HOPE Workshop on RCH, Adolescent Health and Menstrual Education

On 25^th May 2024, the Mukti HOPE project team organized a staff capacity-building training on Reproductive Child Health (RCH), Adolescent Health, and Menstrual Education at the Mukti City Office, Garia, Kolkata. 18 participants including HOPE project members and Mukti field staff participated in the workshop. The primary objectives of this training program were to improve participants’ understanding of maternal and child health, adolescent health, and menstrual health by dispelling myths and misconceptions. The curriculum focused on ensuring mothers’ and children’s health and well-being from pregnancy through adulthood, addressing adolescent health concerns, and promoting proper menstrual health and hygiene.

Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) – The session started with the pivotal role of Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) with a focus on ensuring safe births and healthy development to enhance overall maternal and child well-being. During the training program, participants engaged in an interactive group work session, dividing into three groups to explore critical topics related to Maternal Health During Pregnancy and Post-Pregnancy, Nutritional Support During Pregnancy – Dos and Don’ts – and The Role of NGOs in Addressing RCH. Delving into the phases of RCH-I and RCH-II, participants examined challenges encompassing gender norms and discrimination, misinformation, rural accessibility issues, and maternal and child malnutrition. In response, proposed solutions centered on promoting gender equality through educational initiatives, destigmatizing reproductive health, implementing comprehensive sex education programs, bolstering healthcare infrastructure in rural areas, and providing crucial nutrition education.

Adolescent Health – The training underscored the criticality of adolescent health, highlighting prevalent issues such as nutritional deficiencies, early pregnancy, lack of sexual health education, mental health challenges, and risky behaviors. During this session, body mapping was utilized to illustrate the developmental changes as individuals grow older. The team was divided into two groups, each assigned an outline representing either a boy or a girl. Participants from each group discussed the observed changes in the body. Various prevention measures were recommended, including promoting balanced diets, comprehensive sex education, school-based counseling services, and anti-drug campaigns aiming to support adolescents in making informed decisions and promoting overall well-being.

Menstrual Health – Participants were educated on menstrual biology, dispelling myths and emphasizing menstrual hygiene practices and management of menstrual discomfort. Creating a supportive environment and advocating for menstrual health education and facilities were highlighted. During the group work session, participants were divided into two groups. Each group was assigned a topic: “Do’s during menstruation” and “Don’ts during menstruation.” One group focused on identifying myths associated with the “Don’ts,” while the other group outlined the “Do’s.”

The training program effectively covered the essential aspects of RCH, adolescent health, and menstruation. It provided participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to improve health outcomes in their communities. By addressing challenges and offering practical solutions, the program aimed to empower participants to promote comprehensive health and well-being for mothers, children, and adolescents. The inclusion of participant experiences and expert clarifications added depth and real-world relevance to the training, enhancing its impact and applicability.

The training program concluded with a post-assessment questionnaire identical to the pre-assessment. This was essential for evaluating the effectiveness of the training by measuring any changes in knowledge or understanding gained throughout the program.

Gallery link: https://muktiweb.org/gallery/album/mukti-organized-comprehensive-training-on-reproductive-child-health-rch-adolescent-health-and-menstruation