Facilitator Preparation

Two men working together facilitate each session. It is strongly recommended that each facilitator has his own copy of this manual and reads and becomes thoroughly familiar with the foundational principles of the program and the content and process of each of the sessions. Background information for each session is specifically designed to help orient facilitators. Also, in order to be more effective, it is suggested that facilitators pay special attention to these attitudes and skills:

  • Personal reflection To prepare, each facilitator needs to reflect on the issues that will be covered in the program, and how they apply to his own life. For example:
      • his own transition to manhood;
      • his relationship with his father;
      • if he is a father himself, his relationship with his son;
      • key experiences in his own spiritual journey;
      • how he deals with anger and any tendencies he has toward violence;
      • his attitudes toward sexuality;
      • his relationships with women;
      • his goals and aspirations;
      • his image of God and his relationship with God.

The method that each facilitator uses to reflect on these issues will vary. He may choose to discuss these issues with the other facilitator or a close friend; he may pray; he may write a journal; or he may talk with a priest or counsellor. Whatever methods he chooses, it is important that each man face these issues. His personal reflection will help him identify with and understand the growth issues the fathers and sons will be asked to face, and deepen his capacity to respond to them with empathy.

  • Interpersonal skills  The program facilitators should be well-practiced in basic listening and communication skills. But, more than this, they need to respond with empathy and care to the fathers and sons in the group.
  • Effective working relationship with one another The facilitators need to be aware of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. For example, one person may be more comfortable leading prayer, another in disseminating content material. The sessions are more effective when facilitators work from their individual strengths.
  • Prayer  Prayer is vital to the program’s success. Facilitators should spend time individually reading and reflecting on each session’s material in the days before the scheduled date, calling on the Holy Spirit for inspiration. It is also beneficial if they share their individual reflections with one another or, if that is not possible, with a spouse or a trusted friend.
  • Collaboration with the participants  A good rapport is needed not only between the facilitators themselves, but also between the facilitators and father and son participants. This attitude is expressed in the phrase “we are on this journey together,” rather than “we have all the answers.” Collaboration entails listening carefully and respecting the ideas of all—adults and adolescents—and incorporating them into the program when possible.
  • Working knowledge of the program  The facilitators are expected to have a basic understanding of the hypotheses and anecdotal evidence on which this program is based. The “Foundations of the Program” section (pages 17-21) offers a synopsis, focusing on these areas:
      • a basic understanding of the process of transition to manhood for males in an industrialised urban society;
      • an appreciation of the psychosocial and religious development of adolescent males and middle-age males;
      • some background knowledge of developmental psychology.
  • Presentation skills  Each session includes short presentations to be given by the facilitators. The facilitators should not read these scripts or attempt to commit them to memory. Rather, they should brief themselves on the presentations and express them in their own words and style. Facilitators are also strongly encouraged to include short personal stories where possible to illustrate the subject matter.

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