relevant materials.
Active involvement of fathers and young men (for example, through joint male-female better parenting groups).