Master training was 3 weeks and used the Kiswahili version of the HBLSS Basic Manual Community Meetings 1-4 and Take Action Card Booklet developed by White Ribbon Alliance Tanzania, the MOH and other partners. We also used the English version since there were some discrepancies in the Kiswahili translations. We made some changes to the Kiswahili version with white tape, but were unable to reprint them due to cost. Materials distributed to Master Trainers: HBLSS Basic Manual (English, Kiswahili) Take Action Card Booklet (English, Kiswahili) Laminated teaching picture cards Teaching models (doll, placenta and cord, uterus)
INTEGRATED TRAINING ACTIVITIES: Due to cost and the required MOH MNC curriculum for training TBAs, WellShare adapted the HBLSS training and integrated it into the regular MNC training. This included an additional 2 days of training focused on HBLSS. Some MOH skills were slightly different than HBLSS skills, but this was discussed as part of the training. TBAs were very pleased with the HBLSS materials and training. The training was done by the district Reproductive and Child Health Coordinator with WellShare staff. Recommendations from the mid-term evaluation indicated a need for additional training of TBAs. So, we used a TOT model to provide refresher training and provide training across more HBLSS community meetings. PHOTO: TBAs at graduation
STGs – led by TBAs for young single pregnant women and mothers; HBLSS used by TBAs to educate the young women; TBAs also presented the picture cards and materials at community meetings including more participation by men and village leaders. Photos: STG mom with her baby. TBA at home.
Due to cost, only 2 sets of teaching picture cards and teaching models were provided to each village. Because TBAs frequently work in tandem, this worked. The M & E was too expensive to implement, so we integrated aspects of it into a Village Pregnancy Register which also captured other information needed by the project.
The HBLSS training in the Hadzabe and Datoga, which used a modified version to train 15 health advocates, resulted in a request for additional training on MNC because the initial training was so successful. The majority trained were men. Prohibitive costs include the M & E activities which would be great to do as specified, but we did not have sufficient funds.