Training, Capacity Building and Community Mobilisation
The Training, Capacity Building and Community Mobilisation Unit (TCBCM) works hands-on with individuals and community groups to raise awareness about gender and HIV issues and to train them to address gender inequality and the spread and impact of HIV and AIDS in their communities.
The training component of the work is centred around the One Man Can campaign and the Brothers for Life training modules. Using these tools, staff raise individual awaresness and increase knowledge on the relevant issues.
Work at the individual level is strengthened and supported by sustained engagement with the community to mobilise the community for change. Sonke staff provide support to Community Action Teams, constituted of volunteers who have been through the OMC training, to hold community mobilisation activities which address issues of particular concern in the area. These activities can range from mural painting, to door-to-door awareness campaigns, to court mobilisation in support of victims of sexual violence.
The unit also engages with public and civic institutions to develop capacity for activism, internal organisation and especially the increased ability to work with men and boys specifically.
The work of the unit undertaken by a number of projects which each focus on a specific geographic area (for example Klipfonteint), or issue (such as refugee health and rigths). The projects use a range of techniques and activities which are detailed under Tools.
During the period March 2010 to Feb 2011, the team conducted 234 workshops, 80 community events, 151 stakeholder meetings and a range of other community activities, reaching a total of 41,939 people.
