BY ALLISON KOZICHAROW AND BERNICE BORN
WiRED International’s Certificate Program continues to attract community members in Kisumu, Kenya. Recently, 62 people earned certificates for completing modules from WiRED’s Health Learning Center of more than 380 topics. Among the more popular modules are HIV/AIDS Basic Information and Treatment, Malaria, Malaria for Health Workers, Family Planning, STIs and Asthma.
The ceremony drew families and friends of the graduates, and every participant received a certificate and a handshake. Graduates came from every walk of life in the community and included a farmer, a mechanic, teachers, business people and accountants. Eighteen of the graduates were medical students who added to their studies by using the modules. Twenty-three of the graduates were teenagers who had spent hours studying at the Faye F. and Sheldon S. Cohen Community Health Information Center and at the Obunga Community Health Information Center, both in Kisumu.
In 2014, 28 people earned certificates, and in 2015, 49 people earned them. Of the 62 graduates this year, 16 people earned gold certificates for completing 25 modules, 20 earned silver certificates for completing 15 modules, and 26 earned entry-level bronze certificates for completing at least five modules.
The Certificate Program encourages community members to study modules which they select, and, when they are ready, to take a comprehensive exam on the material. To qualify, they must pass with an 80% mark or better. Certificates are not offered as accreditation; their purpose is to confirm successful completion of the training programs.
These programs, which seek to involve the entire community in health education, draw a varied group of people. Community immunity relies on having a broad base of people who are aware of health issues, and this group of certificate earners demonstrates the success of that idea, as they advance the quiet work of prevention.
Recipients of WiRED International’s Community Health Education Certificates
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GOLD SILVER |
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BRONZE |
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