TRAINING AND INFORMATION CAMPAIGN ON THE ... - Fokus

evaluation found that all the secondary sub-goals of the proposal appear to have been achieved to
various degrees (at times exceeding them) and included: nine training workshops held, three videos
produced, 15 drama groups trained, 16 schools reached for Family Life Education, 9 networks created
for PLWHA, a Dropping of the Knives ceremony held with 18 participating former circumcisers and
their communities, with an additional 60 circumcisers having declared their commitment to participate
in the second such ceremony.
One of the major strengths of GAMCOTRAP is its sustained efforts over time and the consistency of
its approach and message. While methodology has been adapted over time (as well as from community
to community, depending on need), the basic mandate has remained the same, and no effort is made
to conceal the true agenda of the organization. While in the past GAMCOTRAP has often been the
target of criticism, insults, and even threats, it appears that over time a major shift has taken place
in public awareness and attitudes, and that the overall impression of the organization is positive.
Although methodological trends in anti-FGM interventions come and go, the patient consistency of
GAMCOTRAP’s approach appears to be paying off, as many beneficiaries explained that “change takes
time,” but that they are now ready to consider GAMCOTRAP’s message.
Conclusion and Recommendations
It appears that at this time GAMCOTRAP stands at an important crossroads. After many years
of sustained effort often involving extreme challenges, a shift appears to have taken place, as many
Gambians are now ready to receive and consider GAMCOTRAP’s consistent message. This three-year
project is seen by GAMCOTRAP staff as having been particularly crucial in effecting change, and there
is a great sense of urgency in building on the current momentum.
Major activities of the project have been consistent with proposed objectives, and all sub-goals have
been achieved to various degrees, while important progress appears to have been made towards reaching
the broader goal of gender empowerment and the abandonment of harmful traditional practices.
GAMCOTRAP staff point to the need to expand geographically to areas of the country that remain
unreached by campaigns and call for improved communication between various NGOs working on the
issue of FGM in order to prevent overlapping in the same regions while ignoring others.
Beneficiaries of the project agree with GAMCOTRAP staff that it is important to continue to focus
on outreach and capacity building, while pursuing the continued commitment of traditional circumcisers
to drop their knives. Community members unanimously stressed the need for consistent follow-up in the
form of additional workshops, improved support for CBF’s, and expanded AEOs for former circumcisers
(this was not originally proposed as part of the FOKUS funding). There is a perceived need to expand
efforts with youth groups and to continue working on revising FLE curricula, as well as to strengthen
and expand work with networks of PLWHA. In addition, it is crucial to continue the outreach efforts
of improving IEC capacity of traditional health practitioners and to expand the important dialogue
currently underway between Gambian emigrants (particularly in Spain and Norway) and their home
communities.
This evaluation recommends that GAMCOTRAP continue its community outreach while striving
to strengthen its administrative capacity, particularly in the area of reporting, auditing, and effective
communication with donors. This evaluation strongly urges for more sustained support from funders,
while calling for improved dialogue between GAMCOTRAP and their supporters, as well as continued
efforts to improve communication among Gambian organizations working on similar issues.
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