The purpose of this presentation is to describe the landmark health education program conducted in Vietnam. This program, the first of its kind in Vietnam is lifesaving health education in action. The overall goal of the program was to increase knowledge and improve beahvior about the dangers of landmines and unexploded ordnances (UXOs). A school-based health education curriculum for mine awareness was designed, implemented and evaluated. The primary benefits of the program will be measured in lives, legs, arms and eyes saved. By assisting the children and families of Quang Tri to recognize and avoid the dangers of landmines and UXOs, they will be able to live, work, and play more safely.
James Madison University helped officials in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam plan implement and evaluate a three-phase program to address landmine and UXO problems. Phase I involved the development of educational materials for a landmine education center that was constructed near the former DMZ. Phase II involved conducting a needs assessment of the knowledge of children and families about the dangers of landmines/UXOs. Educational materials and a curriculum were developed based on the needs assessment results. Phase III included training Vietnamese teachers to disseminate and evaluate the curriculum.
While the location, subject matter and political environment are somewhat unique, the planning procedures for conducting this program followed standard health planning steps designed to produce valid, reliable results to improve the health of the children and families of Quang Tri Province, Vietnam.
Learning Objectives: Following the presentation the audience will be able to identify: 1.The significance and magnitude of the problem of landmines and unexploded ordnance in Vietnam. 2.Elements and procedures involved in the needs assessment conducted for this project. 3. Procedures used in developing culturally sensitive health education materials. 4. Ongoing evaluation methodology utilized for the delevelopment and revision of educational materials and procedures. 5. Varied methods of evaluation used to assess attainment of the project's goal and objectives . 6. Collaboration procedures used for a successful school-based health education project with community-wide support
Keywords: School Health, International Public Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: This project is the result of a U.S. Department of State-Humanitarian Demining Program grant. It was conducted by James Madison University in conjuction with the support and participation of officials of Quang Tri Province, Vietnam
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.