Effectiveness of the BCC Approach. One of the goals of the CS Project was to enable families to practice healthy behaviors, to identify and resolve health risks, and to have access to quality services. CARE and the MOH used a variety of methods to xxxxxx the adoption of new behaviors for families, health personnel, students and teachers. The foundation of the successful BCC approach was the use of good educational theory to design and facilitate training at all levels. The MOH and CARE participated in a workshop on adult learning, given by Consultant Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx. As a result of this workshop, an important paradigm shift took place among CARE and MOH personnel. Instead of seeing themselves experts who provide education to others, the CS staff became real facilitators of a learning process. The new capacity to design adult learning experiences was further enhanced through the participation of CARE Extensionists and MOH health personnel in a workshop on empowerment. Linking the two approaches created an experience seldom seen in Child Survival Projects—a staff composed of people from the MOH and CARE working together with humility and dedication to empower communities, schools, health volunteers and mothers. The success of the BCC approach was further solidified through the practice of spiritual values—sincerity, honesty, friendship, and trustworthiness—that became an example for communities to follow and motivated them to participate and emulate unity, empowerment and service as part of their work. The quality of work with support groups and home visits improved as the project personnel and CHWs became more attuned to the importance of helping others to help themselves. The interactive nature of all educational activities further fostered communication and negotiation regarding the adoption of new practices, especially regarding breastfeeding and nutrition. The new empowerment approach opened doors to creativity and innovation. One of the most successful strategies was the use of the arts for communicating health messages. School children played a key role as participants in theater and music as a way to share new ideas with their parents and peers. Songs about breastfeeding and the prevention of diarrhea were written and sung with great enthusiasm, along with skits showing the need to use ORS, practice hygiene, and avoid baby bottles. The arts were also used in the preparation of attractive visual materials, such as murals and posters. Each of the schools and Health Posts visited during...
