HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Each session in this manual has a layout of the session, as well as all the information that is essential for the successful facilitation of
the group. Each facilitator is required to be well prepared for each session. The facilitator should read through the background
information for each session, and ask his or her mentor any questions he or she may have. It is important that you take yourself
mentally through the process of the type of questions that can be raised, and reflect on (think about) how to facilitate the group, so
that the core concepts can be addressed.
You will find that the sessions with the mothers are less structured than the children's sessions and provide more opportunities for
discussion. Every session in the manual comprises of specific sub-sections to guide the facilitator. The sub-sections include "objectives",
"preparation", "materials", "core concepts", "outline of the session", "ice-breaker", "closure" and "homework". The activities in sessions
15-24 require in some instances that the mothers and children split up in separate groups before rejoining again at a later stage. The
required group arrangements for each of the sessions are clearly indicated in the manual.
ROLE OF THE FACILITATOR
It is necessary, particularly for a new support group, to have a facilitator to lead the group during its discussion. The facilitator's
participation depends both on the content of the session and on the group itself. Basically, the facilitator's role is to facilitate the
discussion of the group and to keep the focus of the discussion on the relevant theme, and the facilitator must be sure not to ignore
burning issues in the group and not allow it to drift from the day's topic due to over-eagerness. Co-facilitation proves to be a great
advantage, as it provides added support for the facilitator and the group members, and also proves useful if one facilitator cannot
attend a session. Co-facilitation can also prove to be beneficial if an experienced facilitator is working with a less-experienced facilitator,
as both can learn from each other and share ideas. Another role of the facilitator is to promote mutual interaction and support within
the group. The facilitator is responsible for creating a safe environment for communication, empathetic listening, encouragement,
and the provision of gu