SEAN International
Programme Detail: Training Children in Community Health
| Language of this entry | English (UK, International) |
|---|---|
| Name of Programme / Training Resource | Training Children in Community Health |
| Type of Training | Other training resource |
| Reference Number | SEAN11 |
| Description | A SEAN special training course for preparing those who work in children's ministry to support children promote community health care in a practical day to day environment. Although there is no direct spiritual/biblical content in this course (unlike all other SEAN materials), indirectly the parallels are obvious with the biblical concern for the sick and needy and, above all, with the matchless example of the compassion of our Lord Jesus Christ as he tirelessly sought to alleviate their suffering. This example should be used where appropriate, and of course the trainer needs to pray for God's guidance as s/he prepares and leads each training session. This course is presented as a reasonable and effective alternative to ignorance of health issues in the community. It is hoped that the motivation and involvement of children in preventative (and on-going) measures will result in an obvious improvement in health, hygiene and safety in the local community as a whole. If the course leads to the bettering of the quality of life for many disadvantaged people in the world today, its objective will have been fulfilled! The material is designed to be of use in situations where both health education and immediate medical help are limited or non-existent. However, although not a detailed medical text-book, it should also be effective for initial training in first aid and preventative measures in most circumstances. Obviously the success, or otherwise, of the material will depend on the understanding and application of those leading the sessions. Accordingly, SEAN cannot accept any responsibility for the results of use or mis-use of any technique described. If there is an opportunity for the trainer or the students to go on to take a course in first aid or community health led by an authorised health worker, we strongly recommend that this be taken up as a logical development from this basic material. In any case, everything possible must be done to cooperate closely with the local health worker, who no doubt can reinforce the methods presented in this course and adapt them to the local situation as appropriate. Although SEAN will award one credit towards a diploma in the SEAN Extension College to the trainer who successfully leads a group of students/children through the course, it must be emphasised that this does NOT qualify them for any official health certificate or diploma in their country. The Community Health course assumes that the 'trainer', will have had NO previous community health training. We have therefore done everything in our power to make the sessions as simple and self-explanatory as possible. But, inevitably, there may be occasions when some find parts of the material difficult to understand. Wherever possible, the trainer must seek the help and advice of a local health worker, especially in any sessions about which the trainer may feel uncertain. He or she could probably also provide up-to-date information about the local situation concerning the subject under consideration. If the trainer has had no previous experience of teaching children, it can be a help to him/her (although not essential) to complete SEAN's Feed my Lambs course first, as it provides an excellent basis for teaching children effectively. If the trainer completes this course by training a group of children to take an active part in the community health of the area it entitles him/her to one credit towards a Diploma in the SEAN Extension College. For this s/he must get the pastor of the church, or some recognised local health worker, to sign the credit form at the back of this manual confirming that s/he has achieved this goal successfully. Remember that first and foremost, this course is designed so that the trainer can set up a club in which CHILDREN can be trained to take an active part in community health care in their area. The most likely age to benefit from this training is from about 8 to 10 years old and upwards, according to the abilities of the children. These can be drawn from either church or secular organisations; however, it is an advantage if they are motivated by their commitment to Jesus and his commands. The programme can sometimes be enhanced by inviting interested adults (parents, other members of the family, or anyone else desiring to train alongside the children) to sit in on the children's sessions. They can benefit in the following ways: a) By watching the children at work (especially their active games and model making). One of the best ways to learn is to see a point demonstrated, and children do this with enthusiasm! This allows the children not only to receive training for themselves but also, indirectly, to help in the training of adults; both age groups are then enriched together. b) By supporting the children in roles which are perhaps beyond their abilities, e.g. by bringing their project to the notice of town authorities or village elders, and by gaining their support for it. If for whatever reason it is impossible to set up a children's programme, this course can still be used effectively as the basis for adult community health training. In this case the trainer would have to be responsible for making the necessary adjustments (e.g. perhaps replacing some of the more active games by practical work). The course consists of the following material: the trainer's manual, a text which contains Guides for 34 Sessions, grouped in nine modules covering a wide variety of topics. Each guide opens by stating the session's aim or aims and then by listing the materials needed to achieve those aims. This is accompanied by the resource pack of 56 Pictures, designed to be used in the club sessions; these illustrate the main topics of the course. They should be displayed as and when instructed in the Session Guides. It is advisable to use the sessions (one per week) in the order given, as they follow on from each other by assuming that what is taught in earlier sessions will be familiar to the children when they come to later ones. However, because the course covers a fairly wide and comprehensive range of health problems, it is therefore possible that some sessions could be unsuited to the community (e.g. those on tropical diseases if you are in a temperate climate). Such inappropriate sessions can be omitted from your programme. Some of the material may need to be adapted according to the culture, but the principles are the same. For example, according to the local situation and needs of a particular group and culture, if the drawing of a pig could cause offence, this can be replaced by pasting an illustration of a more acceptable (but equivalent) animal, such as a dog, over it. For the children involved, this course is not only useful, but also the sessions are great fun and contain plenty of activity. Club meetings which are built entirely around a series of 'speakers' do not develop children's self-reliance and initiative. The children should be involved at every stage of planning, organising and monitoring the activities. Never underestimate them; they are capable of far more than people generally believe! It is important to devote at least part of the time to activities where children are taught to take action to help others. When they become partners in promoting health, they contribute something special to the partnership. |
| Keywords | Children, Children's health, Health, Community Health |
| Languages Programme Available in | Chinese (simplified); English (UK, International); Korean; Spanish |
| Other Languages | |
| Country and region where programme is available | International (e.g. distance learning) / All international; United Kingdom / Countrywide |
| Area of Ministry and Focus | Pastoral Encouragement and Counselling / Pastoral Care and Counselling; Pastoral Encouragement and Counselling / Children's Ministry; Caring for People and the World / Caring for Children and the Vulnerable |
| Residential/Non Residential | Non Residential |
| Full-time or Part-time | Part-time |
| Level | Certificate |
| Cost Range | Variable according to means |
| Actual Cost | Varies in each country |
| Bursaries/scholarships available | No |
| Actual Length | Varies depending on how intensively studied |
| Average hours of study per week | 0 |
| Methods of instruction | This course is designed for those preparing for, or already involved in, ministry with children. It provides tools that enable the student to relate to children, and understand Community Health issues. The materials support learning and help the student promote Community Health with children. |
| Percentage of time spent in formal learning (e.g. lectures, structured reading, work-books, etc.) | 50% |
| Percentage of time spent on non-formal skill-based learning (e.g. learning on the job and supervised practice, etc.) | 30% |
| Percentage of time spent in informal unstructured learning (e.g. prayer times, teamwork). | 20% |
| Average number of students who take the programme per year (or, if this is a new programme, the number who can be accommodated) | 0 |
| Prerequisite Programmes | None, although it is beneficial to follow the Feed My Lambs programme before taking this programme |
| Other Prerequisites | This course is for Christian believers. |
| Qualifications gained | |
| Qualifications this programme is part of | |
| Programme Accredited by | ECTE (Europe) |
| Other Accrediting Bodies |
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