Title: The very young as agents of change.

POPLINE Document Number: 081243

Author(s):

Morley D

Source citation:

WORLD HEALTH FORUM, 1993;14(1):23-4.

Abstract:

Empirical research in many countries has found that girl's primary school education has contributed to lower infant mortality, better nutrition, and birth spacing. Primary school education for girls is a better predictor of health than the level of health services or other factors. The aim of primary education should be to prepare students by giving them the skills and attitudes necessary to function in society. Encouragement should be given to develop confidence in one's self and continue with education past the primary level. Schools should also prepare students to deal with health problems. The Child-to-Child Trust publications provide information on health issues. There are activity sheets which help to examine common problems. An example is given of how information on diarrhea treatment can be turned into a useful exercise in mathematics by surveying the community on incidence of diarrhea among bottle fed versus breast fed babies. Children can estimate the costs of bottle feeding, which is related to a higher incidence of diarrhea, and set up an action plan to promote better health practices. The Trust also has begun to rewrite texts in such a manner as to incorporate learning about primary health care. For instance, the integration of health issues into mathematics might include statistical information on immunization and oral rehydration therapy. The nature of the communication is important; messages should be practically displayed. Rapid breathing in babies, which is a sign of pneumonia, might be demonstrated with a pendulum (a stone attached to a piece of string and swung back and forth). A 2-meter-long pendulum swings at the breathing rate of adults and older children; a 1-meter-long pendulum swings at the rate of 30 times a minute, or the rate at which a healthy baby breathes. A baby with pneumonia breathes at the same rate at which a 35-centimeter-long pendulum swings. The Trust is a resource center for those interested in creating children's programs.

Keywords:

Developing Countries
Developed Countries
Child
Primary Schools
Curriculum
Health Education
Students
Teachers
Quality of Life
Youth
Age Factors
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Schools
Education
Social Welfare
Economic Factors