Training For Health Renewal Program
Introduction
The Training for Health Renewal Program (THRP) is a partnership between the University of Saskatchewan health science faculties, the Prairie Region Health Promotion Research Centre and the Ministry of Health in Mozambique. CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency) is the funder of the program through its Educational Institutions Program. THRP is involved in a systematic exploration of two related concepts: human-centred development as the ultimate goal of health work; and "new" community health practice as a means through which health workers and communities take action to achieve human-centred development. Our aim is to articulate the guiding principles for shaping curriculum and training initiatives in both countries. We are sharing our work with an international network of interested colleagues to deepen our understanding of these key concepts.
Current Activities
Seven Mozambicans who trained as core facilitators finished their 15-month training period in Canada in November, 2000. After several months of language training and orientation they began a specially designed course entitled, "Participatory Teaching, Learning and Research." The training was designed to prepare them to strengthen the understanding, teaching and practice of community health in Mozambique. A key part of their training was a direct link with community agencies in Saskatoon to get a hands-on experience of community health development in Canada. Two graduate students have just completed their postgraduate studies in adult education for health workers.
A second group of four health workers came to Canada from August to the end of October, to participate in the second training group. Most of the training for this group took place at Massinga, with only a three month term in Saskatoon. On completion of their program at Massinga they will join the current staff there to continue the work of the Centre.
The Ministry of Health in Mozambique has designated the first permanent field training and research site for the new teaching/learning methods and curriculum. It is located at the Centre for Continuing Education in Health at Massinga, in Inhambane Province, about a day's drive north of Maputo. This is the first such training centre in Mozambique and will serve as the model for several more that the Ministry of Health will establish throughout the country. There was an official inauguration of the Centre on November 14, 2002.
In February, 2000, terrible flooding occured in Mozambique, resulting in many deaths and overwhelming devastation to many parts of the country. In addition to millions stranded and displaced by the initial and prolonged flooding, the country struggled to cope with loss of road and rail transportation, power and water supply, schools and other public facilities, agricultural animals and tools, and the disease consequences of flooding, hunger and stress.
The first group of Mozambique students in Canada at that time volunteered with local organizations to help raise awareness and encourage Canadians to provide financial support through agencies such as Oxfam. They formed a choir and performed songs from and about Mozambique before audiences in Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, and Edmonton, in church halls, auditoriums, and clubs. Their impact was tremendous, and Canadians responded generously.
The first full-scale pasantia in Canada was held in early May, 2000 at Jackfish Lake in the Battlefords Health District. Participants lived, worked, and learned together, and engaged with local community groups around issues important to their communities. The intention was to create a long-term relationship with the district and the community for future pasantias as more teachers, students and health workers connect with transformative learning through the THRP program. The pasantia process is continuing in Saskatoon with a series of one-day workshops that bring together teachers from the University, SIAST and SIFC, and community groups in Saskatoon, to explore ways to involve community in the teaching of health workers. The major activities of the THRP continue in Mozambique as they will for the next two years under the program. CIDA has added to the original funding of THRP to allow for additional work on HIV/AIDS and Maternal/Child Health. CIDA has also provided some funding to help build the Centre. In addition, several groups, including Rotary International, the Steelworkers Humanity Fund, the Canadian Auto Workers, and many individuals have pledged support.
For more information, please contact:
Gerri Dickson
Training for Health Renewal
Prairie Region Health Promotion Research Centre
University of Saskatchewan
107 Wiggins Road
Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5
Phone: (306) 966-7933
Fax (306)966-7920
Toll Free:1 800 667-7913
