The Communication Initiative
Development action with informed and engaged societies
The Communication Initiative
After nearly 28 years, The Communication Initiative (The CI) Global is entering a new chapter. Following a period of transition, the global website has been transferred to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa, where it will be administered by the Social and Behaviour Change Communication Division. Wits' commitment to social change and justice makes it a trusted steward for The CI's legacy and future.
 
Co-founder Victoria Martin is pleased to see this work continue under Wits' leadership. Victoria knows that co-founder Warren Feek (1953–2024) would have felt deep pride in The CI Global's Africa-led direction.
 
We honour the team and partners who sustained The CI for decades. Meanwhile, La Iniciativa de Comunicación (CILA) continues independently at cila.comminitcila.com and is linked with The CI Global site.
Time to read
1 minute
Print
a- a+
Published 15 years ago
Last updated 3 years ago
Read so far

Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation (PHAST)

0 comments

According to NETWAS International, the promotion of hygiene and sanitation has traditionally been based on directives, training and guidelines targeting individuals and households. However, these messages rarely led to significant improvement in hygiene behaviour. The poor state of top down didactic approaches has had little impact in encouraging communities to change their behaviours. To counter this problem there is a need to use participatory methods.

Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation or PHAST is a participatory approach that has the ultimate goal to improve the health and living conditions of the poor. PHAST uses visual tools and techniques to stimulate the participation of community members in the promotion of improved hygiene and sanitation. Through the improvement of people's understanding of water–sanitation and hygiene–health relationships, PHAST seeks to enhance permanent changes in hygiene behaviour and community involvement. In addition, the understanding and involvement of community members form a sound basis for sustainable community management of water sanitation facilities, in terms of operation and maintenance.

The objectives of this training are:

  • to introduce participants to the principles and facilitation of PHAST;
  • to build capacity in interactive participatory facilitation skills as well as build the capacities of the participants; and
  • to design a monitoring and evaluation tool which can be adopted and used in their communities for positive hygiene and sanitation behaviour change.

Click here for more information about the course.

Application Information

This course is designed for management and field staff of community-based organisations (CBOs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), government bodies, and development partners. It is also intended for public health officers, health managers, and community health workers who want to improve their impact on the ground and develop sustainable sanitation interventions. Head teachers and teachers in charge of health clubs or WASH clubs are also encouraged to participate.

Click here to apply for the training.

Date