Nutrition Communication for the Promotion of Nutrition for the School Aged Child
Summary:
Story Workshop implemented a multimedia behaviour change project titled Promoting Nutrition for the School Aged Child (PNSAC) project from August 2017 to July 2019 with funding from GIZ to compliment sustainable impact of the school feeding programmes in Malawi. The project aimed at an increased awareness and adoption of improved health and nutrition behaviours among learners and their caregivers. The project worked in coordination with school-based clubs that included health clubs, organic garden clubs and radio listeners' clubs in transferring knowledge and promoting best practices. It worked with teachers and community leadership for advocacy around school health and nutrition issues. The project applied social ecological models, diffusion of innovation and social learning theories for improved health and nutrition outcomes. The models supported communication designs that promoted increased, diversified dietary intake of safe and nutritious foods and utilization of nutrition knowledge and awareness on WASH and nutrition practices at all levels. The project was implemented in 150 hard to reach primary schools in 7 districts with a total enrolment of 103,794. It trained 221 trainers of trainers, produced and aired 62 radio programs, 18 radio jingles, conducted 531 theatre performances reaching out to 75243 people and had 56 unique community agreements on improved school health and nutrition for the learners and their caregivers. The project collated 85 case studies of human interest and also innovated feedback mechanisms by introducing in-school feedback boxes and a toll-free SMS line for use by learners and caregivers and achieved 4500 feedback texts.
Background/Objectives:
Afikepo Nutrition programme in Malawi focuses on an integration of behavioural change communication for optimal young child feeding and improvements in knowledge, attitudes and practices among learners, communities and frontline workers through Nutrition Education. Story Workshop under the PNSAC project worked on the following objectives; Messages on nutrition, health, water, sanitation and hygiene for schools developed and disseminated through radio jingles and television spots; key school nutrition messages promoted through interactive Theatre For Development and radio programs and lastly; strengthened coordination through multimedia platform showcasing nutrition related activities of the Nutrition and Access to Primary Education and Afikepo partners.
Results/Lessons Learned:
From the efforts the project made on improving learner and caregiver knowledge, practices and behaviours, the project learnt several lessons that include how more practice-oriented trainings for teachers and learners reinforce and sustain activities; it appreciated the power and need to harness more child-parent communication in altering behaviours of their caregivers on nutrition and hygiene. The engaging learner-centred multimedia productions promoted cross-learning and shifts in the minds of learner to lean towards the desired health and nutrition behaviours. Geographical barriers have been reduced using new media (Whatsup forums) thereby connecting the 150 schools thereby promoting cross-learning and exchange of best practices. It witnessed the power of multimedia showcases in motivating schools to maintain and improve their WASH and nutrition statuses. Ultimately, the videos have also been used as advocacy tools for policy makers and holders to appreciate the translation of these policies into practice.
Discussion/Implications for the Field:
Formative assessments were used to capture existing efforts and levels of KAP regards nutrition and WASH. Children were seen to be the best message carriers to communities. The use of teachers in the activities supplemented the new teachers' curriculum and the integration of nutrition education in line with the National Nutritional Policy. The project was also aligned to the sustainable development goals (2) Zero hunger (3) good health and well-being and mainly goal (4) quality education. Moving on; How can the field of SBCC harness change emanating from children? How to maintain this learning to new generations?
Abstract submitted by:
Chifundo Zulu
Story Workshop implemented a multimedia behaviour change project titled Promoting Nutrition for the School Aged Child (PNSAC) project from August 2017 to July 2019 with funding from GIZ to compliment sustainable impact of the school feeding programmes in Malawi. The project aimed at an increased awareness and adoption of improved health and nutrition behaviours among learners and their caregivers. The project worked in coordination with school-based clubs that included health clubs, organic garden clubs and radio listeners' clubs in transferring knowledge and promoting best practices. It worked with teachers and community leadership for advocacy around school health and nutrition issues. The project applied social ecological models, diffusion of innovation and social learning theories for improved health and nutrition outcomes. The models supported communication designs that promoted increased, diversified dietary intake of safe and nutritious foods and utilization of nutrition knowledge and awareness on WASH and nutrition practices at all levels. The project was implemented in 150 hard to reach primary schools in 7 districts with a total enrolment of 103,794. It trained 221 trainers of trainers, produced and aired 62 radio programs, 18 radio jingles, conducted 531 theatre performances reaching out to 75243 people and had 56 unique community agreements on improved school health and nutrition for the learners and their caregivers. The project collated 85 case studies of human interest and also innovated feedback mechanisms by introducing in-school feedback boxes and a toll-free SMS line for use by learners and caregivers and achieved 4500 feedback texts.
Background/Objectives:
Afikepo Nutrition programme in Malawi focuses on an integration of behavioural change communication for optimal young child feeding and improvements in knowledge, attitudes and practices among learners, communities and frontline workers through Nutrition Education. Story Workshop under the PNSAC project worked on the following objectives; Messages on nutrition, health, water, sanitation and hygiene for schools developed and disseminated through radio jingles and television spots; key school nutrition messages promoted through interactive Theatre For Development and radio programs and lastly; strengthened coordination through multimedia platform showcasing nutrition related activities of the Nutrition and Access to Primary Education and Afikepo partners.
Results/Lessons Learned:
From the efforts the project made on improving learner and caregiver knowledge, practices and behaviours, the project learnt several lessons that include how more practice-oriented trainings for teachers and learners reinforce and sustain activities; it appreciated the power and need to harness more child-parent communication in altering behaviours of their caregivers on nutrition and hygiene. The engaging learner-centred multimedia productions promoted cross-learning and shifts in the minds of learner to lean towards the desired health and nutrition behaviours. Geographical barriers have been reduced using new media (Whatsup forums) thereby connecting the 150 schools thereby promoting cross-learning and exchange of best practices. It witnessed the power of multimedia showcases in motivating schools to maintain and improve their WASH and nutrition statuses. Ultimately, the videos have also been used as advocacy tools for policy makers and holders to appreciate the translation of these policies into practice.
Discussion/Implications for the Field:
Formative assessments were used to capture existing efforts and levels of KAP regards nutrition and WASH. Children were seen to be the best message carriers to communities. The use of teachers in the activities supplemented the new teachers' curriculum and the integration of nutrition education in line with the National Nutritional Policy. The project was also aligned to the sustainable development goals (2) Zero hunger (3) good health and well-being and mainly goal (4) quality education. Moving on; How can the field of SBCC harness change emanating from children? How to maintain this learning to new generations?
Abstract submitted by:
Chifundo Zulu
Source
Approved abstract for the postponed 2020 SBCC Summit in Marrakech, Morocco. Provided by the International Steering Committee for the Summit. Image credit: Story Workshop