How we work

Education and knowledge

THE RAIN WORKERS provide knowledge so that women can grow. To this end, we train RAIN WORKERS in African countries: RAIN WORKERS are multipliers who share knowledge about sexual and reproductive health, family planning, HIV/AIDS, female genital mutilation (FGM) and violence prevention in villages and educational institutions. RAIN WORKERS empower women and support families to live healthy and sustainable lives. Education leads to healthy change, breaks down gender roles and reduces poverty.

Who is a RAIN WORKER?

RAIN WORKERS are people who work or are involved in a local NGO, CBO, educational or health organisation or a suitable network. They take part in THE RAIN WORKERS ‘Knowledge as a Chance’ training programme and gain an additional qualification. As multipliers, they distribute the knowledge they have acquired in a simple, easily understandable way, in the local language and with knowledge of their communities traditions, myths and narratives.

What is a treeting?

Different meetings and spaces are used for educational work. RAIN WORKERS go to schools, vocational training centres or youth clubs, visit women's and men's groups, various associations, church communities or network with decision-makers such as village elders and religious leaders. Local authorities and emergency organisations such as the police can also be important partners. A special forum is the TREETING, the ‘meeting under a tree’, where RAIN WORKERS hold awareness trainings in the shade of a tree.

RAIN WORKER training

Ideal RAIN WORKERS have relevant experience or a suitable profession, work well in a team and are established in an NGO/CBO,
or work with schools & universities, health centres or in village communities,
have good local networks,
maintain long-term partnerships,
work in a culturally sensitive manner in the local language,
explain complex knowledge with our easy-to-understand TEACHING TOOLS,
are able to confidently communicate complex and sensitiv topics,
are skillful and flexible in terms of didactics and methodology.

The RAIN WORKER training is an additional qualification and consists of the following modules:

Beginner Training

In a 5-day basic training course, participants learn the core content of family planning and sexual & reproductive health and rights (SRHR). They are trained by THE RAIN WORKER trainers. The training manual ‘Knowledge as a Chance’ is available in English, French and Arabic and is supplemented by our five TEACHING TOOLS and posters. All RAIN WORKERS receive a material set including a T-shirt and bag.

Probation Time

In the three to six months following the basic training, the trainees meet once a month with a local supervisor from their NGO to repeat and consolidate what they have learnt. During these meetings, they practise the content, methods and presentation skills as a group and plan together where and how they will implement their RAIN WORKER activities and spread the knowledge in their community after completing the training.

Advanced training

After the probation time, during which the participants realise whether they really want to complete the training, a 5-day advanced training course follows. The content is repeated and intensified and what has been learnt is applied in practice. The trainees and trainers go into the communities together and hold educational sessions. An exam is taken at the end of the advanced training. Only those who pass are awarded the RAIN WORKER certificate.

Implementation

Following the training, we support the certified RAIN WORKERS for an average of twelve months with an expense allowance. In return, they carry out two educational sessions per month, which they report on regularly.

Our TEACHING TOOLS

THE RAIN WORKERS is travelling in different countries and communities and we know that complex knowledge can be conveyed more easily with suitable TEACHING TOOLS to grasp and understand. Over the years, we have continuously expanded and revised our teaching and learning materials. Today, five TEACHING TOOLS complement our trainings manual ‘Knowledge as a Chance’ and help to overcome taboos, increase awareness and knowledge about sexuality and reproductivity.

The TOOLS are used by our trained RAIN WORKERS and trainers from our partner organisations in African countries for educational measures. In the Global North, they are used by doctors, (sex) educators, midwives and NGO employees... to impart knowledge with clients and patients.

Ending female genital mutilation

Together with Zinduka and Stiftung Mensch und Tier Freiburg, we have launched a project that aims to end FGM. Our approach is based on the international consensus that female genital mutilation (FGM) should not be viewed in isolation, but in the context of sexual violence against women, as well as sexual health and rights.

3-year pilot project

#TogetherWeEndFGM is a three-year project. We are combining empowerment, education and protection to combat FGM in the long term. Together with partner organisations in the regions of Kuria, West Pokot and Kajiado in Kenya, we are implementing our collaboration.

Main focus:

Empowerment camps
Community sensitisation
School programmes
Radio Talks
Awareness campaigns

Target groups:

Girls and mothers who are protected and empowered
Fathers and brothers of the girls, who have a special role as decision-makers

By focussing on the community, all population groups are included, especially young male groups as well as religious and cultural decision-makers.

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