Trial Certificate Program in Kenya Advances the Quiet Work of Prevention by Allison Kozicharow
WiRED believes that community health starts with knowledge—and there is no better proof of this than the launch of WiRED's Community Health Information Center (CHIC) Certificate Program in Kisumu, Kenya. The CHIC library offers modules on topics such as disease prevention, nutrition, basic anatomy, maternal and child health and water purification. Although many people are already motivated to visit the centers to learn about prevention or a specific illness, the certificate program provides an extra incentive to educate themselves about a wide variety of health issues.
The Certificate Program encourages community members to study a given module, and, when they're ready, to take a test on the material. To qualify, they must pass with an 85% mark or better. Certificates are not offered as accreditation, their purpose is to confirm successful completion of the training programs; the certificates recognize an accomplishment.
Four certificate levels are provided, and each represents the successful completion of an increasing number of modules:
WiRED is running the trial Certificate Program at the Faye F. and Sheldon S. Cohen Community Health Information Center and the Obunga Community Health Information Center, both in Kisumu. Since the program began in mid-summer, approximately 17 people have gained certificates and a number of others are working at the basic level. Three people have achieved the highest, platinum, level. This article provides actual testimonials from people working on their certificates; here are some excerpts:
WiRED director Gary Selnow, Ph.D. says, "The Certificate Program further motivates isolated communities to take their health into their own hands. Health education isn't as dramatic as a daring rescue, but it saves countless lives. Prevention is a grand bargain."
Click here to view the list of CHI topics.
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