A very successful Middle School IEC Programme which has resulted in 65% behvaiour change regarding healthier, more nutritive diet with locally available fruit and vegetables within the family.
When community behaviour is hardened by centuries old custom and tradition, behaviour change through evidence based time tested success stories fails. This is what we learned in the Aspirational District of Yadgir.
Seasonal local vegetables and fruits are in plenty and quite affordable but families and members of all age groups consume only rice and dal for all meals. Because their ancestors consumed the same and so do all the neighbours.
Educational levels are low among women and men and illiteracy levels are high.
In such a socioeconomic environment, we learnt that the most influential agents of behaviour change in a family are the children, and behaviour change comes best through spreading awareness among young girls and boys.
It is they who can convince their parents about the importance of a diversified diet, and why eating the affordable vegetables and fruits available in their own villages is good for everyone’s health and wellbeing.
It was also noticed that a vast majority of children wore no footwear.
We were informed that the middle school children from classes 4 to 7 are generally not included in any special extra-curricular programmes.
After completing successful awareness programmes for the high school students, which according to the Impact Assessment created around 60 percent behaviour change, we created a special animation film for middle school students for special awareness programmes for them “ಚಿಣ್ಣರ ಆಟ, ಪಾಠ, ಊಟ ಚಿಣ್ಣರ ಭವಿಷ್ಯ- Children’s Future: Play, Learn, Eat Healthy”
Our field partner BAIF conducted this programme in 20 schools with film screenings, distribution of IEC materials, interesting games and riddles, question and answer sessions ending up with a healthy snack of bananas and peanut jaggery bar (Chikki)
Parents, Media and Panchayat members also participated. From early feedback it is seen that the students were extremely enthusiastic and very excited about the programme and participated with great interest and curiosity. We are also thankful to local media for their support and participation
The parents also appreciated the programme and admitted that due to the daily responsibilities they are not able to take more care at the children’s food and consumption of junk food is increasing.
But mostly it was the teachers who were appreciative for the first time intervention.
Detailed Impact Assessment in under way.
2nd Phase IEC and Behaviour Change through students of Middle School
An Animation Film ” ಚಿಣ್ಣರ ಆಟ, ಪಾಠ, ಊಟ ಚಿಣ್ಣರ ಭವಿಷ್ಯ- Children’s Future: Play, Learn, Eat Healthy”, specially made for children.
Link for film: https://youtu.be/aPUjMjhkh3c.
The programme has started in the villages of Aldal and Sugur of Shorapur Taluk, and has been very well received by the school authorities and students.
Anganwadi workers and Panchayat staff have also attended.
Very positive coverage by the local media
Link for media: https://www.publicvibe.com/
