IngentaConnect Not your usual facilitator...

Author: Jupp, Dee

Source: Participatory Learning and Action, Volume 57, Number 1, December 2007 , pp. 47-49(3)

Publisher: IIED - Participatory Learning and Action

Abstract:

Some immersions use no facilitator. This is particularly the case when they are an integral part of programme development or monitoring (see Haider Yacub/Saiful Islam and Qazi Asmat Isa, Section 4), or when they are selforganised (John Samuel, Section 3). Or a facilitator is needed to help bridge the worlds of the hosts and the visitors - in Karl Osner's words, to help 'smooth the communication' between the two. Sometimes the facilitator also acts as interpreter; this practice is followed by SEWA. Another approach, used by ActionAid, gives the facilitator a role that is distinct from that of the interpreters. S/he provides practical and emotional support to the visitors, working with individuals to reflect on their experiences and draw out its implications. DEE JUPP explores this particular form of facilitation in the following article. She compares participatory approaches facilitators, whose work with groups to enable intra-group engagement requires them to adopt particular attitudes and behaviours, and immersion facilitators, who work with immersion participants to help those participants adopt appropriate attitudes and behaviours for a quality immersion experience.