Position title: Multi-Country KAP Study on Positive Discipline
POSITIVE DISCIPLINE: Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices:
A Multi-Country Study.
1. About PAN and Positive Discipline:
The Parenting in Africa Network (PAN) is a pan-African initiative that brings together national and international organizations, experts, individuals and decision makers on parenting in Africa. The network creates and facilitates interactive platforms for learning, sharing, and advocacy on various topical issues on parenting.
2. Background and research gap:
In many African cultures and societies, families had some very unique and positive ways of nurturing children into responsible adults. Through stories, games and many other activities embedded with lessons, parents, grandparents and other extended family members instilled discipline and character to children such that they grey up understanding the world around them and with respect for one another.
Unfortunately, due to gradual changes in the socioeconomic sector, family kinship ties have weakened leaving many families without social safety nets that extended family and social kin provided. The stresses and struggles evident as people try to make ends meet in proving for their families today leaves no time for parents to bond and nurture their children positively. Punishment in the form of inflicting pain has replaced nurturing and sensitive care giving as a quick fix to instil disciple. It is no wonder then that all sorts of painful and humiliating punishment is being used in the name of discipline.
Recently, UNICEF conducted country specific national survey (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and several other African countries) to understand the prevalence of various forms of violence to children. In Kenya, 60% of young adults (18-25 years old) who were interviewed for this study revealed having experienced beatings, punching, kicks and slaps before the age of 18 by their parents and adults[1] . In the context within which an adult caregiver would behave in this way to children, it is most obvious in the belief that they are instilling discipline or correcting mistakes. What may not be obvious at that point is that these forms of punishment have very severe emotional consequence and often lead to erosion of self-esteem and serious impediment to development.
3. Context and Purpose:
Many child protection focused organizations including various African Governments across the continent are working to address this issue through accelerated efforts towards a total ban of corporal punishment in all the contexts where children are. Unfortunately these efforts have not been as vigorous as they should be noting the still high numbers of children who are still experiencing severe forms of violence in the name of disciple. A recent examination by Save the Children through a desk review on extent of prohibition and elimination of corporal punishment revealed that corporal punishment still exists even where there is a law banning it.[2]. In addition there hasn’t been much effort in monitoring the ban of corporal punishment within family set ups.
PAN acknowledges that there is a lot of training and reference manuals and material available on the subject of parenting skills but there isn’t enough focus on positive discipline approaches to provide caregivers with alternative methods to corporal punishment.
It is possible that some of the reasons that corporal punishment is still utilised for discipline are because there isn’t clear understanding of what the alternative nonviolent approach would be. Interpretation of how to discipline is left entirely to the duty bearers/caregiver most often ending to worse forms of punishment for the children
4. The Study:
PAN seeks to undertake a multi-country study which will bring out the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of parents/caregivers regarding instilling discipline while rising. This is intended to develop data regarding how families nurture good behaviour in their children and whether they know what would constitute positive/nonviolent discipline and if they actually utilise the positive aspects of instilling discipline.
The main objectives of the research will include:
The survey will cover Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia and will focus on specific areas of interest, important for subsequent intervention programs on positive discipline training. The regions of interest will be distributed as follows.
This
distribution of locations is intended to provide a chance to acquire a varied
distribution of data and information due to possible differentiation of family
types, composition, cultural practices, attitudes and any other contextual
issue that has an influence on parenting.
To this end, the Parenting in Africa Network is searching for a consultant qualified to design and execute a study that will investigate the knowledge, attitude and practices of the target communities, in regard to discipline and character formation. In addition, under the same study PAN is interested in acquiring a database of organizations in Africa that work with families on positive discipline. This will be critical in planning later interventions in supporting families adopt better parenting practices as well as inform advocacy efforts for total ban of corporal punishment.
The consultant will present initial findings to the Parenting in Africa network secretariat and a few stakeholders related to the project. The consultant will also ensure validation for the data collected in the various contexts and eventually compile a detailed report which presents and analyses the findings.
6. Profile:
We are seeking for a qualified and experienced researcher with demonstrated experience in multicounty research; in the four specified country locations. Must be fluent in English; however, he/she must confirm ability to reach the targeted communities who may not necessarily understand English. Familiarity with aspects of displaced communities and emergency settings and an understanding of protection concerns is desired Knowledge of child friendly research approaches is strongly preferred.
7. Deliverables:
Produce a comprehensive report outlining the following:
Approximate length of time for the study is estimated at 2 months; with an extra 2 weeks for validation (between April and May 2014).
9. Child protection policy:
Consultants must comply with PAN’s child protection policy and standards during the research process. It is understood and agreed that the consultant shall, during and after the effective period of the contract, treat as confidential and not divulge, unless authorized in writing by the PAN, any information obtained in the course of the performance of the Contract.
POSITIVE DISCIPLINE: Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices:
A Multi-Country Study.
1. About PAN and Positive Discipline:
The Parenting in Africa Network (PAN) is a pan-African initiative that brings together national and international organizations, experts, individuals and decision makers on parenting in Africa. The network creates and facilitates interactive platforms for learning, sharing, and advocacy on various topical issues on parenting.
2. Background and research gap:
In many African cultures and societies, families had some very unique and positive ways of nurturing children into responsible adults. Through stories, games and many other activities embedded with lessons, parents, grandparents and other extended family members instilled discipline and character to children such that they grey up understanding the world around them and with respect for one another.
Unfortunately, due to gradual changes in the socioeconomic sector, family kinship ties have weakened leaving many families without social safety nets that extended family and social kin provided. The stresses and struggles evident as people try to make ends meet in proving for their families today leaves no time for parents to bond and nurture their children positively. Punishment in the form of inflicting pain has replaced nurturing and sensitive care giving as a quick fix to instil disciple. It is no wonder then that all sorts of painful and humiliating punishment is being used in the name of discipline.
Recently, UNICEF conducted country specific national survey (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and several other African countries) to understand the prevalence of various forms of violence to children. In Kenya, 60% of young adults (18-25 years old) who were interviewed for this study revealed having experienced beatings, punching, kicks and slaps before the age of 18 by their parents and adults[1] . In the context within which an adult caregiver would behave in this way to children, it is most obvious in the belief that they are instilling discipline or correcting mistakes. What may not be obvious at that point is that these forms of punishment have very severe emotional consequence and often lead to erosion of self-esteem and serious impediment to development.
3. Context and Purpose:
Many child protection focused organizations including various African Governments across the continent are working to address this issue through accelerated efforts towards a total ban of corporal punishment in all the contexts where children are. Unfortunately these efforts have not been as vigorous as they should be noting the still high numbers of children who are still experiencing severe forms of violence in the name of disciple. A recent examination by Save the Children through a desk review on extent of prohibition and elimination of corporal punishment revealed that corporal punishment still exists even where there is a law banning it.[2]. In addition there hasn’t been much effort in monitoring the ban of corporal punishment within family set ups.
PAN acknowledges that there is a lot of training and reference manuals and material available on the subject of parenting skills but there isn’t enough focus on positive discipline approaches to provide caregivers with alternative methods to corporal punishment.
It is possible that some of the reasons that corporal punishment is still utilised for discipline are because there isn’t clear understanding of what the alternative nonviolent approach would be. Interpretation of how to discipline is left entirely to the duty bearers/caregiver most often ending to worse forms of punishment for the children
4. The Study:
PAN seeks to undertake a multi-country study which will bring out the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of parents/caregivers regarding instilling discipline while rising. This is intended to develop data regarding how families nurture good behaviour in their children and whether they know what would constitute positive/nonviolent discipline and if they actually utilise the positive aspects of instilling discipline.
The main objectives of the research will include:
- To understand the methods utilised by parents in Africa (specific to the target areas) to nurture their children’s behaviour
- To provide a baseline for PD training from an overview of the current attitudes and practices of parents and caregivers concerning discipline and character formation
- To capture the level of implementation of policies and/or legislation on positive discipline within the specific counties.
- To identify organisations in Africa with a specific focus on positive discipline as an area of intervention.
The survey will cover Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia and will focus on specific areas of interest, important for subsequent intervention programs on positive discipline training. The regions of interest will be distributed as follows.
| Country | Context | Regions |
| Kenya | Rural and pastoral | Meru and/or Wajir |
| Uganda | Rural and post conflict | Western and Northern regions |
| Rwanda | Semi-urban | North Rwanda |
| Ethiopia | Urban | The larger central district Addis Ababa |
To this end, the Parenting in Africa Network is searching for a consultant qualified to design and execute a study that will investigate the knowledge, attitude and practices of the target communities, in regard to discipline and character formation. In addition, under the same study PAN is interested in acquiring a database of organizations in Africa that work with families on positive discipline. This will be critical in planning later interventions in supporting families adopt better parenting practices as well as inform advocacy efforts for total ban of corporal punishment.
The consultant will present initial findings to the Parenting in Africa network secretariat and a few stakeholders related to the project. The consultant will also ensure validation for the data collected in the various contexts and eventually compile a detailed report which presents and analyses the findings.
6. Profile:
We are seeking for a qualified and experienced researcher with demonstrated experience in multicounty research; in the four specified country locations. Must be fluent in English; however, he/she must confirm ability to reach the targeted communities who may not necessarily understand English. Familiarity with aspects of displaced communities and emergency settings and an understanding of protection concerns is desired Knowledge of child friendly research approaches is strongly preferred.
7. Deliverables:
Produce a comprehensive report outlining the following:
- Findings of primary research on the KAP issues on the subject as specified, to provide benchmarking for interventions as well as reference literature
- Findings of organizational mapping of relevant actors.
- Findings of existing policies/guidelines on positive discipline approaches.
- Recommendations for appropriate programming for responses to the research findings.
Approximate length of time for the study is estimated at 2 months; with an extra 2 weeks for validation (between April and May 2014).
9. Child protection policy:
Consultants must comply with PAN’s child protection policy and standards during the research process. It is understood and agreed that the consultant shall, during and after the effective period of the contract, treat as confidential and not divulge, unless authorized in writing by the PAN, any information obtained in the course of the performance of the Contract.
How to apply:
Applicants should prepare and submit an application package by 5.00pm 14th March, 2014 via email to info@parentinginafrica.org which must include:1.A cover letter outlining how you meet the consultant specification, including relevant experience.
2.A full technical and financial proposal to include:
- A description of the proposed research methods for each country selected.
- A proposed work calendar timelines with expected outputs: inception report,commencement of study, validation meetings, and expected completion dates. Ensure to indicate times periods required for each phase of the research .
- Detailed budget to conduct this research.3.Two samples of previous multi-country primary research work including quantitative, qualitative and participatory elements.
4.Two team references from previous clients.
Due to the urgency of commencing this work, proposals will be reviewed as soon as received.