211576 Lessons learned from UNICEF international experience on communicating with children

Monday, November 9, 2009: 8:50 AM

Barbara Koluchi, MA , UNICEF, Dalton, PA
Dafna Lemish, PhD , Center on Media and Child Health, Childrens Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School and UNICEF, Boston, MA
Communication with children has been taking on an increasing role in communication for development. There have been many innovative efforts in developing communication strategies, media and materials in support of several key program and focus areas including: early childhood development, child protection, emergency response to children, HIV/AIDS and all aspects of health hygiene. This presentation will focus on two broad areas: 1) Guidelines based on international research and experience on what is most appropriate, inclusive and effective for children of different age groups – with emphasis on reaching the most vulnerable children and families. 2) Examples from several UNICEF Country Offices (COs) and other international settings on a process of capacity building used in support of programs that are aimed at ensuring sustainability and local ownership. Several media and materials for children and caregivers will be shared.Examples include Myanmar, South Africa, Indonesia, Vietnam, Egypt and Turkmenistan.

Learning Objectives:
At the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to: 1. Discuss key strategies and guidelines to reach children from vulnerable populations and families; 2. List select examples of materials, capacity building efforts and programs intended for children and professionals who may be able to reach them.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: academic training and experience in area
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.