Projet Jeune Leader's Technical Supervisors: The Backbone of Successful Program Implementation
"Over the past school year, I received training from PJL's Technical Supervisors. They gave me really useful materials, and their follow-up was especially effective." That's from a comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) teacher from the Sofia region, whom we trained and supported to deliver the PJL program at his public middle school.
There's a reason that, when we talk about the implementation of our program model, we talk about "support" — and Projet Jeune Leader's Technical Supervisors are at the heart of it.
CSE teachers tell us that the support they receive from their Technical Supervisors makes a real difference in helping them do their jobs well. The supervisors are colleagues, yes; but they're also allies, cheer on the CSE teachers, help them solve problems, visiting their schools, and lending a hand whenever it's needed.
Technical Supervisors are themselves carefully selected and supported to take on this key role. So what makes them so good at what they do?
Experienced former CSE educators
On average, PJL's Technical Supervisors have spent about five years as Projet Jeune Leader CSE educators before stepping into their current roles. Over those years, they worked in public schools across different regions, cultures, and school environments. They got to know all kinds of stakeholders: students, teachers, parents, and principals.
Anselme is one of them. Today, he oversees a cohort of CSE teachers across three different regions: Fitovinany, Menabe, and Sofia. But his journey with us began long ago…
"In 2017, I went to an information session about Projet Jeune Leader. I could see the program fit my values, so I didn't hesitate to apply to become a Jeune Leader educator. I was selected, and that's where my story with PJL started."
Anselme was an outstanding educator for seven years, making him the second-longest-serving educator in PJL's history. Along the way, he worked as an assistant trainer and then a trainer, preparing new generations of educators. He also served as a Research Assistant before becoming a Technical Supervisor.
With years of experience delivering CSE, Technical Supervisors like Anselme know firsthand the challenges CSE teachers face in public middle schools. They also know the techniques and strategies that can help overcome them. Years of working closely with students, parents, and principals have given them practical expertise in supporting students, advocating for them, and partnering with local authorities and other stakeholders. Now, they're passing that know-how on to a new generation of CSE teachers.
Driven by a vision of a safer, brighter future for every Malagasy adolescent
Ask our Technical Supervisors what drew them to PJL, and many will tell you it started with a personal connection to our mission. Because of what they went through as teenagers themselves, they want to help today's young people — and future generations — grow up safe and able to thrive.
"When I was a teenager, I never really got to live my adolescence," shares Niaina, Technical Supervisor for the Antanifotsy, Antanimora Sud, and Ihosy zones (in the Vakinankaratra, Androy, and Ihorombe regions). "I had very little self-confidence because nobody listened to me or made me feel safe enough to open up. Once I overcame that and got back on my feet, I realized I've become a reassuring presence for teenagers who are afraid to speak up and who are silently struggling with shame."
Henintsoa, Technical Supervisor for the Mahanoro, Marolambo, and Port-Bergé zones, shares a similar story:
"I saw that Projet Jeune Leader had a big vision for Malagasy adolescents. That goal really motivated me, because I wanted to do my part for young people in Madagascar. I've also always loved working in education and communication."
A career path fast-tracked by training
One of the biggest reasons our Technical Supervisors are so effective is the training and support they receive before taking on the role. Our Head of Technical Supervision, Director of Program Strategy and Impact, Advocacy Manager, and other staff across Projet Jeune Leader all worked together to prepare them. The focus was on building specific skills, earning stakeholders' trust, and developing a strong foundation of accountability, confidentiality, and honesty.
Every Technical Supervisor started out as a trainee. They spent several months practicing, being coached, and being evaluated before taking on full responsibility.
"The training I've received at PJL, from my first days as a CSE educator right up to becoming a Technical Supervisor, has given me what I need to never give up when I hit obstacles and to always find a way to get the job done," says Technical Supervisor Sedera. "Following my manager's guidance also helped me a lot. I stick closely to the guides and processes while always looking for ways to improve."
Lalatiana puts it this way:
"The training I got before becoming a Technical Supervisor, combined with everything I learned during my years at Jeune Leader, helped me overcome my hesitation and lack of confidence. Having role models helps too. There are people at PJL I really admire, for their attitude or the way they work. Learning from their successes helps me grow and reach my own goals."
We're thrilled to have welcomed all 22 Technical Supervisors as permanent members of the Projet Jeune Leader team. This milestone means we'll be able to work together even more closely with this stellar team and hundreds of Mpanabe JL this school year.
So what's next?
Niaina sums it up a vision we can confidently say we all share! "My biggest dream is for every adolescent, without exception, to have the chance to grow up free and safe from harm. I want to champion Projet Jeune Leader's vision so that every young person can take charge of their life and face the future standing tall and confident."
