Self-Assessment Questions (SAQs) for Study Session 14

Now that you have completed this study session, you can assess how well you have achieved its Learning Outcomes by answering these questions. Write your answers in your Study Diary and discuss them with your Tutor at the next Study Support Meeting. You can check your answers with the Notes on the Self-Assessment Questions at the end of this Module.

SAQ 14.1 (tests Learning Outcome 14.1)

  • a.Write a definition of ‘community organising’ in your own words.
  • b.What does the word ‘implementation’ mean?

Answer

  • a.Community organising is the process of sensitising and empowering the community in such a way that they can identify and prioritise their needs and objectives, and develop the confidence and the will to achieve them by finding resources through cooperative and collaborative attitudes, practices and community participation. Organising means bringing the community together, and establishing a network of relationships among them so that they work together to achieve common goals.
  • b.Implementation is the act of converting planning, goals, objectives and strategies into action, according to your plan of work. For instance, delivering health education for households, counselling mothers, educating youths on sexually transmitted infections, etc. are all part of implementation.

SAQ 14.2 (tests Learning Outcome 14.2)

If you are new to the locality and you want to organise community health education activities, how can you initiate the community organising process?

Answer

Finding community leaders is often a good start. Community leaders are usually good organisers and people tend to follow their example. To facilitate the organising process and make it easier, you may be able to identify community leaders and work with them. If possible, the leader should be someone with good leadership skills, and knowledge of the health problem and the community. In order to identify these community leaders, first approach kebele leaders and ask the name of community leaders. Then, approach those leaders and request their cooperation to work with you.

SAQ 14.3 (tests Learning Outcome 14.2)

Assume that there are already the following existing community groups in the village you are working with: anti-AIDS club, malaria committee, reproductive health committee, women’s association, women’s idirs, student association, and water and sanitation committee. How might you utilise these groups in your health education activities?

Answer

First, you should approach the leaders of each group and understand the aims, interests and the needs of each group. Identify the main areas of their activities, and whether they are interested to work on health-related issues. Then request that the leaders of these groups mobilise their members to participate in health education activities. Plan with them, and involve them in the implementation. These groups are a source of manpower, materials, and space for health education activities.

SAQ 14.4 (tests Learning Outcome 14.3)

Which of the following statements is false about training community groups in health education? In each case, explain why it is incorrect.

A  Training is required only for newly organised community groups.

B  Training is required only for existing community groups.

C  Training is required both for existing and newly organised community groups.

D  Training aims to empower the community.

E  Training aims to build the community capacity.

F  Training aims to improve the skills and knowledge of individuals who are involved in health education activities.

Answer

A is false because it is not only newly organised groups that need training. Depending on the need for training, training should also be given to existing groups.

B is false because newly organised groups also need training

C is true because, based on the existing training gaps, both groups are eligible to receive training to improve their skills and knowledge.

D, E and F are true. The aim of training is to improve the community’s skills, knowledge and capacity. In doing so, the community will be empowered to solve their own health issues, using their own resources.

SAQ 14.5 (tests Learning Outcome 14.4)

To answer part (b) of this question you, may need to read quickly through Study Sessions 12 and 13 again, as these set out the beginning of the planning and implementation process, including needs assessment.

  • a.List the types of resources required for health education implementation.
  • b.How might you be able to mobilise these resources?

Answer

  • a. These are the types of resources required for health education implementation:
    • Labour power or personnel to implement health education activities
    • Material resources, including educational materials
    • Financial resources
    • Space.
  • b.During needs assessment, all relevant resources for health education activities, including manpower, materials, financial resources, space, and others should be identified. Then approach community leaders, religious leaders, formal leaders like kebele leaders, and other influential people in the community, and discuss with them how to use these resources. To identify manpower, ask them to tell you about individuals who can play a role in health. Then request the cooperation of those people, and involve them in health education activities. Plan with these influential people when, where and how to use the material and other resources, like space, for health.

Summary of Study Session 14