Volar (Flying) – Changing the beginning of the story to change the whole story)
More and more, there is growing and better evidence on how to make sure that childcare and parenting practices at home are adequate and of good quality. But this evidence requires new programs so that it can be put to use. Volar is an innovative project that utilizes evidence on Early Childhood Development and behavioral sciences to promote healthy children’s growth and strong emotional ties with their caregivers. In addition to using home visits strategies, the program also uses text messages, radio spots, and educational videos to disseminate content on the importance of emotional ties, as well as on good hygiene habits and adequate utilization of water. Volar was modeled on successful experiences taken from other contexts, with materials and strategies adapted to Peru’s environment.
Problematic
In Peru, less than half the 9 to 12 months old girls and boys have adequate interactions with their mothers, fathers, or caregivers. Only one-third of the children between 13-18 months of age have verbal communication levels that are adequate for their age. In addition, only 31% of homes with access to water consume water containing the right amount of chlorine to prevent water-borne diseases. These statistics shed light on a major problem: an urgent need for integral early childhood development strategies that ensure access to safe water and hygiene, inform the central role of mothers and fathers, and strengthen emotional links within families.
Solution
Volar presents a model based on two pillars: One, Crecer Mejor (Growing Better) promotes quality interaction between girls and boys and their caregivers through workshops where the abilities of community caregivers and the effectiveness of home visits are strengthened; childrearing tutorial videos are shown to parents on tablets; text messages are sent to mothers and fathers providing childrearing information; and radio spots are used to disseminate activities that help with children’s development. The second pillar, Agua Segura (Safe Water), fosters adequate girls’ and boys’ physical growth by improving knowledge, habits, and attitudes in the areas of water, sanitation, and hygiene. It also consists of four interventions: a program for initial schools oriented to improve hygiene-related information and habits; sanitation education in neighborhoods and home visits; family fairs; and strengthening community organizations management for the water system’s upkeep and operation.
Evaluation and Impact
Between September 2019 and January 2020, a pilot test was conducted to evaluate the ways of approaching the families and the usefulness and relevance of the materials used. During this pilot 94 community actors were trained, and 600 homes and 1,150 children benefited. The next phase will seek to make some adjustments to the model and scale up the project based on the lessons learned at the pilot stage.