The successful work of terre des hommes schweiz is based among other things on the methods we use. As a pioneer in the methods of psychological and social support and youth participation, it is important to us to ensure a consistently high quality in their application. For this reason, terre des hommes schweiz appointed three people responsible for methods, the Officers for PSS and Youth Participation, a year ago.
For a long time, development cooperation lacked effective concepts and methods that would sustainably support young people in building their own perspectives. terre des hommes schweiz was inspired to break new ground with the methods of psychological and social support and youth participation. Our experts developed knowledge and courses and trained young people and employees of partner organisations in these methods. Last year's external evaluation of the Youth2Youth programme clearly showed that terre des hommes Switzerland is using these methods to reach the most vulnerable young people in the projects it supports in Southern Africa.
Reinforcement to ensure the quality of the methods
In order to secure and further develop this knowledge and to provide closer methodological support to the partner organisations, terre des hommes schweiz has appointed three methodological officers for the countries Mozambique, Tanzania and Zimbabwe in 2017. These Officers for PSS and Youth Participation (OPY for short) coach the project managers of our partner organisations who work directly with young people. The OPYs offer training and pass on concrete methods for working with vulnerable young people.
Now it is high time to introduce our new team members. They do this in three short texts (English) immediately themselves. We are happy to have them on board!
Glenda Mudzikitiri (responsible for Zimbabwe)
I am a social worker by profession. Over the years I gathered vast experience by working with children and youth, first as a School Counsellor and also managing an orphanage. I feel passionate about empowering children to realise their strengths and giving them a voice on issues that concern them. As a mother of two beautiful boys my greatest motivation is knowing that every day is an opportunity to change, learn new things, see things differently and embracing the growth that comes with it! Combine that with my other great loves which are cake, books and stimulating conversation there can be no dull moment!
Drucila Catarina Jose Meireles (Mozambique)
I am from Mozambique. I enjoy working with people to make the world a better place. My motivation for my position is the fact that I might be able to help someone through the work I do. I did my primary and part of secondary education in Zimbabwe. I then finished my high school in Mozambique.
I am a trained SFA practitioner and trainer and in 2015 I was very fortunate to be chosen as one of Mozambican's 6 young leaders for the Americans Presidents flagship program YALI Fellowship in the United States of. In 2016 I was chosen as the Queens Young Leader for Mozambique and went to receive my award from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. At the moment I am doing an online Master's degree in International Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid by the KALU Institute, based on my work experience.
I worked at LEMUSICA for the last 8 years. In my new position as OPY, I look forward to contribute my best to the methods and approaches that our partner organizations use to deliver support to their communities.
Abubakar Mutoka Balibanga (Tanzania)
Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1973, I moved to Tanzania in 1997 where I graduated in Social Work and tutored at Newman Institute of Social Work for 7 years. In 2010 I developed a passion for working directly with vulnerable children and youth in the community.
In 2012, I joined Kividea and developed and managed youth empowerment projects and support to most vulnerable children with grants from terre des hommes switzerland I accumulated invaluable experience in life skills education and adolescent sexual and reproductive health.
In 2017 I joined terre des hommes switzerland as Officer for Psychocosial Support (PSS) and youth participation for Tanzania. My work is to mentor, build capacity and support field staff of partner organizations in implementing PSS and youth participation approaches to their GBV and SRHR projects. I am very proud to make positive impact in the lives of youth in Tanzania, and to contribute towards expanding their opportunities.
