Advocacy

You might not find us creating policy, but advocacy through education and through the community health workers is integral to what we do! CHWs advocate for anyone in their community who needs to be uplifted. Whether it’s a sick client, a child unenrolled in school, or a pregnant mother, CHWs are the backbone of advocacy at HealthEd Connect.

Educating the Next Generation

By making education accessible to children in rural, low-income communities in Zambia, HealthEd Connect advocates for affordable education, manageable class sizes, and accessible food for all students. We also sponsor vocational programs at the schools: woodworking, sewing, cooking, and technology programs are all in process at our schools in Zambia. Our Girls Achievement Program (GAP) provides scholarships so that girls can attend high school. When funds are limited, girls are left behind in education, as families opt to send boys to school instead. However, studies show that educated women share their knowledge, uplifting their families, communities, and countries! It’s incredibly important to us that the girls in the communities we serve are afforded every opportunity for advancement.

Through the GAP program in Zambia, and educational meetings hosted by CHWs in Nepal, girls are taught about female development and self-care. And they’re also encouraged to remove the stigma associated with menstruation. Girls attending the meetings learn about menstrual cycles and how to sew reusable sanitary pads so they can be in control and not have to miss school.

Educating Caregivers

In Malawi, where many children experience malnutrition and stunted growth, CHWs educate caregivers about child nutrition and sanitation. Many guardians want to take the best care of their children, but just haven’t been given the knowledge to do so. CHWs provide monitoring for the first three years of a child’s life, giving three years worth of support to caregivers as they learn.

Educating Community Heroes

In 2018, HealthEd Connect team members advocated for further opportunities for our CHWs- several health workers had expressed interest in completing their high school education, pursuing a nursing career, or improving literacy. The Community Health Worker Development Fund began, and has been the most utilized program to date. Health Workers from all 4 countries can now apply for funds to pursue a variety of goals. Some CHWs have taken culinary classes or sewing classes and now teach students at our schools in Zambia. CHWs can complete education that had been left unfinished and open opportunities that may not have been available before.