Activity factsheets
No.3
IEC Planning
What is it?
It is the first step of an AVP project, based on initial diagnosis and then completed with the baseline key findings and all new relevant information; it is about adjusting and planning your project. It is establishing a strategy on how to inform, educate and communicate (to whom, when, where) to prevent and reduce arms-related risks, thus keeping at-risk groups safer with a sustainable impact.
target
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Project team, key stakeholders:
affected communities,
community representatives,
international and national NGOs,
authorities (enhancing participative approaches and accountability).
What FOR?
AVP projects are mainly relying on IEC activities, materials and tools development to reach their goals. Having a properly built IEC strategic planning will allow activities such as Risk Education and Public Information to have the best possible impact.
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Lesson learned
Often, projects’ teams have rushed through IEC planning to start these activities, and failed to reach their goal: material not appropriate or not approved by the competent authority; trainings not adapted; failure to reach the most at-risk population.
How?
Using participatory approaches, by involving relevant and key stakeholders such as final beneficiaries, community members, decision makers (authorities, community’s representatives, schools, health centres, etc.) through workshop sessions, to start brainstorming on IEC strategic planning and define the appropriate tools, materials and futures activities to be created or implemented.
Process
Based on initial diagnosis and baseline survey key findings, design programme’s IEC planning with a participatory approach
Required documents
- A tailored IEC strategic planning
Validation
Internal: Technical Advisors assess participatory approach process and relevancy of IEC strategic planning
Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning references
TIPS
Remote Activity
Involve partners and affected communities in workshops to design appropriate and tailored IEC materials, field tests must be implemented systematically – using appropriate media: Skype, WhatsApp, etc.
Inclusion
The communication must not reinforce stereotypes or prejudice (on women, disability, etc.), but rather demonstrate inclusion, empowerment and diversity.
Synergies
VA: IEC materials must be disability inclusive; liaise with Inclusive Education or PSS teams for a “do no harm” approach.
EOD: Liaise with EOD team to get accurate pictures and information regarding Mines, ERW, IEDs and SALW existing threats.
Advocacy and communication: Share production with advocacy when relevant.
Photo credits
- Audrey Torrecilla, 2013
