Advances in Family Health and Social Communication

Workshop Content
The Bangladesh Center for Communication Programs (BCCP) conducts the Advances in Family Health and Social Communication Workshop annually for decision-makers to promote more effective, state-of-the-art communication programs. Designed for a select group of program managers, this twelve-day advanced workshop explores the essential elements of successful communication programs in family planning reproductive and child health, STI/RTI and HIV/AIDS. The workshop’s highly participatory approach is designed to help participants develop effective advocacy, social mobilization and program communication strategies.

The workshop draws extensively from the work of BCCP, various Johns Hopkins University/Population Communication Service (JHU/PCS) programs and other regional projects. Though analysis of actual case studies, participants strengthen their ability to implement dynamic communication programs. Participants are introduced to innovative way of developing, implementing and evaluation Information, Education and Communication(IEC) programs.

Topics to be covered
• Advocacy: Effectively using information channels such as press, radio and television as well as person-to-person fora for gaining political and social support for programs.
• Social mobilization: Involving all feasible and practical social partners and managing their contributions.
• Behavior Change: Determining major factors that stimulate people to change behavior.
• Program communication as a process: Following basic principles in designing communication programs with emphasis on formative research.
• Effective message design: Using state-of-the-art practices in designing communication messages.
• Strategic thinking: Using strategic thinking to develop communication components in programs.
• Enter-educate: Creatively using entertainment for social change.
• Evaluation design: Identifying key issues and problems in evaluating communication programs.
• Communication strategy design through SCOPE: A computer-based planning tool.
• Population Information Online (POPLINE): Effective use and implementation.

Material is presented by examining a variety of case studies and learning from each other. Participants share their own experiences and exchange views in a participatory environment. Participants will be taken to the field to gain experience from ongoing projects. Multimedia presentations and computer-based simulation exercises are also planned.

Participants
Senior to mid-level decision-makers and program managers whose programs include information, education and communication components with fluency in English.

While special expertise in communication is not required for participants, a strong commitment to effective communication program is expected. Admission to the workshop will be highly selective.

Further detail would be available on request at the following address:

A. K. Shafiqur Rahman
Deputy Director (HRD & Trg.)
BCCP
HOUSE # 3A, ROAD # 74, GULSHAN-2, DHAKA-1212
Tel : 9893362, 9891354, Fax: (880-2) 8854512
E-mail : srahman@bangladesh-ccp.org