Field Placement:  Health Communication Partnership (HCP)
Location: Kampala, Uganda
Preceptor:
Student Name: Star Banks
Year: 2008

From June to September 2008, I conducted my field studies requirement in Kampala, Uganda at the Health Communication Partnership (HCP).  I was placed in a project that HCP gives technical assistance to as well as funds (through USAID and PEPFAR) called Young Empowered and Healthy (YEAH).  The YEAH initiative aims to reduce HIV/AIDS and teen pregnancy rates among Ugandan youth 15-24 years old.  They utilize entertainment education to reach youth and initiate changes in knowledge, attitude, and behavior that will reduce their vulnerability to HIV and early pregnancy.  Various communication channels are used to disseminate the messages of YEAH, most notably a radio serial drama entitled Rock Point 256.  Further, YEAH produces posters, comic books, and DVDs that are used by partnering organizations to spark dialogue among in- and out-of-school youth during interpersonal activities.

During my 10-week internship, the opportunities afforded to me far exceeded my initial expectations.  As part of my scope of work, I was asked to plan and facilitate a week-long workshop with the goal of developing concepts and illustration ideas for materials for a new campaign targeting young men.  This included mobilizing participants and four focus groups, preparing creative briefs and communication strategies, leading workshop activities, and conducting follow-up meetings to finalize materials.  I also took on a supervisory role for monitoring the activities of our 15 partnering community-based organizations in the Kampala region that utilize YEAH materials and messages.  The assignment allowed me to travel all over the Kampala region inquiring about partnering organizations’ successes, challenges, and future plans.  The goal of the monitoring was to improve reporting methods as well as strengthen the relationship between YEAH and local partners.   Furthermore, I was given the opportunity to contribute to the scripting and theoretical base of the Rock Point 256 serial drama and comic books; participate in a strategy workshop as well as a work planning and budgeting workshop; plan and develop materials for the “The Rocks”, a Rock Point 256 awards ceremony; exhibit YEAH materials during World Population Day 2008; and write and edit several quarterly reports.

Working with YEAH greatly increased my understanding of the materials development process, funding and partnering relationships, organizational structures, and program planning.  Additionally, I realized how difficult it is to challenge the social and cultural norms surrounding reproductive health and sexuality in Uganda, which is integral to reducing HIV prevalence rates.   Most importantly, however, the experience allowed me to experience the rewards and challenges of working in a developing country and specifically, Sub-Saharan Africa.

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