Steps
1) Preparation is key to having a successful session. As part of preparation, you need to ensure
a. You have all the required supplies to carry out an effective demonstration and enable community members to practice.
b. Have some flip charts that can be used for recording questions and/ or statements from the community.
c. Have a list of the steps to be followed in the demonstration written out which will be displayed during the sessions. (See Annex 7 for messages when conducting nutrition demonstrations.)
d. Prepare hand-out in advance for sharing and carry enough copies. If possible, carry extra instead of an exact number.
e. Ensure all gadgets you will need are fully charged and have back-up in case they will not work in the community.
2) Carry out the demonstration session as follows:
a. Set expectations with the community members and agree on the same.
b. Provide explicit directions as you are demonstrating the task.
c. After the demonstration, provide an opportunity for people to ask questions and if requested, repeat the exercise.
d. Divide the participants into smaller groups and provide them with an opportunity to practice what they have learnt. Provide feedback to each group as they carry out the activity.
e. At the end of the session, come up with an action plan on the implementation of the activity.
Remember
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You should be able to anticipate any questions that the community members will ask and have answers ready.
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Demonstrations can be part of a health education session during an outreach or at the clinic waiting area
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Be aware of communities daily activities to identify optimal times for demonstrations
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Demonstrate what is needed and of interest to the community
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Be an opportunist- utilize community events, gatherings, outreach and other activities to maximize opportunities for demonstrations’
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Be a role-model- remember to follow the activities you demonstrate in your daily life
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Maximize use of local resources during demonstrations e.g. encouraging community to bring food for cooking demonstrations