Adapted approaches for training, mentoring and supervision of CHWs during COVID-19

28 May, 2020

Dear CHIFA friends

Like many of us, my colleagues in Save the Children are currently re-designing many programmes that support maternal and child health.

These include community-based programmes where further training and supervision of Community Health Workers and Volunteers is necessary, as well as their supervisors and master trainers.

Beyond essential health promotion, treatment and referral, CHW roles in some settings also involve the facilitation of community groups, adapted to use remote methods such as Whatsapp, and using participatory learning and action cycle methods. So the training and mentorship they need goes beyond many standard training approaches and knowledge aquisition.

We would be really grateful and interested to hear other people’s experiences and examples of training and mentoring processes for CHWs /CHVs that have been done remotely, where a ‘do no harm’ approach is needed – including approaches that have used MS Teams, Zoom or other platforms and methods. Typical network coverage in some of the programme areas is 2-3G. Examples of how to facilitate participatory activities which develop interpersonal communication and counselling skills via remote means would also be really welcome.

All the best

Andrew

CHIFA profile: Andrew Clarke is a member of the Steering Group for the CHIFA forum. He is a Senior Health Advisor for Save the Children and is a paediatric nurse and public health specialist by background, working in low income and fragile settings for over 20 years. Particular interests in human rights-based approaches, social determinants, and low cost innovation. andrewcws AT gmail.com