Dr. Avnish Jolly :This Learning Event marks one year of the AIDS Competence Program (ACP) in India. The Constellation held a kick-off event in Gangavathi in July 2007, with a follow-up event in November 2007 held in Mumbai and a support visit in March 2008 at Nagercoil. Throughout the year, participating organizations have been developing the practice of AIDS competence in their organizations, while stimulating AIDS competence response in communities.
Method and outline
>A participatory method of sharing experiences, hopes and strengths in relation to challenges.
>Formation of ‘Knowledge Assets’ on four themes agreed by the group, based on principles drawn from experience
>The group generated the ‘Self Assessment’ tool afresh in five languages. Participants created Level 5 of qualitative and quantitative indicators of achievement.
>The group made SALT visits to two communities, and reflected on specificity of context as well as common factors to their own experiences. The group expanded AAR tool with additional questions of strengths seen, lessons learnt, and self-assessing SALT practice.
>Mapping of each state represented, showing the participating organizations in relation to others who may be interested or who work in community would add to the experience.
>Application for next steps by each person, organization, and group represented.
Results and next steps in brief
Further experience and understanding among the members of the group has formed a basis for solidarity.
1) Want to further develop the India experience, voice of AIDS competence and connect with practitioners in other parts of the world.
2) Each organization made steps in implementing ACP and developing self-assessment tool in their particular context and language.
3) Participating NGOS will invite support visits between now and April to strengthen practice and learning, and to connect other organizations into the ACP.
4) UNAIDS has made a commitment for financial support if a proposal is processed in good time.
5) There is a desire to meet again for another learning event in Nagaland, by the end of this year.