Bagalkot learning site
KHPT has developed the project in Bagalkot as a learning site for comprehensive HIV prevention and care at the district level. Centre for Advocacy and Research has supported KHPT in this process.
The vision of NACP III for vulnerable populations is to scale up interventions among high risk groups with the presumption that increased awareness, skills building, changes in attitude and behavior, and social change through communication, community mobilization and advocacy, will result in adoption and maintenance of safe behaviors and reduction of HIV risk and vulnerability.
The Bagalkot Learning Site (BLS) offers curriculum’s based on the need of the learners. There are three separate modules
1) Link worker module – reaching out to rural general population.
2) Peer led rural targeted intervention – Experience of Chaitanya Mahila Sangha and
3) Continuum of care module – experience of Jeevana Jyothi Network (JJ).
Before launching the district as learning site we rolled out the modules and got critical comments from peers who came from across the country. Institutions like NACO, KSAPS, APSACS, TNSACS, UNICEF, FHI and other leading NGOs have visited and given valuable feedback.
The key learning here will be to understand how Bagalkot is working as district as a unit in prevention and care & support activities. Modules are currently fixed for certain days. However based on the learners need curriculum’s can be developed from one day to five days. Appropriate methodologies like audio visuals, exhibits, live sharing, group discussion, power points, role plays, case studies, field visits etc, which give the learner a “live-through” experience have been designed.
In short, BLS gives the ample opportunity for learner to reflect on their learning, knowledge, attitude and skills to impart a comprehensive district HIV/AIDS prevention and care & support programme.
Since July 2008, there have been 20 teams (346 learners and visitors) who have visited Bagalkot learning site. 56% of the learners were females. About 11% were Coordinators and about 10% were the ORWs of different Institutions. Of the 20 teams 11 teams had visited for one day, 7 teams for three day program while there were one team each for a two day and five day BLS visits. 65% (13) teams visited the Peer led rural targeted interventions while the visitors to the Link worker module and the Continuum to care module had 25% (5) and 10% (2) teams respectively.
