Training Workshop on Needs Assessment and Programme Planning for Southeast Asia, 8-12 December 2001, Bangkok, Thailand
Twenty-four of us gathered in Bangkok to come and train in needs assessment and programme planning for youth drug abuse prevention. This was the third such workshop organized by the Global Youth Network and this time participants represented youth groups and foundations from Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand. That first morning, facilitators Gautam Babbar, Giovanna Campello, and Sharon Bazant put everyone at ease with icebreakers, introductions and orientation. This initial group works which concentrated on communication skills, set the tone of the entire workshop.
Through the use of interviews, observations, focus groups and role-plays we learned how to gather information and target problems. One afternoon session was devoted to learning innovative techniques of assessment. Puppet theatre, interactive theatre and various drama/theatre techniques for understanding and empowerment were illustrated by the Nithan Caravan Puppet Troupe and the Best of Bangkok Players.
We then went on to visit the Klong Toey slum district in Bangkok, employed our techniques, and gathered information about the drug problem there. After that, we developed a profile of the community, discussed prevention models and went about actually creating a project activity plan. In the meantime, UN agencies came to speak and answer questions about their role in supporting youth.
In the end, we were challenged not only to come up with a project proposal complete with goals, objectives, activities and a budget, but also to represent it to some very tough donors (Gautam and Sharon)! Before presenting, Marco Luly, an Italian Commedia actor came to give us a lighthearted illustration of appropriate and inappropriate ways of asking for money. The workshop ended on 12 December with the presentation of certificates, dinner and karaoke. Everyone went home bolstered by new friends, new knowledge, new connections and a new determination to implement innovative and effective techniques.
Sharon Bazant
bazant@ksc11.th.com