Healthcare workers within the project’s catchment area came for a four day session. The specific aim of the workshop was to break down the barrier of authority between healthcare workers and patients or communities – to create a “user-friendly” model of interactive teaching, rather than a paternalistic or “preachy” approach. We also sought to overcome prudery on the part of the healthcare workers.

We felt this modest effort to be a success, as Penny had positive feedback from several attendees, including Dr. Adelina Daniel. Dr. Swai has continued to use the cut-outs and interactive approach in workshops with communities, both on his own and working side-by-side with Penny.

For the past ten years, we have held annual STD workshops in both Magadini and Wosiwosi. Andrew’s images are placed on a blanket, side of a Land Rover or blackboard in a way that involves the group, asking who characters might be, who they might be related to, what their lives might be like, and through discussion, develop narrative around current behaviors, alternative behaviors, and changes that might occur to behavior with additional education and knowledge.

Responding to requests from the community and our own insights, we developed modules addressing anaemia, rabies, fluoride poisoning, dehydration and diarrhea treatment and prevents, hygiene and health, eye care, immunizations, the correct way to take prescription medicines, treatment of burns, Kangaroo care - all using extra picture material, designed by Andrew.

Responding to request and community concern about high maternal mortality, Penny held an introductory workshop with women and their TBAs in 2016. Based on this, she and Andrew developed further materials for a five-day workshop for eight TBAs held in 2017, with a focus on identifying high risk mothers for evacuation. In 2018, in addition to follow-up feedback and training, we donated eight Maternova Cradle Devices to the TBAs. These simple sphygmomanometers are to assist in the early diagnosis by TBAs of high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia.

Again, at the request of the communities, we produced Family Planning. The initial roll out included a questionnaire for men, focusing on their understanding of contraceptive methods, their ideas about family finances, and their social concerns around family planning. We developed the “Role of the Girl Child” cutout series for men to discuss the alternative futures available for their daughters.

Ace spread-headed regional efforts to educate people about the Corona virus, and asked Natron Healthcare to design materials appropriate for Masai. In addition to a series of cut outs, we also worked with the Flying Medical Service to deliver in-person education about the virus to communities around Lake Natron.