Published on: 29/06/2011
Enable adults and children to acquire the Ability to practice good hygiene behaviour
Programs now go beyond traditional training about how to carry out new practices. Some examples are:
- Community role models can ignite interest among households to build their own handwashing station. Community facilitators can show how to build a simple tippy-tap, or a plastic storage bucket with lid and tap, or make and market soap or menstrual pads.
- Participatory methods help community people to understand good and risky local hygiene practices, and to plan, implement and monitor local action plans.
- Focus on small, easy, sequential steps, ‘do-able’ actions. Gradual change is easier to achieve. Move from the least desirable to the ideal practice, for example, by moving up the hygiene ladder. Negotiate with people to trial out new practices and discuss their good and bad experiences after these trials.
Case study 2; Case study 5; Case study 8; Case study 10; Case study 25
Be careful and slow to fund the development of new Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) materials. These materials are usually in plentiful supply but are often not used or not used as intended. Find out what exists before re-inventing the wheel. Promoters and teachers need good training and practice to use materials effectively.
Case study 17; Case study 18; Case study 23
