A literacy program for women in China - the key to improving health Case Study Student Activities Teacher's Notes Overview This project is funded by the Australian Government's overseas aid program and implemented by CARE International in China (managed by CARE Australia), in partnership with the All China Women's Federation (ACWF). The aim of the two year project is for 600 women to become literate and to develop increased awareness of maternal and child health issues, with 300 of these achieving levels of literacy that will enable them to qualify for further health training such as the existing barefoot doctor program (BFD). Level Upper secondary Links with nationally developed statements and profiles Note: This case study has been written with particular attention to the VCE Health and Human Development Curriculum, Unit 4, An international perspective on development and health. The case study is also useful for the following learning areas: Health and personal development Health of individuals and populations (Concept strand) Studies of Society and Environment Place and space, resources (Concept Strands) Investigation, communication and participation (Process Strand) Objectives Students will: Understand how different aid agencies can collaborate to implement sustainable health projects; Raise awareness of some of the issues faced by developing countries and the roles and responsibilities of governments to address these issues; Investigate and apply the key elements of an effective aid program; Analyse an international aid project and draw conclusions about its effectiveness; Investigate ways in which this literacy project for women optimises development and health at each stage of the life span. Preparation Copies of the case study (1 per student) Atlases or a map of China Procedure The role of the teacher is largely that of a facilitator although the teacher may be required to introduce the concepts of sustainable or effective aid, primary health care and the 'barefoot doctor' program. Students will explore their existing knowledge about industrialised and developing countries and the types of issues faced by developing countries. Based on the information in the case study students will have an opportunity to analyse a project and draw conclusions about its effectiveness and sustainability. Students will also use group work to investigate how this project could optimise development and health across the life span. Resources - Literacy Programs for Women Further information regarding programs addressing the literacy levels of women can be found by searching the following websites. Note: When searching the sites, enter women + literacy. Type of Information Location World Bank This site provides some brief but useful student - friendly information on education, literacy and women, as well as a range of other valuable material on human development and health. Click here to view the site. World Health Organisation Use the search facility to obtain a wide range of information relating to the importance of improving literacy to improve overall health status. http://www.who.org World Vision · Use the search facility to access a range of programs that emphasise the improvement of literacy for women.http://www.redcross.org.au UNICEF · This site has a range of useful information about women and development and the importance of educating women to improve overall health status. Use the search facility and enter women + literacy and a range of useful information can be accessedwww.unicef.org For more information regarding the work of CARE Australia visit the http://www.careaustralia.com.au website. GPO Box 2014 Canberra, ACT 2601 Ph: 02 62790200 Fx: 02 62571938 * Further information and resources can be obtained from the Professional Development Providers. Top © Commonwealth of Australia