PITFALL 5
Supporting activists on what to do, not how
WHY IT'S A PROBLEM
Training activists only on programme content leaves them unprepared for the real-world challenges of mobilising communities. They need space to explore ideas that shift their own mindsets and beliefs. Equipping activists with broader skills to manage emotions, conflict, and interpersonal dynamics strengthens their confidence, credibility, and motivation, leading to more sustained activism and greater programme effectiveness.
LEARNING
Equip activists with leadership and people skills
HOW THE PITFALL WAS OVERCOME
In a violence prevention adaptation in Kenya, activists were skilled facilitators but faced real-world challenges such as financial requests from community members as compensation for their time, highly emotive discussions, and complex power dynamics. Organisation staff went beyond the curriculum to train and mentor activists in managing these situations and navigating interpersonal dynamics. These emotional intelligence skills proved essential to the adaptation’s success and to the activists’ growth as community leaders.
