To Handle Life's Challenges
A Tracer Study of Servol's Adolescent Development Programme in Trinidad /Jean Griffith
Description:... This study examined the effects of SERVOL's (Service Volunteered for All) Adolescent Development Programme (ADP) on participants in Trinidad 10 years after participation. The ADP was developed as a 3-month program in 1981 to develop the social skills of adolescents between the ages of 16 and 19, and focused on self-understanding, emotions and everyday problems, parenting skills, and motivation for further academic or job skills. Participating in the study were 79 men and women in their twenties, 40 of whom had been ADP participants and 39 comprising a comparison group. Information was collected through interviews carried out with the former SERVOL trainees and similar adults forming the comparison groups, as well as parents, employers, and community leaders. Findings indicated that the former SERVOL trainees benefited from the program: they became better parents, had improved communication with their own parents, and developed high levels of self-esteem. These findings were reinforced by parents, community leaders, and employers. There was also some support that the SERVOL training led to postponement of childbearing for female participants, but not postponement of parenthood by male participants. The comparison group, however, also performed well as parents, were dedicated and resourceful at work, and most were well regarded by parents, community leaders, and employers. The former SERVOL trainees themselves believed that the course enhanced their parenting skills and had a positive impact on their lives. Recommendations for possible improvement of the program include adapting the program for inclusion in the school curriculum and developing strategic alliances with regional and international organizations. (Five appendices contain the surveys used for the SERVOL intervention group and the comparison group, and list the interview questions for parents, community leaders, and employers.) (KB).
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