Several studies explored the impact and effects of MaM's peer-to-peer approach: an impact evaluation, a pilot study on Mental Health and a non-experimental evaluation. Together, these studies shed light on the project's work with the Volunteers and the effect that peer-to-peer campaigns can have on empowering youth in making informed migration-related decisions in West Africa.
This study assessed, through a rigorous experimental evaluation, various Volunteer-led community engagement activities on four irregular migration related outcomes: knowledge, intention, perceptions and attitudes. Some key findings are listed below.
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In Guinea, MaM activities reduced intention to migrate irregularly, and reduced the likelihood of young people contacting a smuggler, by 12 per cent. MaM activities also increased the likelihood that the participants have a better knowledge of transit countries (6%), and know that they can get information about local opportunities from online sources (5%) and local NGOs (12%)
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In Nigeria, MaM activities drastically reduced the probability of young participants intending to migrate irregularly (55%).
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In The Gambia, MaM activities changed the participant's perception of risks associated with irregular migration. They increased the chances that participants associate the following risks with irregular migration: gender-based violence (8%), forced labour (9%), death (8%), abandonment (12%), and imprisonment (14%).
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In Senegal, MaM activities increased participants' knowledge of where they can get information about local opportunities – such as from local NGOs (19%) and government offices (15%), and that they have a better knowledge of transit countries (9%).
This exploratory pilot study assessed the effects that the campaign had on Volunteers' mental health and psychosocial well-being.
In this field, little research has been conducted on the links between social and behaviour change communication (SBCC) and community-based MHPSS, or the participation as a messenger in peer-to-peer awareness-raising campaigns and mental health and psychosocial well-being among returned migrants.
This pilot study used quantitative data gathered through four rounds of data collection with more than 300 MaM Volunteers in seven countries and qualitative data collected through focus group discussions with Volunteers in Côte d'Ivoire.
Key findings include:
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Volunteers perceived or experienced peer interactions, peer-to-peer communication, and community engagement as sources or resources for mental health and psychosocial well-being.
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Involvement in awareness-raising activities had small positive effects on Volunteers' mental health and psychosocial well-being.
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Involvement in MaM activities had slight positive effects on distress intensity, peer support, and personal well-being.
Recommendations from the report include:
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There is a need for leadership in MHPSS in the awareness raising and SBCC space.
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MHPSS mainstreaming is important for maximizing positive mental health and psychosocial well-being impact in peer-to-peer migration awareness-raising campaigns and preventing harm.
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Participation in a peer-to-peer migration awareness-raising campaign integrated with MHPSS had possible positive effects on the mental health and psychosocial well-being of returned migrant peer messengers.
A final evaluation on MaM was conducted by an external research agency, ARTIVAL Research & Evaluation. The evaluation assessed the project's efficiency, relevance, and sustainability. The scope of the evaluation covered all seven MaM countries and almost the entire implementation period, from April 2019 to April 20221.
Key findings and recommendations from the evaluation include:
Relevance - findings:
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The content and timing of the trainings for Volunteers, journalists, and CSO were appropriate. The skills and knowledge acquired will be useful beyond the project.
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The project adapted well to COVID-19 restrictions and mobilized Volunteers' in prevention efforts against the pandemic.
Relevance - recommendations:
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Link MaM Volunteers in parallel to separate livelihood support programs.
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Strengthen the relationship with women's organizations and community and religious/traditional leaders.
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Increase consistency in disseminating the project's key messages by strengthening communications strategies and campaign plans to ensure no messaging imbalance (e.g. focus on risks).
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Add markers (e.g. the GRES scale) to identify and broaden the integration of gender issues.
Efficiency - findings:
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The project conveyed messages in the appropriate format and channels. Social media was generally better for reaching youth in urban areas, while radio and community engagement remain key channels for reaching more rural regions.
Efficiency - recommendations:
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Explore further techniques used during COVID-19, like online meetings and video capsules for trainings.
Sustainability - findings:
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Volunteers want to continue raising awareness in the future through associations. However, some associations lack solid management structures and funding capacity even after capacity-building and support was provided.
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Implementation and messages were strengthened through partnerships with media outlets, civil society organizations (CSO), public authorities, and UN agencies.
Sustainability - recommendations:
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Strengthen partnerships between Volunteer-led associations and CSO, government officials, and UN agencies.
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Continue strengthening Volunteer-led associations and further the collaboration between associations from different countries.
These research studies provide a thorough and overall positive portrait of Phase 2 of Migrants as Messengers. Together they provide valuable lessons for future awareness-raising activities in the region and help build the evidence base on "what works" in migration awareness raising.