The training has been amazing. The nurses are so engaged and committed to the work. Today we reviewed the material presented yesterday on why the Clean Birth Kits make birth safer. We interviewed the nurses individually and, per Dr. Nong’s suggestion, gave a written test that I developed based on CleanBirth.org materials. They all did well and the top scoring nurse was awarded a second hand camera, donated by one of CleanBirth.org awesome supporters!
Once the material about the purpose and procedure of the kits was completely clear, we moved onto plans for the CleanBirth Volunteers Training. The nurses will become the trainers now. Beginning with one clinic in October, CleanBirth.org will fund training by each of the nurses. The nurses will invite a representative from each village that she serves to come and be trained as a CleanBirth Volunteer.
When Dr. Nong posed the question, “Do you think women will volunteer to come to the training and work for free in their communities to make birth safer?” They said, “Why not. We must try and get them to come. They will want to make birth safer.” So that was that. The buy-in that I was looking for was there for the asking.
Dr. Nong and I had planned what we thought the CleanBirth Volunteers Trainings should look like. We agreed that the nurses should use the CleanBirth.org training materials. Further, we thought they should promote breastfeeding and prenatal care. They are trained in these topics during nursing shool and this gives them the opportunity to share information with a representative from each village.
Before we gave too many of our own ideas, we gave the nurses a chance to decide for themselves what the training should look like. We asked them to develop a written plan for the training: topics to be covered, who should attend, budget, etc…
We had the nurses take time to draft individual plans. When they were finished, we found that while all included the topics above, some added topics like infant care and nutrition. They also indicated that a main village chief and a Lao Women’s Union representative should be invited. Wonderful to see them thinking for themselves and making plans that they themselves will execute!
The first training will be in October, to be followed by a second in January. CleanBirth.org will review the nurses more finalized plans and approve the budget. Our wonderful OVA staffer Noy (more details about her role in Part 3) and Dr. Nong will supervise this training to ensure that the the CleanBirth Volunteers understand the information given.
I am overjoyed by this new phase. It is exactly what I had hope for: locals helping each other to make birth safe.
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