Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

Refer the group to the flip chart Feedback (introduced the first day of training) and remind
them of the importance of respecting the rules for giving and receiving feedback.
Series 1: Divide the group into small groups of 3. In each group, for the first role play there
is a mediator, a woman in the community and an observer. Give a prepared role play case to
the woman who reads it (silently to herself) to prepare her role. Inform the entire group only
that this role play concerns a woman who (is pregnant, has a new baby etc – whatever the
reproductive health issue is for this particular role play).
Note: The same role play situation should be given to all groups so that the large group
discussion following each role play can focus on common issues.
Note: In order to make the classroom practice as real as possible, the mediator should only
know in advance the reproductive health issue being addressed.
Note: During the role plays, trainers should move around the room and observe the groups:
• Taking note of particular skills of mediators, and problems they encounter, to be
raised in the large group discussion following the role plays
• Ensuring that all groups are actively engaged in the role plays
Give the groups 10 minutes to conduct their role plays.
Stop the role plays and give the small groups 2 minutes to share feedback within their
groups (beginning with the mediator, followed by the woman and then the observer).
Participants use the flip chart/participant document Role Play Discussion Questions as
the basis for giving feedback.
Discuss in the large group participants’ observations, what they learned from applying
communication skills in the role play, and any observations they have about how best to
conduct similar discussions in their communities (8 minutes).
Ask participants to change roles within the groups and conduct a second role play, as
indicated in the instructions above. Give the (new) woman of each group a new role
(the same role play situation to be used by all groups); and inform the large group only
of the reproductive health issue being addressed in this role play.
Give the groups 10 minutes to conduct their role plays
Stop the role plays and give the groups 2 minutes to share feedback within their groups
(beginning with the mediator, followed by the woman and then the observer).
Participants use the flip chart/participant document Role Play Discussion Questions as
the basis for giving feedback.
Discuss in the large group participants’ observations, what they learned from applying
communication skills in the role play, and any observations they have about how best to
conduct similar discussions in their communities (8 minutes).
Ask participants to change roles within the groups and conduct a third role play, as
indicated in the instructions above. Give the (new) woman of each group a new role
(the same role play situation to be used by all groups); and inform the large group only
of the reproductive health issue being addressed in this role play.
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RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 14: Interpersonal Communication