by Brigitte Leoni and Tim RadfordWritten for journalists who are interested in learning more about disaster risk reduction (DRR) issues, this guidebook discusses how the media can convince national and local governments to invest more in DRR policies. [From the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR), May 2011]
This newsletter focuses on the Nigerian Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI)’s efforts to reach the global eradication goal. This particular edition: highlights some key initiatives; features stories showing the human face behind the data; and discusses difficulties faced in programme implementation, including challenges related to social mobilisation and communication.
This brief on gender and climate change explores questions relating to CARE International’s approach to adaptation, which begins with a comprehensive analysis that includes an examination of differential vulnerability due to social, political, and economic inequalities. [October 2010]
This resource explores the uses and potentials of computer and related technologies in mental health, developmental disabilities, welfare, and other human services. It provides historical perspectives on the use of technology in the human service field, as well as articles exploring technology literacy and information on technological developments. [From Routledge]
by Shanthi KalathilIntended for those seeking to enhance good governance by designing programmes to support independent media, this resource explores the whys, hows, whens, and whats of supporting the development of independent, pluralistic, and sustainable media. [From the World Bank’s Communication for Governance and Accountability Program (CommGAP), June 2011]
UPDATES FROM C- CHANGE
SBCC for Frontline Health Care WorkersSocial and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) for Frontline Health Care is designed to assist health care workers to effectively apply SBCC and interpersonal communication (IPC) as part of delivering higher-quality care. The set of materials comprises a Facilitator’s Guide [PDF] and a Participant Handout Packet [doc] with worksheets for use in face-to-face workshops with nurses, community health extension workers, and HIV counsellors.C-Hub: Online Resource of Health and Development Communication MaterialsC-Hub is a global online resource of health and development communication materials. C Hub users cansearch for communication materials by health topic, and add their communication materials. Users can also comment on materials, add their voice to the blog and connect with C-Hub on Facebook, Twitter, andYouTube.SBCC Capacity Strengthening Process and ToolsC-Change/Namibia has developed and implemented a process and tools for SBCC capacity strengthening of Namibian organisations working on HIV prevention. The Namibia country programme developed or incorporated existing C- Change capacity strengthening tools, including the C-Modules learning packageinto this process. A Multi-Step Process and Tool for SBCC Capacity Strengthening details the process, describes the tools, and provides links to the tools on C- Hub.
by Josephine Maghah AkenjiTo address the crisis of gender-based violence (GBV) in Musina, a town on the South Africa/Zimbabwe border, Sonke Gender Justice Network: worked with men and boys, undertook a community mobilisation and awareness campaign, and collaborated with stakeholders. An evaluation found that: (i) people would rather look at posters than pamphlets, especially if they have animated characters or are not too large; (ii) the mural process and the result were positively received; (iii) further thought needs to be given to the format of educational materials and the way they are integrated into other activities. [March 2010]
by Molly Cannon and Elizabeth SnyderChild Status Index (CSI) is a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) tool that was designed to empower low-literate (typically volunteer) community caregivers to assess programmes designed to meet the needs of children who are orphaned and made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS. Respondents reported that the CSI is comprehensive, allows for monitoring the well-being of children, aids in programme planning, uses a numeric scoring system, and provides a framework for service delivery of programmes. Recommendations are provided, such as: a CSI training manual and M&E toolkit should be created. [From MEASURE Evaluation, April 2012]
by Varja Lipovsek, Amajit Mukherjee, Deepa Navin, Pritpal Marjara, Aseem Sharma, and Kali Prosad RoyThe Avahan India AIDS Initiative is a behaviour change communication (BCC) programme that sought to increase consistent condom use (CCU) among male clients of female sex workers (FSWs) in 4 Indian states. This paper explores one of its components. Activities included: (i) use of outdoor static promotional materials, such as posters; (ii) interpersonal communication (IPC), such as small group and one-on-one discussions, and (iii) mid-media activities, such as street theatre and interactive game shows. The evaluation suggests that a multi -channel behavioural intervention delivered at sites where FSWs are solicited can increase CCU among male clients of FSWs. [From Population Services International (PSI)/Avahan, February 2010]
by D. Lawrence Kincaid, Douglas Storey, and Stella BabalolaDeveloped for advocacy purposes, this resource offers 10 key points for discussion around the impact of communication on HIV prevention and living with HIV/AIDS. It explores the role of mass media programmes in effecting population-based health and medical changes, as well as in performing a public relations function. Example: «For any statistically significant effect size, mass media interventions are always much more cost-effective than alternative interventions if they reach a large percentage of the population.» [From Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Center for Communication Programs, December 2009]
This 2-month media campaign in Azerbaijan aimed to fight tuberculosis (TB)-associated stigma by spreading the message «TB is not shameful. Get treated» through national and regional television (TV) channels, as well as print and video materials. [The Azerbaijan Health Communication Association (AHCA)]
At several Laotian schools, a youth radio project is working to equip its students with knowledge and life skills for dealing with difficult issues in their daily lives. Once the students were trained, the entire planning and production process was carried out by the youth participants. Each broadcast highlights the stories of teens grappling with a particular issue, such as peer pressure. Then, the voice actors discuss the impact of the possible courses of action. [Equal Access]
This project involved the creation of a series of health education videos that could be played on cell phones by BRAC Tanzania’s community health volunteers (CHVs) during home visits. The videos were designed to provide the CHVs with additional support material they could use in conjunction with a mobile-phone-based tool, CommCare, which is designed to help support home-based care providers. [BRAC Tanzania and D-Tree International]
This online initiative uses self-assessment based on African standards and a guided discussion among African experts to analyse the media landscape in a given country. The objective of the AMB is to assess the media landscape of a country over time in order to provide civil society with a strategic advocacy tool for media reform. [Fesmedia Africa/Friedrich-Ebert- Stiftung (FES) and Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA)]
This Iranian initiative advocates for repealing Iranian Penal Code provisions regarding stoning, a punishment in which a woman is buried up to her chest in the ground and stones are thrown at her until she dies. Other central objectives of the campaign are to open up the taboo topic of stoning and to raise awareness of the institutional discrimination suffered by women convicted of adultery. In addition to face-to-face interactions, the Stop Stoning Forever activists have used the internet as a tool for publishing news and reports on stoning, as well as to facilitate mobilisation and networking. [Women’s rights activists in partnership with the Volunteer Lawyers’ Network]
What organiser doesn’t want full attendance at their workshop or conference? Promote your events and training opportunities through the Development Classifieds website and e-magazine. You can directly post online or contact jsavidge@comminit.com for assistance.
The Editor of The Drum Beat is Kier Olsen DeVries.
Please send additional project, evaluation, strategic thinking, and materials information on communication for development at any time. Send to drumbeat@comminit.comThe Drum Beat seeks to cover the full range of communication for development activities. Inclusion of an item does not imply endorsement or support by The Partners.To reproduce any portion of The Drum Beat, see our policy.
Blog de Octavio Islas 