The Training of Trainers Manual - UNFPA

Exercise: Introduction of the spectrum of attitudes theory
15
minutes
Objective
Materials
To introduce a theoretical framework for moving towards effective
youth-adult partnerships
Flip chart on which you have written the descriptions of ‘Youth as
Objects’, ‘Youth as Recipients,’ and ‘Youth as Partners’ from the
bold type below (taken from Handout 17. Challenges to Building
Effective Youth-Adult Partnerships)
Process
Explain that research in the field of youth development recognizes that skills
(especially, communication skills) are important in youth-adult partnerships but
that attitude is even more important. William Loftquist has developed a theory
about a spectrum of attitudes, which shows whether youth-adult partnerships will
be successful. If adults hold attitudes that undermine partnership, true partnership
will not materialize. Attitudes that support partnership provide the potential for true
partnership development.
Next, distribute the handout and point out the description of the spectrum of
attitudes. Begin discussion about the first attitude, ‘youth as objects’. Read the text
from the handout or the flip chart, or ask a volunteer to do so.
Youth as objects: Adults believe they know what is best and attempt to control
all situations in which youth are involved.
If read by a volunteer, ask him or her to give an illustrative example.
If you read the text, illustrate the attitude with the following example: ‘Let’s say
that I am working for a non-governmental organization on a peer education project
for HIV/AIDS prevention. I have recruited a young artist named David to help me
design a poster with HIV/AIDS prevention messages, to be placed in secondary
schools in the district. If I hold the attitude of “youth as objects”, I will tell David
exactly how the poster should look, what messages it will deliver, and where
the poster will be placed. I will control every aspect of the project. It would be
understandable if David did not want to work with me anymore since I am wasting
his time and talent.’
Explain that this attitude is often based on the belief that youth are in need of
protection from the outside world. Therefore, the adult tells the youth exactly how
the programme will run, including all operational details. The adult evaluates the
programme without input from youth.
120 Training of Trainers Manual