6-4
5. Welcoming community participation in the training course. People from the
village or neighborhood can be involved not only in planned activities, but in a casual
way, even in the classroom.
Here are some possibilities:
• Open door policy. Some community-based programs make a point of leaving
classroom doors and windows open at all times to everyone. Mothers, fathers,
farm workers, children, and especially teenagers often wander in or sit in
windows to watch what is going on. The use of colorful, active teaching aids,
role plays, and simple language to explore new ideas sparks the people’s
interest. Sometimes their opinions are asked, or they are invited to take part in
role plays, games, or demonstrating teaching aids.
The ‘open door’ approach to classes for health workers
can sometimes cause confusion, but it has many rewards.
(For an explanation of the teaching aids shown here, see
pages 11-30 and 26-6.)