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Abstract
Mobilization of peer educators in Nepal: how to keep them motivated and mobilized?
B. Shrestha
Issues: Peer Education is one of the most effective strategies for HIV/AIDS prevention and care program. However, it has been a great challenge for many organizations to keep them motivated and mobilized in Nepal.
Description: This paper presents an experience of peer education program among female sex workers and their clients, in which enabling and conducive environment has been created to facilitate Peer Educators (PEs) for being self motivated and mobilized for the effective and efficient implementation of the program. Peer education is a process of influencing and facilitating behaviour change of target groups through mobilization of trained peers from among them. Altogether, 24 PEs have been mobilizing in the program with incentive system of remuneration in which PEs get remuneration based on their performance. PEs participation in the whole project cycle has been ensured through annual team building and planning workshop, fortnightly and monthly review and planning meeting, capacity building as well as their representation in project management team. They are treated as equal as other project staff and their dignity and autonomy are duly recognized and respected.
Results: PE´s self-esteem and confidence have been increased and become more committed, accountable cooperative with and loyal to the organization and the project. They also become honest, pro-active, motivated and self-mobilized for their job responsibilities as well as planning and reporting.
Lessons learned: Participation in the project activities, recognition of their work, respect, friendly behavior and cooperation increased the feeling of ownership and affiliation toward organization, the feeling of security, and inclusiveness among the peer educators.
Mobilization of peer educators without remuneration proved ineffective as their concentration diverted to earning which obstructed discharging responsibilities actively. The remuneration system based on the performance resulted in active and spontaneous involvement of the peer educators in their job-responsibilities.
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
CDC1647
Suggested Citation
" B. Shrestha
Mobilization of peer educators in Nepal: how to keep them motivated and mobilized?.
:
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
CDC1647"
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