Another successful GAD project - Community Health Advocates

In a collaborative effort between the CSPS (local health clinic) and CEG (middle school), a ten week internship program was created in an effort to spread awareness of critical health issues throughout the twelve satellite villages of the CSPS. Six female quatrième (8th grade) students applied for the coveted positions by turning in a statement of interest and motivation to the school administration. Once selected, the girls completed a week-long training which took place at the CSPS under the supervision of the Major Dibia (head of health clinic), Mme Sanou (la sage femme - midwife) and myself. Major Dibia taught the girls about vaccinations, malaria and diarrhea. Mme Sanou taught the girls about prenatal consultations and family planning. Each discussion included an overview of the current problem, services offered at the CSPS, cost of services, prevention techniques and symptom recognition. After learning awareness campaigning techniques, the girls practiced with people at the CSPS in Dioula, Fulfulde, Moore and Bwamu.

At the end of June 2011, the six students first ventured out in pairs to speak with families at their homes, in the market or in the fields. The commitment from each pair is to reach twenty families per week. As a team, they hope to reach 600 families at the end of the program. Assuming each family has at least five members, they will be able to reach 3,000 people in ten weeks, or a quarter of the CSPS zone population.

With much appreciated assistance from small Peace Corps grants, the girls are able to receive 2,000 fcfa (US$4) at the end of each week, after turning in their report on each family visited. The hope is that the small stipend will encourage parents to support their daughters rather than forcing them to go to the fields. It also holds the girls accountable.

Apart from the community impact, the girls have made incredible progress through this program. They stand taller; speak more loudly, with more authority and confidence. Community members and officials show them respect even though they are only seventeen years old. I have been humbled and inspired by Awa, Afsatou, Celine, Adjara, Abibou and Marie Louise. They are a source of pride for Béréba and young women everywhere.