Haphega

Mission Statement:
Haphega's mission is to empower young people with intellectual disabilities in Botswana by providing comprehensive sexuality education, family support, and ongoing care, thereby promoting their sexual and reproductive health rights and overall well-being.

Vision Statement:
Our vision is a society where young individuals with intellectual disabilities are empowered with accurate information, support, and resources to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, leading to a safer, healthier, and more inclusive community.

Core Values:

Inclusivity: We believe in creating a safe and supportive space where all young people, regardless of their abilities, have access to essential sexual and reproductive health education and support.
Empowerment: We strive to empower young individuals with intellectual disabilities to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, thereby promoting autonomy and self-determination.
Collaboration: We value collaboration and partnership with families, caregivers, educators, and community stakeholders to ensure holistic support for our target population.
Respect: We respect the dignity, autonomy, and rights of young individuals with intellectual disabilities, promoting a culture of understanding and acceptance.
Continuous Learning: We are committed to ongoing learning and improvement, continuously seeking feedback from the community to enhance the effectiveness and relevance of our programs and services.

As the Team Lead of Haphega, Sharon Reakae plays a pivotal role in the organization's success. Sharon is responsible for providing leadership, guidance, and direction to the team, ensuring that everyone is aligned with the organization's mission and objectives. She oversees the implementation of programs, coordinates with stakeholders, and manages day-to-day operations effectively. Sharon also serves as the primary point of contact for external partners, funders, and community members, representing Hapega's interests and fostering positive relationships. Her leadership inspires the team to strive for excellence, innovate, and continuously improve in their efforts to empower young people with intellectual disabilities in Botswana. Sharon's personal connection to the cause and her dedication to creating positive change make her an invaluable leader within the organization.

Given that Maureen Bojase serves as the Project Coordinator and Sharon Reakae holds the role of Executive Director within Haphega, their collaboration is instrumental in effectively supporting the LEAP Project while managing other organizational priorities.

As the Executive Director, Sharon Reakae provides strategic direction, oversight, and leadership to the organization as a whole, including the LEAP Project. She ensures that the project aligns with Haphega's mission and goals, while also managing other organizational priorities. Sharon's involvement in the LEAP Project includes providing high-level guidance, representing the organization externally, and facilitating collaboration among team members.

Maureen Bojase, as the Project Coordinator, plays a hands-on role in managing the day-to-day operations of the LEAP Project. She oversees project planning, implementation, and evaluation, working closely with team members to ensure that project objectives are met within the allocated time frame and budget. Maureen's expertise in project management, research, and stakeholder engagement is invaluable in driving the success of the LEAP Project.

To effectively support the LEAP Project while managing other organizational priorities, Haphega adopts the following strategies:

Clear Communication: Sharon and Maureen maintain open lines of communication to ensure alignment between the LEAP Project and other organizational activities. Regular check-ins and updates enable them to address any challenges or opportunities that arise.

Strategic Delegation: Sharon delegates high-level strategic decisions and external engagements related to the LEAP Project to Maureen, while remaining informed and involved in key developments. This allows Sharon to focus on broader organizational priorities while entrusting the project management aspects to Maureen.

Resource Allocation: Maureen collaborates with Sharon to allocate resources, including personnel, budget, and time, to support the LEAP Project effectively. They prioritize the project's needs within the organization's overall resource allocation framework, ensuring that it receives adequate support.

Team Empowerment: Maureen empowers team members involved in the LEAP Project by providing clear guidance, support, and opportunities for professional development. This ensures that the team remains motivated and capable of delivering high-quality outcomes despite balancing multiple priorities.

 Empowering Botswana's youth with intellectual disabilities through tailored sexuality education, family support initiatives and follow up care.

The problem Haphega seeks to address is the lack of comprehensive sexuality education and support for young people with intellectual disabilities in Botswana. This issue stems from various factors including societal stigma, limited access to appropriate resources, and inadequate awareness among families, caregivers, and educators.

Young people with intellectual disabilities are a vulnerable and often marginalized group within society. They face unique challenges when it comes to understanding and navigating their sexual and reproductive health. Mainstream sexuality education programs are typically not tailored to their specific needs, leading to gaps in their understanding and potentially putting them at higher risk for negative outcomes such as unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and exploitation.

In Botswana, as in many other countries, there is a glaring absence of accessible and comprehensive sexuality education for young people with intellectual disabilities. Despite efforts to improve sexual and reproductive health education in schools, these initiatives often overlook the specific learning styles and needs of this population. As a result, many young individuals with intellectual disabilities lack the knowledge, skills, and support necessary to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.

Furthermore, societal stigma and discrimination compound the challenges faced by young people with intellectual disabilities in accessing sexual health information and support. They may experience barriers to communication with their families, caregivers, and peers, leading to feelings of isolation and vulnerability. Without adequate support and guidance, they may be at higher risk of exploitation, abuse, and negative sexual health outcomes.

Families, caregivers, and educators also play a critical role in addressing the sexual and reproductive health needs of young individuals with intellectual disabilities. However, many lack the resources, knowledge, and skills to provide appropriate support in this area. As a result, these young people may not receive the guidance and assistance they need to navigate relationships, understand consent, and protect their sexual health.

Overall, the problem Haphega seeks to solve is multifaceted and urgent. By addressing the lack of comprehensive sexuality education and support for young people with intellectual disabilities in Botswana, Haphega aims to empower this vulnerable population to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, reduce their vulnerability to exploitation and negative outcomes, and promote their overall well-being and inclusion within society.

Haphega's solution is a comprehensive program designed to empower young people with intellectual disabilities in Botswana through tailored sexuality education and family support initiatives. Our approach is person-centered, interactive, and culturally sensitive, ensuring that young individuals receive the information and support they need in a way that resonates with their unique needs and experiences.

Here's how our solution works:

Tailored Sexuality Education:
We create educational materials and resources specifically tailored to the learning styles and needs of young people with intellectual disabilities. These materials use simple language, visual aids, and interactive activities to make complex topics like sexual health accessible and engaging. Our educators work directly with students in special education schools, delivering customized lessons that address topics such as anatomy, relationships, consent, contraception, and STI prevention in a way that is easy to understand and relevant to their lives.

Family Support:
We organize family forums where parents, caregivers, and educators can learn about how to support young individuals with intellectual disabilities in their journey towards understanding sexual and reproductive health. These forums provide a safe and supportive space for families to ask questions, share experiences, and access resources. We empower families with the knowledge and skills they need to have open and supportive conversations about sexuality, relationships, and consent with their children, fostering a supportive home environment where young individuals feel understood and respected.

Ongoing Care:
We provide ongoing support and guidance to young individuals with intellectual disabilities beyond the initial education sessions. This includes access to resources, referrals to healthcare services, and follow-up sessions to reinforce learning and address any questions or concerns that may arise. By offering continuous support, we ensure that young people have the information and resources they need to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health throughout their lives.

Our solution recognizes the importance of collaboration and partnership within the community. We work closely with special education schools, healthcare providers, advocacy groups, and government agencies to ensure that our programs are informed by best practices, culturally relevant, and aligned with national policies and guidelines. By engaging stakeholders at all levels, we create a supportive ecosystem that empowers young people with intellectual disabilities to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

Haphega has conducted extensive literature reviews and desktop research to understand the existing gaps and challenges in providing comprehensive sexuality education to young people with intellectual disabilities. This foundational research has helped us identify best practices, evidence-based approaches, and relevant frameworks for designing our programs.

 We have conducted usability studies to test the effectiveness of our educational materials and resources among young individuals with intellectual disabilities. These studies have allowed us to refine our materials to better meet the needs and preferences of our target population.

 Haphega has conducted feasibility studies to assess the feasibility of implementing our programs within the context of special education schools and communities in Botswana. These studies have helped us identify potential barriers and challenges and develop strategies to address them.

We have also conducted case studies to document the experiences and outcomes of participants in our programs. These case studies provide qualitative insights into the impact of our interventions on the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of young people with intellectual disabilities and their families.

Haphega is in the process of conducting impact evaluations to assess the effectiveness of our programs in achieving long-term outcomes such as increased knowledge and awareness, improved communication and support within families, and reduced vulnerability to negative sexual health outcomes. These evaluations utilize pre-post or multi-measure research designs to measure changes in key indicators over time.
Correlational Studies: We are also conducting correlational studies to explore the relationships between program participation and various outcomes, such as changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to sexual and reproductive health.

The data collected from our research and studies has provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of our solution and has informed our work moving forward in several key ways:

Effectiveness of Tailored Sexuality Education:
The research data has revealed that our tailored sexuality education programs have been highly effective in increasing knowledge and awareness among young people with intellectual disabilities. Through pre-post assessments and qualitative feedback, we have observed significant improvements in participants' understanding of sexual health topics, such as anatomy, relationships, consent, and contraception. This information has reinforced our confidence in the importance of customized educational materials and interactive teaching methods tailored to the unique learning needs of our target population.

Impact of Family Health Forums:
Data from our studies has shown that family health forums play a crucial role in improving communication and support within families of young individuals with intellectual disabilities. Participants reported increased comfort levels in discussing sensitive topics related to sexuality and reproductive health, as well as greater understanding of how to support their children in this area. This feedback has highlighted the importance of providing opportunities for families to come together, share experiences, and access relevant information and resources.

Follow-up Care and Continued Support:
Our research data has underscored the importance of follow-up care and continued support for young people with intellectual disabilities. By tracking participants over time and conducting longitudinal studies, we have observed sustained improvements in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to sexual and reproductive health among those who have received ongoing support. This finding has reinforced our commitment to providing comprehensive, holistic care that extends beyond the initial educational sessions.

Identification of Challenges and Opportunities:
Through our research efforts, we have identified various challenges and opportunities for further refinement and enhancement of our programs. For example, data analysis has revealed areas where participants may still have misconceptions or gaps in understanding, indicating the need for targeted interventions or additional resources. Similarly, feedback from participants and stakeholders has highlighted opportunities for expanding our reach, improving accessibility, and strengthening partnerships with relevant organizations and institutions.

Moving forward, the insights gained from our research and studies will inform our ongoing program development, implementation, and evaluation efforts. We will continue to refine our interventions based on evidence-based practices and feedback from participants and stakeholders, ensuring that we are effectively addressing the needs of young people with intellectual disabilities in Botswana. Additionally, we will prioritize the dissemination of research findings to key stakeholders, policymakers, and the broader community to advocate for greater awareness, support, and investment in this critical area of sexual and reproductive health education.

While Haphega has made significant strides in developing and implementing our solution to empower young people with intellectual disabilities through tailored sexuality education, family health forums, and follow-up care initiatives, there remains a pressing need to strengthen the evidence base of our solution. Several factors contribute to this need:

Limited Research Data: While we have conducted foundational, formative, and summative research to assess the effectiveness of our programs, there is still a need for more comprehensive and robust research data. This includes conducting larger-scale impact evaluations, longitudinal studies, and rigorous outcome assessments to provide stronger evidence of the long-term impact and sustainability of our interventions.

Enhanced Evaluation Methods: While our current evaluation methods have provided valuable insights, there is an opportunity to enhance our evaluation techniques to capture a more nuanced understanding of the outcomes and impacts of our programs. This may involve implementing more rigorous research designs, utilizing mixed-method approaches, and incorporating standardized measurement tools to assess changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors over time.

Scaling and Replication: As we aim to scale our programs and replicate them in other contexts, it is essential to strengthen the evidence base to demonstrate their effectiveness and adaptability across different settings. This requires conducting research to identify best practices, refine program components, and assess feasibility and sustainability in diverse environments.

Advocacy and Funding: A stronger evidence base is crucial for advocacy efforts and securing funding to support the expansion and sustainability of our programs. By demonstrating the impact and effectiveness of our solution through rigorous research and evaluation, we can better advocate for policy changes, mobilize support from stakeholders, and attract funding from donors, government agencies, and philanthropic organizations.

Now is the right time for Haphega to engage in a LEAP Project to strengthen the evidence base of our solution for several reasons:

Opportunity for Learning and Growth: Engaging in a LEAP Project will provide us with the opportunity to learn from experts, peers, and mentors in the field of social impact and evidence-based practices. By participating in workshops, receiving feedback, and collaborating with other organizations, we can enhance our knowledge and capacity to conduct rigorous research and evaluation.

Access to Resources and Support: The LEAP Project offers access to resources, tools, and technical assistance that can support our efforts to strengthen the evidence base of our solution. This includes guidance on research methodologies, data analysis techniques, and evaluation frameworks tailored to our specific needs and objectives.

Network Expansion: Participating in a LEAP Project will expand our network of collaborators, partners, and supporters, providing opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and resource mobilization. By connecting with other organizations and experts in the field, we can leverage their expertise and experiences to enhance our research efforts.

Validation and Recognition: Engaging in a LEAP Project can validate the effectiveness and impact of our solution, providing external validation and recognition of our work. This can strengthen our credibility and reputation within the social impact sector, attracting attention from potential partners, funders, and stakeholders.

1.How does participation in tailored sexuality education programs impact the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to sexual and reproductive health among young people with intellectual disabilities in Botswana?

2.What are the key factors influencing the effectiveness and sustainability of family health forums in improving communication and support within families of young individuals with intellectual disabilities?

3.How can follow-up care and ongoing support be optimized to ensure sustained positive outcomes and long-term empowerment of young people with intellectual disabilities in the context of sexual and reproductive health education?

The research questions we've identified require a combination of formative and summative research methods to gather comprehensive data and insights. Here's how each type of research method could contribute to answering our stated questions:

Formative Research:

Usability Studies: Conducting usability studies would help assess the effectiveness of our tailored sexuality education materials and resources. We could gather feedback from young people with intellectual disabilities to understand how accessible and engaging the materials are and make necessary adjustments.
Feasibility Studies: Feasibility studies would be valuable in assessing the practicality and viability of implementing family health forums within the context of Botswana. We could explore factors such as venue availability, stakeholder buy-in, and resource requirements to inform the design and implementation of these forums.
User Interviews: Conducting interviews with participants who have gone through our programs would provide qualitative insights into their experiences and perceptions. We could explore their knowledge gains, behavior changes, and the impact of the interventions on their lives and relationships.
Summative Research:

Impact Evaluations: Implementing impact evaluations would allow us to measure the outcomes and effectiveness of our programs quantitatively. By comparing pre- and post-intervention data, we could assess changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to sexual and reproductive health among participants.
Correlational Studies: Correlational studies would help us identify factors that may influence the effectiveness of our interventions. We could explore correlations between program participation, demographic variables, and outcomes to understand what contributes to successful outcomes and tailor our interventions accordingly.
Desired Outputs of the 12-week LEAP Project Sprint:

Research Recommendations: The LEAP Project fellows would produce research recommendations outlining study designs, data collection methods, and analysis strategies tailored to each research question. These recommendations would provide a roadmap for conducting the necessary research within the constraints of the 12-week sprint.

Strategies and Frameworks: The fellows would develop strategies and frameworks for implementing the recommended research methods effectively. This could include recruitment strategies, data collection protocols, and ethical considerations to ensure the validity and reliability of the research findings.

Monitoring and Evaluation Tools: The fellows would create monitoring and evaluation tools to track the progress and outcomes of the research activities. This could involve developing survey instruments, interview guides, and data analysis templates to streamline the research process and facilitate data collection and analysis.

 Haphega will implement a comprehensive plan to put these outputs into action. Here's how we plan to utilize the research recommendations, strategies, frameworks, and monitoring and evaluation tools produced during the sprint:

Incorporating Research Recommendations into Program Design:
We will carefully review the research recommendations provided by the LEAP fellows and integrate them into our program design and implementation strategies. This may involve refining our curriculum, adapting our educational materials, and adjusting our intervention protocols based on the recommended study designs and data collection methods.

Enhancing Program Effectiveness and Reach:
By implementing the recommended research methods and evaluation tools, we will be able to gather more robust and comprehensive data on the effectiveness of our programs. This will enable us to identify areas for improvement, tailor our interventions to better meet the needs of our target population, and enhance the overall effectiveness and reach of our programs.

Informing Decision-Making and Resource Allocation:
The insights gleaned from the research outputs will inform our decision-making processes and resource allocation strategies. For example, if the impact evaluations reveal specific areas of strength or weakness within our programs, we will allocate resources accordingly to capitalize on our strengths and address areas for improvement.

Advocacy and Fundraising Efforts:
The evidence generated from the research outputs will be instrumental in our advocacy and fundraising efforts. We will use the findings to demonstrate the impact and effectiveness of our programs to potential donors, government agencies, and other stakeholders, thereby increasing support and investment in our initiatives.

Capacity Building and Sustainability:
We will use the strategies, frameworks, and monitoring and evaluation tools developed during the LEAP Project sprint to build our organizational capacity and ensure the sustainability of our programs. By implementing robust monitoring and evaluation systems, we will be better equipped to track our progress, measure our impact, and adapt our interventions over time.

Sharing Knowledge and Best Practices:
We are committed to sharing the knowledge and best practices generated from the LEAP Project with other organizations and stakeholders working in the field of sexuality education and disability rights. We will disseminate the research outputs through conferences, workshops, publications, and online platforms to contribute to the collective learning and advancement of the field.

 Haphega, our organization, and our solution are multifaceted and encompass various dimensions of programmatic effectiveness, organizational capacity building, and sector-wide impact.

Organization-Level Outcomes:

Enhanced Research Capacity: One of the primary outcomes we aim to achieve at the organizational level is the enhancement of our research capacity. Through the LEAP Project sprint, we seek to develop the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to conduct rigorous research and evaluation activities independently. This increased capacity will enable us to generate high-quality evidence to inform our programmatic efforts and advocacy initiatives moving forward.

Improved Program Design and Implementation: Another key outcome for our organization is the improvement of our program design and implementation processes. By incorporating the research recommendations and strategies developed during the LEAP Project sprint, we aim to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of our programs. This may involve refining our curriculum, optimizing our intervention protocols, and strengthening our monitoring and evaluation systems to better meet the needs of our target population.

Strengthened Partnerships and Collaborations: The LEAP Project sprint presents an opportunity for us to strengthen our partnerships and collaborations with other organizations, stakeholders, and experts in the field. By engaging with LEAP fellows, mentors, and peers, we aim to build new relationships, foster knowledge exchange, and leverage collective expertise to advance our mission and goals. These strengthened partnerships will enhance our organizational capacity and expand our reach and impact in the long run.

Solution-Level Outcomes:

Increased Effectiveness and Impact: At the solution level, we anticipate that the outputs produced during the LEAP Project sprint will lead to increased effectiveness and impact of our programs. By implementing the research recommendations and utilizing the monitoring and evaluation tools developed during the sprint, we aim to gather more robust evidence of our interventions' effectiveness and refine our approaches to maximize positive outcomes for our target population. This, in turn, will contribute to the long-term empowerment and well-being of young people with intellectual disabilities in Botswana.

Sustainability and Scalability: Another desired outcome for our solution is increased sustainability and scalability. By strengthening our research capacity, improving our program design and implementation processes, and building strategic partnerships, we aim to create a solid foundation for the long-term sustainability and scalability of our initiatives. This will enable us to continue making a meaningful impact on the lives of young people with intellectual disabilities in Botswana and potentially expand our reach to serve more individuals in need.

Enhanced Recognition and Influence: Finally, we anticipate that the outcomes of the LEAP Project sprint will contribute to enhanced recognition and influence for our solution within the sector. By producing high-quality research, demonstrating programmatic effectiveness, and sharing our findings with key stakeholders and decision-makers, we aim to position ourselves as leaders in the field of sexuality education for young people with intellectual disabilities. This increased recognition and influence will enable us to advocate for policy changes, mobilize support, and drive systemic improvements to better meet the needs of our target population on a broader scale.