Evidence Based Planning--Khutse

Mostly a photo post this week---

We spent Monday to Thursday this week in Khutse, an outpost on the edge of the CKGR, (the Central Kalahari Game Reserve). At the suggestion of one of the nurses, we went there for our annual District planning session on Evidence Based Planning. This is a concept that was introduced by the BW government last year to more effectively target the funds and activities in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Simply put, the government has mandated that any funding must be for activities that are specifically supported by evidence, statistics and data from our particular district. In my opinion, it is a wise move in order to keep from just “throwing money at the problem.” Local government funds are relatively plentiful (thanks to money from the diamond mines), but rightfully it needs to be spent well and in targeted fashion.

We gathered 22 of the major stakeholders in the District--NGO’s, Youth organizations, support groups, a school representative (Kopo), community representatives, the AIDS Coordinator’s Office Staff and several representatives of Central Ministry-- to plan out our activities for the year April 2010-March 2011. Our office insisted on a quiet place where the group could work without distraction. After a lot of arm twisting, we obtained the money to go to Khutse, about 250 KM from Ramotswa. You travel to the end of the paved road then another 50 miles on a rutted, wash-boarded gravel road to the Khutse Kalahari Lodge. It was nicely appointed with individual thatched roof chalets, a swimming pool and a surprisingly modern conference center. I say we had to twist a few arms because the Lodge charges Western-style prices—about $100 a night per person for room and breakfast—a king’s ransom by BW standards. This was a major working vacation for many of the participants since they seldom get to travel much and it is especially rare to be able to stay at such a nice place.

We used the conference well though. I had a major role in collecting all the District data and presenting it. South East district, in which lies Ramotswa, is the smallest district in the country, and one that has done reasonably well in controlling the spread of HIV. Nonetheless, we have an overall prevalence rate in the population of 12.6% and rates as high as 28-34% in the age groups from late 20’s to early 30’s.

As someone who was familiar with data, research, objectives etc, I also led the group for much of the time. We first identified our district-specific “problem areas” then had a democratic-style vote to narrow the list to the 5 areas which we would concentrate on for the upcoming year. They ended up being:

A High Teenage Pregnancy rate with few support services for teen mothers

A low rate of HIV testing in general

A low rate of Couples testing

A high rate of HIV in the 30-35 year old age group, likely due to the prevalence of MCP, Multiple Concurrent Sexual Partnerships

A high rate of HIV in females age 20-25

We then created S.M.A.R.T. objectives for each problem (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time Bound). During Day 2 we broke into groups of four to come up with strategies and activities to meet these objectives. I challenged the groups to be creative, to “think outside the box” and to come up with new and innovative strategies that had not been utilized before. I specially advocated for utilizing positive role-models and positive behaviors not just “Don’t do this” messages.

The group exceeded expectations and were exceptionally thoughtful. We came up with over 35 strategies and activities that were excellent There were so many good ideas that we need to schedule a follow up working group to select only best of the best ideas that we would implement.

Just a few of the ideas included:

Highlighting the “Committed Couple of the Week” with a picture and short write-up in the newspaper then inviting all the weekly winners to a “Faithfulness is a Blessing” dinner on Valentine’s Day to select the Couple of the Year with full media coverage.

A monthly group for young parents on parenting issues and techniques. We will use many of the “Committed Couples” as role models and resources for young parents and single parent households

Forming support groups for Teen Mom’s in 2 of the villages which would be led by a Social worker and Psychologist from the Hospital.

Setting quarterly meetings with the “Shabeen Queens”—the mostly female owners of the many local bars to educate them about HIV and enlist their support against the illness. This may sound a bit strange, but has worked well in at least one other district.

A soccer tournament in which teams would be selected for participation based on the number of HIV tests that they could obtain from their team members, coaches and supporters

“My Life is in the Library.” which is my special project. I will make a separate Blog post about the details of this plan in a few days.

All in all, the food was great, the accommodations comfortable and a good time was had by everyone. It was an opportunity for all of us to get to know one another better and share in good spirits. We ended the retreat with a game drive out into the CKGR to see the wild game. The lions and giraffes made themselves scarce, but it was memorable.

Maureen's group from Kagiso School at the Leadership Training Conference



Peace Corps Halloween Party




Kgosi doing his thing




On the Game Drive



One of the interesting things about being a PCV is a certain rock star status in your village. Everyone wants their picture with you. Here our supplies officer, wanted this one for his office wall of Kgosi, Kopo and Thabo (Colin Pappajohn from Spokane WA)