--------------------------------------------------- Regional Training of Trainers course in Reproductive Health with spe- cial emphasis on Family Planning 54th Course (Anglophone): 19 May - 27 Jun 55th Course (Francophone): 22 Sep - 31 Oct INTRODUCTION The Regional Training Programme for Reproductive Health with special emphasis on Family Planning is supported by the Government of Mauri- tius, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other international agencies. OBJECTIVES To contribute to the health and socio-economic development in Africa and the region by improving the Reproductive Health (RH) status of the population through the provision of Training of Trainers pro- grammes for Reproductive Health. EXPERIENCE The Mauritius Institute of Health which has inherited the structures of the previous Regional Training Centre in Family Health set up by UNFPA in collaboration with WHO, has been organising national and in- ternational courses in the field of Reproductive Health since 1982. To date 53 courses have been conducted and more than 1200 health pro- fessionals comprising physicians, nurses, nurse/midwives and tutors from 44 countries of Africa and countries outside the region such as Maldives and Nepal, have been trained. In its endeavour to guarantee the quality of training and to constantly raise its standard, the Project calls upon national and international consultants. In this field it also enlists the collaboration of national and international organisations. Apart from the TOT courses the Programme organises tailor-made courses and study tours on specific aspects of RH/FP for health pro- fessionals from several countries. In response to requests, the Programme has provided technical support in the organisation of in-country courses in Comores, Madagascar, Seychelles and Tchad to meet specific needs of those countries. LOCATION AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND The courses are conducted at the Mauritius Institute of Health in Pamplemousses, Mauritius. This island known as the 'Star and Key of the Indian Ocean' is a favourite tourist destination. The cultural diversity, bilingualism and hospitality of its people on the one hand, and its political stability and economic progress on the other, make it an ideal environment for visitors. Furthermore, the success of its FP programme (winner of the UN Gold Medal Award 1990), makes of it a priviledged venue for training in matters relating to RH. TRAINING OF TRAINERS FOR REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH WITH EMPHASIS ON FAMILY PLANNING While strengthening competencies in Reproductive Health, this train- ing of trainers course in its present version places particular em- phasis on the development of competencies in Educational Methodology that will enable the participants to play a leading role in the de- sign, implementation and evaluation of relevant training programmes in their own countries. COURSE CONTENT The six-week course consists of two integrated and complementary mod- ules: Module 1: Reproductive Health * Concept, rationale and component of reproductive health * Safe motherhood * Youth / Adolescent Reproductive Health * Abortion: Prevention and Management of complications * Diseases of the Reproductive tract * STDs, HIV/AIDS * Infertility * Reproductive Health Services for refugees and displaced people * Gender issues * Traditional practices * Quality of care * FP methods: Natural methods, Barrier, Chemical, Intrauterine de- vices, Hormonal contraception and Surgical methods * Counselling * Family Planning in Mauritius Module 2: Educational Methodology * Communication skills * Group dynamics * Learning needs assessment * Task analysis * Educational Objectives * Teaching/learning methods: project, lecture, self-directed and con- tract learning, problem-based learning, group discussion, demon- stration, role play and panel discussion * Teaching/learning aids * Measurement of learning: cognitive and psychomotor and affective domains * Lesson planning * Component skills in teaching * Instructor evaluation * Curriculum planning * Organisation and management of a training programme * Evaluation of a training programme ELECTIVES During this placement in health and educational centres, participants are given the opportunity to attain specific objectives in areas of personal need through the implementation of a learning contract. COUNTRY TRAINING PROJECTS In parallel with the different steps in instructional design and edu- cational planning, as they are addressed and mastered during the course, participants grouped in country teams, elaborate a country training course focused on a priority country need in reproductive health. Participants are encouraged to identify those country needs in collaboration with local authorities, prior to their departure for Mauritius. METHODOLOGY The learner-centered approach favoured in this course gives ample op- portunity to participants to adopt an active role in their learning and empowers them for life-long education. A wide range of methods adapted to reproductive health training is modelled with appropriate use of teaching learning aids throughout the course. A feature of this course is an initiation to information technology and to the Internet as a learning resource in a well-equipped com- puter laboratory at participants' disposal throughout the course. EVALUATION Evaluation comprises two components: 1. Evaluation of content, facilitators, methodology and organisation of the course by the participants 2. Assessment of participants by the professional staff on the achievement of learning objectives in theoretical knowledge, teaching skills and their application to training activities. A pre-test is administered at the beginning of the course to assess the level of pre-requisite skills to the course, and to identify the strengths and weaknesses of participants in relation to the course content so that areas requiring special emphasis can be determined. A post-test administered at the end of the course is one of several tools used for assessment of learning. PROFILE OF PARTICIPANT The course is designed for health professionals from different disci- plines, who are directly and actively involved in training or train- ing administration for reproductive health. They include members of in-service training teams, supervisors / programme managers, lectur- ers / tutors in professional (medical, nursing and midwifery) schools. This approach mirrors the multidisciplinary nature of pri- mary health care and encourages mutual professional understanding and the sharing of experiences. Participants should have undergone basic training in family planning / contraceptive technology for a minimum of 2 months duration after their primary professional training. COURSE CALENDAR The calendar for the year 2003 is as follows: 54th Course (Anglophone): 19 May - 27 Jun 55th Course (Francophone): 22 Sep - 31 Oct TRAINING COSTS The tuition fees of each participant is US$ 2,500. Sponsoring agencies will be also responsible for the travel arrange- ments of participants and the living allowance for the time spent in Mauritius. Those agencies will be expected to provide participants with the airline ticket as well as an advance in foreign currency for the days spent in transit for both legs of journey. The living allowances for each participant is calculated according to the UN stipend rate for Mauritius. EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES During the course, a series of socio-cultural activities are organ- ised to enable participants to visit sites in Mauritius and appreci- ate local folk music. ACCOMMODATION Participants are booked in hotels or hostels of their choice in the vicinity of the Institute. Transport is provided between their place of accommodation and the Institute. PROGRAMME A LA CARTE Apart from the series of Training of Trainers Courses for Reproduc- tive Health, the programme offers other types of services, according to the specific needs of the countries of the region. For example, in-country courses in Reproductive Health/Family Planning, have been conducted in various countries. Those are a condensed version of the six-week Training of Trainers Course modified to meet their specific needs. FUNDING Participants are generally nominated by their governments. Financial sponsorship is available from international agencies operating in the health and population fields such as the UNFPA and the WHO. However, other potential sources of funding are: German Technical Corporation, World Bank, UNICEF, Family Guidance Association of Ethiopia, Ministry of Health, Save the Children Fund, International Planned Parenthood Federation, UNHCR, Margaret Sanger, KIT Royal Tropical Institute, JHPIEGO, EDF, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), SADC among others. HOW TO APPLY Prospective candidates are invited to submit their applications di- rectly to the Mauritius Institute of Health and apply for sponsorship to potential agencies. Application forms and further information can be obtained upon re- quest from: Executive Director Mauritius Institute of Health Regional Training Programme for Reproductive Health Powder Mill Pamplemousses Mauritius Tel: +230-243-4268 / +230-243-3772 / +230-243-3698 Fax: +230-243-4014 / +230-243-3270 mailto:indumih@intnet.mu mailto:mihealth@intnet.mu http://ncb.intnet.mu/mih/index.htm