Participatory learning and action: a powerful approach with youth. Participatory approaches led by youth can enhance youth and community involvement.

YouthNet has adapted the community-based assessment process of participatory learning and action (PLA) emphasizing a youth-centered approach in Ethiopia Namibia and Tanzania. Each of the three projects used a series of tools and exercises that help young people talk about themselves their bodies their neighborhoods their families and their perceptions of risks for pregnancy and HIV infection. The YouthNet PLA projects trained young people to plan and conduct the assessments as well as analyze and share the findings with the community. Adult stakeholders were involved at various stages of the process contributing valuable data and increasing credibility within the communities. The projects led to important new programmatic steps including a national youth charter a new curriculum for youth and new and expanded faith-based initiatives. Participatory methodologies have evolved since the 1970s as researchers and those providing development assistance sought to understand the needs and desires of the targeted population groups. In the PLA approach program developers and researchers use various techniques to listen more closely to community voices and to address the needs identified by the target population rather than applying a predetermined notion of community needs. Visual approaches are particularly useful with community members using drawings diagrams and maps to discuss and answer questions. (excerpt)