We were delighted to have sufficient response to justify another Introductory Course on the CHC Approach which was held from 26th – 30th April 2021. This was the first time we used the online Learning Platform for the materials and presentation and participants could follow the presentation on their own screen and access all course material each day. This included a recommended reading from our peer reviewed papers.
We had 20 participants from Transform International, of which 17 were in Malawi, with representatives of local Water Committees, with the Directors joining from Canada and USA. We also had most of the Africa AHEAD team form Zimbabwe which numbered 38 in total, of which 28 are relatively new staff in the organisation, whilst our seasoned officers, some of whom have been with us since 1999 were able to offer their first hand experience to address some of the questions. This was a team building exercise to ensure the vision of Africa AHEAD is maintained into the next generation.
We also welcomed high level participation from AMCOW (African Ministers Council of Water) and a United Purpose official from Malawi and Rotarians from South Africa and Canada. Two of our new Trustees from Zimbabwe also joined the conversation.
All in all it was a varied and highly participatory experience with songs from each Country being shared with a lack of restraint not usually expected on a Zoom Call. ‘Women are coming around the Corner,’ proved to be an anthem appropriate for our theme of Community building and the empowerment of women through Community Health Clubs.