Grandmothers: A Learning Institution - Basic Education and Policy ...

CULTURALLY-ADAPTED EDUCATIONMATERIALS : SONGS AND STORIESNonformal education methods ofteninclude participatory, culturally-adaptededucational materials such as songs andopen-ended stories. In Mali, stories andsongs have traditionally been used as communicationand teaching mediums, and thecommunity groups expressed strong interestin and support for their use.Thesematerials themselves, and the way theywere used, contributed to the participatory,collective community learning processthat engaged grandmothers and othercommunity actors in transformationallearning.SONGSTwo types of songs were developed forthe Mali project; songs of praise to thegrandmothers and educational songs onthe nutrition and health topics. The songsof praise were developed to acknowledgethe important role grandmothers play infamily and community health, to showrespect for them, and to encourage themto participate in the activities. Each of thecommunity sessions started and endedwith singing these songs. The educationalsongs contained key information on eachof the session topics. They were relatednot only to the ideas promoted by theMinistry of Health, but also to beneficialtraditional practices. Here is an example ofone of the songs of praise developed bythe team in Mali, followed by one of theeducational songs.In Mali, as in many societies, women enjoysinging. The Malian grandmothers clearlystated that they appreciated the songs asthey were both enjoyable and educational.All community groups appreciated thesongs used in the Mali project. Theyhelped establish rapport with the grandmothersand helped them feel relaxed andopen-minded during the educational sessions,therefore creating a safe, comfortableenvironment for learning. In mostcases, once the songs of praise were used,In Praise of GrandmotherDearest Grandmother, dearest GrandmotherYou are such a wonderful person, such a wonderful person.Dearest Grandmother, dearest GrandmotherYour heart is large and compassionateDearest Grandmother, dearest Grandmother.Grandmother’s Advice to a Pregnant WomanGrandmother, what advice do you give to a pregnant woman?I tell her to work less.Grandmother, what advice do you give to a pregnant woman?I tell her to eat more.Grandmother, what advice do you give to a pregnant woman?I tell her to eat beans, peanuts, and green vegetables.32 UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT