If we were to describe the training we did in Mazan in one word it might be "phenomenal." The Llachapa group called theirs "powerful." Both of these quite accurately describe the events that took place over the last four days.
Upon arrival to the trainings, the health promoters from all over the District of Mazan were introduced to one another and had a chance to play some ice breakers where it became evident, not just to the CU Peru trainers but also to the other promoters, that we were all surrounded by some very diverse and interesting individuals. For the entire afternoon and on through the evening, everyone was very upbeat and eager for the trainings.
The second day began with a pre-test which assessed a variety of health promotion and triage skills including checking vital signs, diagnosing diarrhea and treating dehydration. Many of us began to worry that we had set ourselves up for a major challenge. Many of the promoters had never used a stethoscope before, and had trouble understanding the difference between a pulse and respiratory rate, and many were counting seconds instead of the heartbeat (everyone’s pulse was 60, suspiciously). During the next two days the student facilitators taught fifteen one- hour long lessons, most starting with a large group introduction to the topic followed by small group break-out sessions. It was not until the post-test that we were able to see exactly how well the trainings had gone. The results are astounding. The improvements in knowledge in just two days of trainings were quite overwhelming.
Perhaps the best part of the trainings was the promoters’ attitude throughout the entire process. Nearly all brought an intense eagerness to learn. And it wasn’t just learning that the promoters did, it was teaching too. There was a wide variety of promoter skill and experience, and it was heartwarming to see the experienced ones share what they had learned in past trainings or through experience with the newer ones. Beyond teaching each other, they also taught us. They were eager to help us expanding our vocabulary and improve our accents, in a helpful but never condescending way that seems to be a specialty of Peruvians. We all know that immersion is the best way to learn a language, but we had not imagined that during these trainings we would each have five tutors genuinely interested in helping us refine our Spanish.
Another aspect of their attitude that blew us away was their collegiality with one another. Never once did we see the students getting annoyed with those who spoke too much. Everyone got their chance to speak their thoughts, especially in the small groups. They all remained respectful, friendly and caring of each other thoughts and learning. The overall mood was relaxed, no doubt facilitated by the few jokesters among the group. One of the goals of our training was to help form a network of promoters to help and support each other, and it was evident that these trainings did exactly that.
After the training, we all agreed that we have never worked with a group of individuals who were more grateful than these promoters. They were so motivated to participate - many of them traveled for up to six hours to get to the trainings, and most were missing three days of work. They were also unbelievably appreciative for our time, teaching, and tools we had given them. They took special care of their stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs and thermometers, with many promoters even disassembling their stethoscopes and placing each part in their respective plastic bags before placing them back into their satchels.
The last day was the most emotional. Each trainer had formed a tight bond with their small group members, and the promoters had made good friends with one another. At the closing ceremony, each promoter was given a certificate that stating that they had attended the CU Peru training, and with those in hand, each went from trainer to trainer, thanking us and giving both hugs and handshakes. Many of them requested pictures of their group with their group leaders, and with their new friends. It was certainly a moving event.
A huge thanks goes out to the mayor of the District of Mazan, Dr. Edward Reátegui Salas, his lieutenant mayor Dardo, and their municipal office for helping arrange the lodging, food and transportation for the promotors and trainers, a huge feat in an area where villages were hours by boat from the trainings and participants had to be scattered among 3 hostels (in Mazan) and in hammocks and on the floor of the schoolhouse and gazebos (in Llachapa). Dr. Edward made powerful appearances at both the Mazan and Llachapa trainings (the latter a 3 hour boat ride away), to congratulate the promoters and reinforce their key roles in the advancement of health in their communities. His gratitute towards us also showed how his office, in addition to the promoters, truly valued our presence in Peru.
An even larger thank you goes out to our donors and supporters in the United States. Thanks so much for your belief in our vision and your support of our project. As you can see from the few pictures here (and in the many that will be uploaded in the coming weeks) your generosity enabled us to provide the medical equipment, including stethoscopes, thermometers, blood pressure cuffs, the promoter lodging, transportation and food, and the curriculum materials that made this training a success. On behalf of the promoters and the villages they serve, thank you.
-The entire CU Peru Team!
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