a sourcebook of hiv/aids prevention programs volume 2

40 A Sourcebook of HIV/AIDS Prevention Programs, Vol. 2Table 2.2: Impact of RRI on StudentsPHASE I PHASE II PHASE IIIAmong students 16–18 who participated In junior schools, 98 percent of students In junior schools, 100 percent ofin the program, 90 percent reported reported abstaining from sex. students reported that they abstainedthat they abstained from sex. Three The number of students 16–18 years from sex.percent reported engaging in safe reporting that they abstained from The number of students 16–18 yearssex (using condoms). sex rose to 98 percent. Two percent reporting that they abstained fromreported engaging in safe sexsex rose to 99 percent. One percent(using condoms).of students reported engaging in safesex (using condoms).Source: RRI program.• What was parents’ attitude toward the program?• What were the positive aspects of the program?• What changes would you like to see to the program?• How did you benefit from this program?• Were there any challenges to the implementation of activities?Lessons LearnedRRI has consistently built on the results of its assessments and evaluationsto improve the program. At each phase it has tried to convert the challengesinto lessons learned for the next phase. The issues documented here arebased on interviews with program managers and implementers.CommitmentRRI’s expectation that results would be generated within just 100 daysdemanded enormous political commitment at the highest level to counteractinertia and the tendency of government bureaucracy to respond tochallenges slowly. Reflecting on the program, Eritrea’s minister of educationdescribed RRI as “a new movement.” His authority, together with thatof the minister of health, was essential to ensure that all concerned with theprogram ensured that delays in implementation were minimized and bottlenecksnot allowed to develop. At the zoba level, the strong and dynamicleadership of the education officer was essential to ensure the commitmentof staff, the swift resolution of problems, and the rapid initiation of newstructures and systems needed to support activities. The commitment ofboth national and regional leaders has motivated staff associated with theprogram to implement it with zeal.(c) The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank