I'd like to share some training activities which I have developed with the help of village people to encourage discussion on health and nutrition.
'BAGS OF HAPPINESS'
Choose just one ‘bag of happiness’ (see above). Then give a reason for your choice. This helps to show the importance of health to people.
Make three charts and encourage people to discuss the important things that keep them healthy:
YESTERDAY, TODAY, TOMORROW?
Days gone past For example: traditional healers, herbal medicines, traditional foods, taboos, traditional religious festivals etc.
The present day For example: many of the above, health workers, clinics, medicines.
Tomorrow? Encourage discussion about things which are changing – new and more processed foods (rice, pasta, flour), cost of medicines and health treatment, the passing of traditional skills in herbal medicines, the ending of taboos and traditional religious festivals. Is ‘progress’ going to improve people’s health or are we losing too many beneficial customs, eating habits and herbal medicines?
The tree of health
People understand that the roots feed a tree and help it to grow and produce fruit. Here is a simple exercise to underline the importance of good health.
- Discuss what roots are needed for the Tree of Health to grow properly and write them in. For example: nutrition, clean water, rest and leisure, protection of mothers and children, preventing illness and health education. The roots feed the tree and help to keep it in good health.
- The branches of the tree are the various activities that can be done when you are in good health. For example: work, walking, preparing food, playing sport, collecting water, dancing and grinding grains.
- The fruits of the tree will be all the benefits that this brings. This could include happiness, prosperity, more income, long life, healthy children, peace.
I hope readers will find these helpful.
Madame Aïssata Guindo, Training Centre for Rural Leaders, Dougouolo, Bla, Mali.