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In 2017, the project team began the Adaptation phase. Specific activities included:
Following Phase 1, in which the intervention materials were developed and vetted by local stakeholders, the GUG consortium initiated Phase 2, Adaptation. During this phase, the project team developed an initial multilevel theory of change, informed by the social-ecological model. This theory of change was created simultaneously alongside the intervention package and was refined throughout the project journey (final version shown here).
In addition, a “Learning Lab”—essentially a rapid pilot test of the GUG intervention—was conducted from April to June of 2017 in 40 schools in the urban communes of Masina and Kimbanseke (in Kinshasa) within which Save the Children’s local partners (CBOs) had existing relationships.
The insights gained during the Learning Lab allowed the project team to validate the intervention package, identify implementation challenges, and determine how to adjust the intervention package prior to full pilot implementation to ensure that it met the needs of VYAs and their communities in Kinshasa. In addition, the project team applied the ExpandNet “Beginning with the end in mind” guidance-a document that provides recommendations for designing and implementing a pilot with the intention to scale up. This ExpandNet guidance was applied to each element of the intervention to ensure eventual scalability of the intervention. Following this process, the GUG toolkit and intervention strategy was finalized.
Growing Up GREAT! was designed as a set of age-tailored, gender-transformative materials and activities for a nine-month, multi-level intervention consisting of five components: group learning sessions with VYA clubs, video testimonials and group discussions with caregivers of VYAs, teacher orientations to GUG materials that are linked to the national Life Skills curriculum, health provider lessons and clinic visits for VYAs, and community discussions.
The GUG Consortium also developed and refined processes and tools for monitoring and evaluation in Phase 2. Save the Children tested and revised monitoring and supervision tools among implementing partners to allow for routine monitoring of intervention roll-out during the pilot. Members of the Global Early Adolescent Study also refined existing survey instruments to prepare for baseline data collection.
Finally, GUG Learning Meetings were initiated in Phase 2. These meetings were conducted throughout the project to bring together program implementers and government stakeholders to review available data, discuss observations, and recommend adaptations and improvements, as necessary. For example, key Phase 2 learnings stemming from these meetings included:
