Section 2: Participatory Activities

Activity Set #2: Project Planning

This activity set introduces the idea of planning, and the various steps in the planning and implementation cycle. Sub-activities include:

Sub-Activity #2.1: Why Plan?
Sub-Activity #2.2: Project Planning and Implementation Cycle

Sub-Activity #2.1: Why Plan?

OBJECTIVE
Participants will gain an understanding of the importance of planning.

KEY QUESTION
Why is it important to plan?

TIME
30 – 45 minutes

METHODOLOGY
Game, discussion

MATERIALS
Flipchart or board, markers

PREPARATION
Assemble materials

STEPS

1. Ask all participants to stand up and close their eyes. Without talking or touching they are to organize themselves into a large circle. After a few minutes have them stop moving, open their eyes and determine their success at forming a circle.
2. Extract the learning points from the game by asking a few questions, such as:
   • How did you feel when you had your eyes closed?
   • Why were you not successful in forming a circle? (or Why were you successful? If successful, go to step #5)
3. Record main points on flipchart or board. Indicate that you are going to repeat the exercise, but this time the group is to plan in advance how they will form the circle, even though they must have their eyes closed.
4. Allow time for participants to make plans. Then repeat the exercise.
5. Ask participants why they were successful this time. Extract and highlight the main lessons, i.e.,
   • in order to be successful, it is important to have strategies and plans in place on how to proceed;
   • when people work together and cooperate in a joint effort they are more likely to be successful than when they go their own way.
6. Relate the lessons of the game to the importance of planning. To be successful, projects need to have clear and detailed plans that outline future actions and that establish how people will work together to achieve common goals.

CLOSURE
Repeat the key question. Ask participants if the activity has enabled them to answer it. If necessary, clarify items.

Tips for Facilitators Participants should be allowed sufficient time to discuss and plan how they will form a circle the second time. They might, for example, decide to join hands. The facilitator should not suggest things to participants, but should let them make their own plans. The facilitator should emphasize that clear, participatory plans are important for successful projects. This activity can also be used as an energizer.

Sub-Activity #2.2: Project Planning and Implementation Cycle

OBJECTIVE
Participants will be able to describe the steps in the project planning and implementation cycle.

KEY QUESTION
What are the steps in the project planning and implementation cycle?

TIME
1 hour

METHODOLOGY
Group work, presentations and discussion in plenary

MATERIALS
Newsprint, markers, handout Reference #5: Project Planning and Implementation Cycle

PREPARATION
On newsprint, prepare a blank chart showing a project planning and implementation cycle. Assemble materials.

STEPS

1. Explain to participants that one way to approach the topic of project planning and implementation is to think about the various steps that are involved from the time the project is a mere idea to the time it is fully implemented and achieving results. These can be thought of as “steps” in project planning and implementation, or as a “project planning and implementation cycle.” Refer to the previously prepared chart showing a blank cycle.
2. Form three or four small groups. Provide each group with a supply of meta cards (about 10 per group). Each group is to identify the main steps in planning and implementing a community development project. They should write each step on a meta card, and organize these into a “project planning and implementation cycle.”
3. Allow about 30 minutes for group work, then assemble in plenary for presentations.
4. Indicate to participants that there is no single “correct” way to draw a project planning and implementation chart. A char t is simply a tool to help us think clearly about what we have to do to successfully plan and implement a project. Some charts may have four steps and numerous sub-steps, other charts may have ten or twelve steps. Distribute the handout, Reference #5: Project Planning and Implementation Cycle, as one example. Review the steps in the handout and the chart.

CLOSURE
Repeat the key question. Ask participants if the activity has enabled them to answer it. If necessary, clarify items.

Tips for Facilitators The facilitator should adjust the activity to suit the literacy level of participants. The facilitator should circulate during group work and offer assistance, explanations and encouragement.

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