Manual for the Child Aid Start up Programme

Village Action Group
Manual
Food Security, Health and Human Rights.
DAPP – Development Aid from People to People
CHILD AID AND ENVIRONMENT
E-mail: dapptree@zamnet.zm
Member of the International
HUMANA Peple to People Movement

2
Introduction
Dear reader.
This manual is written to group leaders and member of Village Action Groups in the DAPP
programme, but it is our hope that many other people will find it useful in the noble task of
development.
It contains basic information within health, environment and production as well as inspiration
on how to facilitate the various topics.
The manual is written by DAPP project leaders from various parts of Zambia, with many
years of experience within integrated development work.
Many thanks to The Health Education Unit under the Ministry of Health in Zambia, which
has been helpful with professional advice on the topics related to health and to the Zambian
National Farmers Union and Agriculture department in Monze, who have been helpful as
regards to the topics related to the environment, tree planting and farming. We are also
thankfull to the International Movement Humana People to People for technical assistance.
Illustrations and information have been achieved from the following publications, which as
well is recommended for further information on the topics in the manual:
? Where there is no doctor by David Werner.
? Facts for Live published by UNICEF, WHO and UNESCO.
? First Aid in the community published by the international federation of Red Cross and
Crescent Societies.
? Conservation farming handbook published by Conservation Farming Unit
? Conservation farming by Brian Oldrive
? Natural pest and disease control by Henry Elwell and Anita Maas. Published by Natural
network Zimbabwe
? Vitiver grass - the hedge against erosion published by The World Bank.
? 10 rules of survival – by Humana Medical Headquarter
For comments, questions and ideas please contact:
DAPP in Zambia
Box 70505, Luneta Road 10, Ndola.
Tel/ fax: 095-850284
E-mail: dapptree@zamnet.zm
Fourth edition August 2006

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CONTENT
Page
Introduction 2
Description of the start up programme 4
Faciliation skills 5
Team work and leadership 6
1st
Month: Saniation and hygiene
Introduction 11
Hygiene 13
Diarhoea 17
Birharzia 19
Malaria 21
2nd
Month: Environment
Introduction 23
Wells and boreholes 27
Tree planting 29
Stove construction 39
3rd
Month: Child Care
Introduction 42
Children’s rights and needs 45
Child growth and nutrition 47
Immunisation 51
Child development 53
Family planning 54
4th
Month: Improve income
Introduction 59
Vegetable and crop farming 62
Budgeting 79
Storage 80
Domestic animals 82
Business ideas 88
5th
Month: HIV/ AIDS
Introduction 90
HIV/ AIDS 93
Positive Living – 10 rules 99
6th
Month: Human Rights and Gender
Introduction 102
Background knowledge 105
7th
Month: Health Care
Introduction 112
First aid 114
Drug and alcohol abuse 124
Human torso 127

4
Welcome as a member of the Village Action Group.
You will as a member of the Village Action Group learn many things in order to improve
your life and improve the living conditions for members of you family. If you use the
knowledge gained, if you let yourself have dreams and visions – and believe in and work to
fullfill them – you will succeed.
We expect you as a member of the village action group to work for the benefit for not only
yourself and your own family – but to work together with the members of the group and the
community as a whole in order to carry out development and brick by brick to take part in
building a good future for all of us.
Description of a Village Action Group.
? The Village Action Group consist of interested members in one village. Each member
represent one family. The Village Action Groups should prefarably be between 10 to 35
member. If more than 35 members it will be better to form two groups.
? Each group elect a chair person, secretary and treasurer as well as 2 group leaders (one
man and one woman) to spearhead the activities in the group.
? The groups additionally chose members to participate and spearhead community
programmes such as community WASHE committees, community orphan committees,
community nutrition committees, run village tree nurseries and similar initiatives.
? Each group will meet every week in the start up phase - same time and same day of the
week, in order to learn, discuss and carry out actions. The first year the members will go
through a curriculum, consisting of 25 lessons described in this manual and will in the end
pass a people’s examination and receive a certificate if passing the examination. The
following years the groups will make action plans in which they continue to learn and
spearhead development in their respective village.
? The village action groups will work in close cooperation with the Village Headmen and
other key players in development in their reseptive community.
? The group leaders will receive basic training in leadership and facilitation skills.
However it is the intention with the manual that many must be involved in facilitating the
various lessons. The group leaders can organise local government exension staff as
facilitators, clinical personal, community health workers, various members of the group with
special knowledge and experience etc.
? In the end of the manual you will find a attendance register as well as the household
result list. These forms shall be used to follow the results of the start up programme within
the participating households.

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THE START UP PROGRAM
The first year new members will go through the start up program
- every headline will take 1 month
1) HOME IMPROVEMENTS- WATER AND SANITATION
Learn how diseases spread, how to improve sanitation in the homes, how to treat malaria
and diarrhea. Implement basic sanitation improvements such as establishment of latrine,
dish rack, garbage system, and hand wash system, clean and orderly surroundings…
2) HOME IMPROVEMENTS - CREATE A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT
Discuss and decide ways to improve the homes such as the construction of firewood saving
stoves, the planting of trees and flowers, the establishment of vegetable gardens and
orchards.
3) IMPROVE FOOD SECURITY THE ECONOMY OF THE FAMILY
Discuss and decide ways to improve the economy. Learn about improved crop and animal
husbandry. Carry through improvements on household and communal level such as improved
farm husbandry, cooperative sale of crops, budgeting etc.
4) HIV / AIDS
Learn about this disease. Learn how to avoid the disease or how to live positively with the
virus and how to support those sick from it. Carry out campaigns and discussions in the
community in order to minimize the spread.
5) CHILD CARE
Learn about family planning and how to take good care of infants and children. Implement
family planning. Improve child care - including nutritious food, vaccination and use of the
ante natal clinic.
6) CIVIL RIGHTS
Learn about human rights and take many discussions about how women and men can
participate equally in development of the community. Get to know basic civil rights and
laws.
7) GENERAL HEALTH
Learn about basic first aid, the danger of drug and alcohol abuse, TB and Pneumonia.
Discuss and decide ways in the community to improve the general health standard.
8) PEOPLE’S EXAMINATION
The program ends with a People’s examination, in which the members of the program
evaluate the results of each other. A certificate is given to prosperous members.
9) ACTION PLAN FOR THE COMING YEAR.
The group will make an action plan for the coming year including how the group want to be
organized, what the members want to learn, which actions and activities it want to carry out.

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GOOD FACILIATION AND
TEACHING METHODS.
Teaching people is not just about giving the message.
It’s about making people understand.
It’s about giving people the inspiration and tools for them to go ahead.
? Take people to a place where you can see, what you are going to learn about.
?? If you teach learn about vegetable growing - learn it in a good garden.
?? If you shall teach about hygiene and home sanitation - go a see a good home and a
bad home
?? If you shall teach about chicken rearing - go to a farmer keeping chickens already.
? You can learn from the good methods and even from the bad methods as it give a good
background for discussing.
? Make sure people get involved.
?? Brain storming (ask a question and write all the answers on the board), discussions,
group work, practical demonstrations, asking frequent questions etc.
? Use practical exercises.
?? If you shall teach about washing hands - demonstrate how to do it. Using a jar and a
basin, demonstrate a small hand wash system etc.
?? If you shall teach about growing tree seedlings in a nursery - bring all needed
materials. Let the participants fill the pots - and explain which are filled in correctly. Show
how to pre-treat the seeds etc.
? Use guest speakers and use the knowledge among the participants.
A facilitator is not expected to know everything. Ensure that all the knowledge in your group
is utilized - everybody knowing something about the topic should speak up. Get a guest
speaker from outside such as the community health worker, when convenient.
? Plan and follow up.
?? Let the students plan and commit themselves to any development and work they wish
to carry out. Follow up later if the plans were accomplished - find out the problems and make
new plans with them.
? A very common statement for a facilitator is: “It DID tell them this - but they don’t
do it!” You must then ask yourself: Was my lesson all that good - or could I do it better.
Perhaps I did not demonstrate the methods well, perhaps we did not discuss enough and how
could I motivate people better?
I hear and I forget
I see and I remember
I do and understand
RIGHT WRONG

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BENEFITS OF WORKING IN A GROUP:
It encourages cooperation between people in the community and enables us to accomplish
things, which we would not be able to do alone. This means that if the group works well
together, it can achieve big results and solve big problems - which each member alone cannot
do. For example repair of the broken down water pump, establish a village tree nursery,
renovate the primary school, etc.
It provides contact with many people so that each of us can increase their knowledge and
experience The group consists of many different people with different knowledge and
backgrounds. Some know much about health care, others have big interest and knowledge
about vegetable growing etc.
It encourages participation and involvement in solving common problems
The group will identify and analyze problems and possible solutions in order to solve these
problems. The group will organize and encourage each other to take actions in order to
accomplish development. The members of the group should spread the gained knowledge to
the entire community.
It develops the skills and talents of the individual members
If every member of the group takes - and is given responsibilities within the group - each
individual member will develop, through the lessons learned and through taking a stand in
discussions carried out. She will also learn to express her self and to organise and take action.
Alone we are weak - together we are strong.
Filling the jar of
knowledge

8
TEAM WORK
A group has to work as a team. A very well known team is the soccer (football)
team. Here you will see a group of 11 people who work for a common goal - namely
winning the game. Every player has a certain task within the team: You have the
goalkeeper, the center forward etc. The coach finds the correct space for each player
where they can contribute the most - and train the team in good teamwork.
Our team must work in the same way. Every person on the team is important.
Imagine a person in the football team just standing on the ground looking at his
friends’ performance. It would do more harm than if this person was not even on the
team. It is the same way with your team. A person who does not contribute is doing
more harm than good. Every person in the group must speak out, discuss, participate
in decision making and carry out practical exercises.
As with the football team - the group members must take individual tasks upon
themselves. There will be enough for everybody in the group: The coach - that is the
group co-ordinators, who will be trained by DAPP. The chairperson secures good
meetings, the secretary keeps records and minutes and the treasurer keeps group
funds. Other members of the will take responsibilities such as running a village tree
nursery, be an HIV advocate, take special responsibility for orphans in the village
etc.
Forming a good group needs time: Just after having formed the group, members
might all be enthusiastic about the program. They are probably shy and everybody
will try to please each other. After some time problems will come: Some members
might not take responsibility or do not fulfill promises. Some members are dominant
and will not listen to other members and so on. If these problems are not tackled,
discussed and resolved - the group might break up or members will leave.
Rules of the group: To assist the group it needs a set of rules = the constitution
The constitution should include:
* What is the objective of the group (Why do we form the group and what will be
achieved)
* Who can become members?
* How to terminate memberships (e.g. those not active)
* How and how often to choose executives (chairman, group coordinators, secretary)
* Financial commitment and rules.
* How often does the group meet?

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good group member should:
? Work together
? Share responsibilities
? Listen to each other
? Give each other advice
? Teach each other.
? Respect each other.
? Participate in all the weekly meetings.
? Take active part in discussions and decisions.
? Take responsibility
? Carry out practically, what they have learned and agreed.
? Keep promises
? Be honest and reliable
? Be punctual
good group leader should:
? Lead the group to have visions for the future.
? Be in the forefront as a good example within all the above tasks for members.
? Prepare the weekly meetings well in advance.
? Facilitate topics in a way which involve all members
? Lead discussions
? Promote co-operation in the group
? Promote co-operation with other organisations and key players in the area.
? Lead the group in analysing, planing and actions.
To the group leaders - this is a poem for you:
Go in search of Your People:
Love them; Learn from Them; Plan with Them; Serve Them;
Begin with what They have: Build on what They know.
But of the best leaders when their task is accomplished, their work is done, The
People all remark: “We have done it Ourselves.”
A
A

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Analyse, plan, take action
The group should first ask: How is the situation?
? Knowing how many in the village have latrines.
? How many children in school age do not go to school
? How many children are malnourished and so on.
This knowledge can be achieved through one person/ more people in the group carrying out
inspection in the village. Through visit to the health centre, questions put up within the
group etc.
Secondly the group should ask: Why is the problem there ?
? Do people have no latrines because they do not find it important, because of lack of
funds, or because of no knowledge of how to construct one or because ....?
? Do the children not attend school because the family has no money for school fee,
because the children do not want to go to school, or because .....?
? Are the children malnourished because the family have no means - because the mother
does not know how to make a cheap and nutritious diet or because .....?
The actions to be taken, would be very different depending on the reasons found:
? Do people need information ?
? Is technical or material support needed ?
? Is it question about organising ?
? Do people need be sensitised in order to take the problem serious ?
Thirdly the group should put up a plan of action.
The plan must include:
WHAT has to be done.
WHO shall do it - and who shall be responsible.
WHEN shall it be done.
The plan must be very concrete - and reflect the wish and interest of the group.
It must be written down - for the group to remember and follow up on decided tasks.
When the plan is done - the work completed - we will start all over again.
The group will ask again: How is the situation?
? Before we had so many latrines in the village - now we have so many. Are we satisfied ?
? Before so many children were malnourished - now only so many. Are we satisfied ?
? This is what we did. This is what we achieved - did we follow our plan. What was the
problems.
The group will ask again: Why is the problem there ?
? In spite of the actions taken - the problem is not solved. Why?
? People have the knowledge - but do not take action. Why ?
Thirdly the group will make a new plan of action.
? Using our experiences we will do this in another way
? We really did this well - but still need to ....

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FIRST MONTH OF THE STARTING UP PROGRAM
STARTING THE PROGRAM.
NOTES TO THE GROUP LEADER.
The group leaders should first explain details about the program and give chance to
members to ask question and put up discussion of the importance of the program.
The groups should make a constitution and write minutes.
Election should be done of the executive members.
The group should end up deciding the weekly meeting day and time - as well as the
meeting place for the coming week meeting.
HOME IMPROVEMENTS - SANITATION AND
HYGIENE.
NOTES TO THE GROUP LEADER.
Under this headline the group will go through the following lessons in the
manual:
? Hygiene and diarrhoea.
? Bilharzia.
? Malaria.
The most important is that all members understand how various diseases spread.
They should know about bacteria, worms etc. and how they spread in various ways:
Some through contaminated water, some through human faeces, some though a
mosquito bits and so on. When people understand the theory of how diseases spread,
they can themselves find ways of avoiding the spread.
The members should also understand the danger of diarrhoea and malaria and basic
treatment.
Remember that your as the group leaders should be good examples and must therefor
be the first one to improve on sanitation in your home. As well be in the forefront of
teaching your entire family about hygiene and sanitation.
First lesson
How diseases spread through bad hygiene and how to prevent this:
Use pictures in the manual to explain how germs spread through bad hygiene. Let the
participants comment and put up questions.
Hereafter the group should walk together to a home and look into danger points -
which means things, which are not in order and which can spread diseases.
Discuss together methods for improvements.

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Second lesson
Diarrhoea, bilharzia and home improvements.
? Revision and follow up.
First the group will discuss which actions have been carried out by the members since
last week and encourage to continue home improvements. The secretary will in the
coming week work on filling in a form with information about sanitation among all
members in the village.
? Diarrhoea:
The group leader present knowledge from the manual about diarrhoea. Points for
discussions after the presentation:
A) How often do the members experience diarrhoea - among adults and children.
B) How is the traditional treatment of diarrhoea.
C) Which influence should the new knowledge have for the treatment of diarrhoea.
D) Why is dehydration so dangerous and how to avoid it.
? Bilharzia:
The group leader present knowledge from the manual about Bilharzia.
- Discuss methods in the group to avoid Bilharzia.
This would include - Not to use water from Bilharzia infected source, how to avoid
children playing in the water ....
Third lesson
Malaria, action plan.
Malaria
? The group leader present knowledge about malaria from the manual
? Points for discussion:
? A) Traditional believes about malaria - which are correct and which are wrong.
? B) Share methods of minimising the breading of mosquitoes - and chasing away
mosquitoes ex. through burning leaves etc.
? C) Why is it so important with early treatment of Malaria.
Analysing the sanitation situation in the village
The secretary present his/her findings. So many with latrines, so many with dish racks,
so many with refuse pits etc. The group discuss where the village need improvements
and what could be done. A concert plan should be drawn.

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Background knowledge
Hygiene
Illnesses can be caused by germs getting into your mouth via contaminated
food and water
? Washing hands with soap and water removes germs from the hands. This can stop germs
from getting onto the food and into the mouth.
? It is especially important to wash hands :
? After you have visited the latrine
? After cleaning the bottom of a baby or a child
?
? A child often puts the fingers into the mouth. Therefore it is important to wash a child's
hands several times a day.
Illnesses can be prevented by using latrines
? Many diseases, especially diarrhoea, come from germs found in faeces. People can
swallow the germs, if germs get into water, onto food, onto the hands or on kitchen utensils
like pots and plates.Therefore it is very important to dispose of faeces safely. It is done by :
? Always using a latrine, also children
? Faeces from babies and small children are especially dangerous. Their faeces should be
cleared up immediately and thrown into the latrine or buried
? Faeces from animals must be kept away from the home and away from water sources.
? Keep animals out of the house and out of the kitchen.

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Illnesses can be prevented by using clean drinking water
? The best is to get drinking water from a safe source like a mono pump or a protected
well.
? If the water comes from an unsafe source like an unprotected well, a river or a dam - it
must always be boiled before drinking. Boiling the water kills the germs.
? It is important to store the water safely at home :
? Store the drinking water in a clean and covered container, bucket or jar.
? Always use a clean cup, when taking water out of the container. The cup shall only be
used for taking drinking water.
? Don't allow anybody to put their hands into the container or to drink directly from the
container with drinking water.
Illnesses can be prevented by keeping food clean
? Germs grow in areas of dirt. Keep kitchen utensils and
the table / surface where the food is prepared very clean.
Use a rack for dishes to dry the kitchen utensils in a
clean and safe place.
? Raw food is often dangerous, because it usually
contains germs. It is best to cook the food.
? Cooked food should be eaten straight away - not left to
stand, because it might be contaminated.
? It is best not to save cooked food. But in case left over
are going to be used, it is very important to re-heat it again
all the way through.

15
Illnesses can be prevented by using a refuse pit
? Germs can be spread by flies. Flies like to breed in refuse like food left over or peelings
from vegetables and fruits.
? The family should have a refuse pit where household refuse is buried or burned every
day.
? The refuse pit should be dug 2 meter deep and situated 20 meters from the house in
order to keep flies away from the home
? It is best to have 2 refuse pits.
One refuse pit for things ,which can rot and decompose like food, ashes, grass and plants.
This compost can be used in the vegetable garden or in the field as manure.
Another refuse pit for things, which cannot decompose like plastic, paper, iron or glass.
Illnesses can be prevented through a good personal hygiene
? Good personal hygiene includes :
- Bathing and cleaning the teeth every day
- Keeping the fingernails short
- Wearing clean clothes and using clean bedding
What the family must do:
Use a rack for dishes
Boil drinking water or collect it from a safe source
Use a refuse and a compost pit
Keep the children clean and tidy.
Keep the home and surrounding clean and beautiful.
Keep drinking water and food covered
Use a latrine
Use a simple hand washing system after toilet visit.
Wash hand before eating and before preparing food.

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Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is dangerous
? Many children, who get diarrhoea will die from it.
? Diarrhoea can kill by draining too much water from the body. Therefore it is very
important to give a child or an adult with diarrhoea a lot to drink to replace the liquid being
lost.
? Diarrhoea can lead to serious malnutrition. Therefore it is very important to encourage a
child with diarrhoea to eat.
A person with diarrhoea needs lots of liquids and foods
? A person and especially a child with diarrhoea needs a lot to drink. Suitable drinks to
prevent dehydration include:
? Breast milk
? Gruel's (mixture of cooked cereals and water )
? Fruit juices
? Weak tea
? Clean water
? Oral dehydration salts solution.
? It is important, that a person with diarrhoea continues to eat to get more energy.
Diarrhoea can lead to malnutrition especially in children. Even if a person or a child with
diarrhoea has less appetite, he or she must be encouraged to eat as often as possible. Give
small amounts of food, that the person likes most.
? When a breast fed child has diarrhoea, it is very important to continue breast feeding.
? A child, who is recovering from diarrhoea needs an extra meal every day for at least 2
weeks. This will help the child to catch up on the food "lost" while the child was ill.
It can be necessary to go to the clinic or hospital because of diarrhoea
? A child or an adult shall be brought to the clinic if he or she:
- has a fever
- is extremely thirsty
- vomits frequently
- passes several watery stools in one or two hours
- passes blood in the stool
- if the diarrhoea continues for more than two weeks
? Some diarrhoea diseases such a cholera and dysentery are very dangerous. A person can
die from cholera if untreated in 2 days. Therefor it is very important to go to the clinic if a
person has severe diarrhoea.
ORS drink can save lives
? diarrhoea shall be given ORS drink. ORS drink replaces both liquid and salts to the
body.
? ORS drink prevents and treats dehydration.
? ORS drink is made by mixing one litre (2 big cups) of clean water with four level tea
spoons of sugar and half a level teaspoon of salt. Or by mixing one ORS packet, which can
be obtained from the clinic with 1 litre (2 big cups) of clean water.

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Diarrhoea can be prevented
? Diarrhoea is caused by germs from faeces. These germs can enter the mouth mostly
through dirty water and dirty foods.
? The most important ways to prevent diarrhoea are :
- always use a latrine
- bury or put children's faeces into the latrine immediately
- use clean drinking water
- wash hands with soap before cooking and eating
- wash hands after visiting the toilet
- give breast milk alone for the fist 6 months of the baby's life (breast milk helps to protect
against diarrhoea and other illnesses.)
- keep the food clean
- always warm up left over before eating
- use a refuse pit
Signs of severe dehydration
? A child, who has any of these signs of severe dehydration shall be given ORS drink and
taken to the clinic immediately:
- Sunken fontanel
- Dry mouth and tongue
- Sunken tearless eyes
- Loss of elasticity of the skin
What the family must do
? Know how to prepare an ORS drink
? Follow all the hygiene rules explained under Hygiene.
Lift the skin between two
fingers, like this
If the skin fold does not fall right back
to normal. The child is dehydrated

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Bilharzia.
What is Bilharzia
? Bilharzia is caused by a kind of worm, that gets into the blood stream of human beings. It
is very important to seek medical help. Organs like kidney and liver can be destroyed and
cause death, if Bilharzia is not treated.
The life circle of Bilharzia
MAN - WATER- SNAIL - MAN
? Infected person urinates in the water (river, dam etc.)
? Urine has worm eggs in it
? Worm eggs hatch and enter water snails
? Young worms leave snail and go into another person, who is washing or swimming in the
water.
? In this way somebody who washes or swims in water, where an infected person has
urinated also becomes infected.

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Signs of Bilharzia
? The most common sign of Bilharzia is blood in the urine, especially when passing the last
drops.
? Pain in lower belly and between the legs can also occur - mostly at the end of urinating.
? Low body temperature and itching can occur.
Treatment of bilharzia
? You should always go to the clinic or hospital, if have any signs of Bilharzia, because
Bilharzia can be treated with medicine.
? It is also important to eat well and maintain a healthy diet, when you recover from
Bilharzia.
Prevention
? Never urinate in the water or near to the water. Always use latrines
? Always boil drinking water
? The small water snail, which is the carrier of Bilharzia worms is mostly found in stagnant
water. Therefore you must NEVER wash or swim in stagnant water or in any water where
you are not sure whether it has Bilharzia worms.
? Leave water for washing and bathing in the sun for two days before use. It can kill the
Bilharzia worms.
? Pick and kill the water snails, whenever you see them.
? Use protective clothes, when irrigating or fishing in infected water.

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Malaria
Malaria is spread by the bite of a mosquito
Care must therefore be taken to keep mosquitoes away especially from
children
IT CAN BE DONE BY:
? Using bednets
? Burning leaves or using mosquito coils
? Keeping doors and windows closed at night and closing all the cracks in the
house
? Putting screen on doors and windows in the house
? Wearing trousers and shirts with long sleeves at night
? Planting strong smelling plants near the home such as lemon grass, Artemisia,
wild Tagetes.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO PREVENT MOSQUITOES FROM BREEDING
It can be done by:
? Covering water ponds
? Removing tins, pots or other things, which can
collect water
? Not planting crops near the house
? Slashing the grass near the house Using a refuse
pit, leaving no refuse lying around
SYMPTOMS OF MALARIA ARE:
? Headache, fever, muscle pains, diarrhea,
stiffness of the neck
? You don’t need to have all the symptoms to have malaria. For example,
continuos headache without fever can be caused by malaria
TREATMENT OF MALARIA
? Malaria is a serious disease, which can cause death.
? A child with fever or other symptoms of malaria should immediately be taken to
a health worker or to the nearest clinic
? An adult, who suspects that he/she has malaria, should also see a health worker or
go to the clinic
? Follow the instruction from the clinic and finish the whole course of medicin
given. If you are not feeling better after two days go back to the clinic.
NURSING A PERSON WITH MALARIA:
A person with fever must drink a lot of fluids. ORS drink is good because it replaces
the salt and water lost through sweating.

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It is dangerous for a person to have a very high fever. Bring the fever down by:
? Give medicine to bring down the fever.
? Aspirin or paracetamol works well
? Place the person in a cool place
? Remove clothing
? Sponge the person with cool (not cold) water, especially on the chest an
forehead.
? Give cool water to drink
? A person recovering from malaria needs plenty to drink and eat
WHAT THE FAMILY MUST DO TO PREVENT MALARIA
? No crops planted near to the house
? Grass has been slashed at least 30 meters from the house
? The yard around the house is swept
? No water ponds
? No refuse lying around
? Sleep under mosquito nets
? Regular treat the nets with insecticides
? Burn strong smelling leaves to chase away mosquitoes
? Plant strong smalling plants near the home

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SECOND MONTH OF THE STARTING UP PROGRAM
HOME IMPROVEMENT - ENVIRONMENT
Inspiration for the group leader
Introduction.
Under this headline the group will go through the following lessons in the manual:
?Environment
?Water point maintenance
?Tree planting - forest management
?Firewood saving stove.
The main aim with this topic is to make the members understand and appreciate the
environment and to maintain the natural resources maintaining them.
The members shall discuss and decide what they will like to embark on within the topics
depending on the environment surrounding them.
This headline is much linked to the headline for the first month - and references to the
previous lessons and follow up on practical achievements is essential.
Environment.
5th lesson.
The group leader explain shortly what environment means using the information in the
manual and lead hereafter a discussion in the group taking up the following questions:
?Which natural resources are important for us here in our village?
?Are any of these resources endangered - and if so what should be done to protect them
(wild animals, over fishing, trees, streams, soil etc.)?
?Are there any actions, which the group will like to embark on within protection of natural
resources?
?Is beautiful surroundings something important for us?
?What can be done to improve our home in terms environment.
?What can be done to improve public facilities.
?Are there any actions, which the group will like to embark on within improvement of the
surrounding environment.
The secretary should write down the ideas discussed in the group.
End the session by visiting a home and look at the home improvements already carried out
and discuss how this home could be improve the environment.

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Tree planting - maintaining of the natural resources.
7th lesson.
The group could start with a brain storming on all the uses of trees. Hereafter the group
leader lead a discussion on the tree situation in the area, taking up the following questions:
?Are there enough trees around our village for firewood, poles and other uses?
?How has the development been within the past years - have you seen a decline in the
number of trees?
?Is it needed to plant trees - or is it needed to protect the natural forest?
?What is the dangers of the forest (ex charcoal burning) - what could be done to improve
the situation?
?Would it be good to plant trees around the homes to improve the environment - if so for
which purposes (windbreak, shade, fruit etc.) ?
?Would the members like to plant trees - if so which type of trees?
?Discuss experiences of planting trees in the area - what has been tried already, what
succeeded and what failed - why?
If members of the group is interested in producing tree seedlings - the group leaders should
explain how seedlings can be produced. Explain: Seed collection, seed treatment, nursery
preparation, sowing and maintenance of the seedlings.
Finally the group should decide if they want to grow seedlings individually, establish a
village nursery - and if so who in the group should be the responsible for the nursery.
Firewood saving stove .
8th lesson.
This lesson need to be very practical. The best is if one in the group already has
constructed a stove - so the group can see the stove in real. The person who have
constructed the stove explain about the advantages of the stove and how it is constructed.
If there are no stove constructed within the group - the group leaders should explain about
the stove using the drawing the manual.
Members explain if they will like such a stove - and if so the group decide an action plan
for how to do the construction: The plan should include what the beneficiary should do (ex
collection of anthill clay and sand) and who is the group should learn the skill to provide
assistance to the group members.
Follow up on sanitation and home improvements.
The group fill in the monitoring form for the village - and discuss if the planned
chievements have been achieved.
If not discuss why?
It could be because some people do not agree about the need for the achievements?
- or they have not understood how?
- or the person (people) responsible have not carried out the duties decided upon?
- or the needed materials did not come as expected? A new plan is decided upon.

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BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE
ENVIRONMENT
Environment is everything around us: It is the air, the rain, the soil, the grass, rivers, trees,
wild and domestic animals, birds, insects and people. In the nature everything depends on
each other in the big circle of life:
Everything in nature is inter linked:
? Plants grow with energy from the sun, minerals from the soil, water from the rain and
carbon hydrate from the air..
? Plants produce oxygen in the growing process.
? Animals and people use oxygen, which they get from the air when breathing - and breath
out carbon hydrates - which again is used by the plants.
? Animals eat plant - and some animals live from other animals.
? When animals die, they will decompose - and the minerals will again be used by plants to
grow.
We must take care of the nature.
Look around you - and see how fantastic the nature has been created by God. As a gift for us
and a gift for all living creatures on Earth. We should have respect for the nature and keep it
as beautiful and well functioning as it was given to us.

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Beautiful surroundings will give us beautiful thoughts:
We can beautify our homes and our country by:
? Planting flowers, trees and hedges around our homes, schools and churches.
?? Keep the area around our homes clean and tighty.
?? Paint the houses with natural clay colors
?? Keep public areas clean - stop throwing refuse around. (Don’t though litter out of the
bus windows).
Protection of our natural resources will give us and the future generations
an ever lasting reward.
We should protect our natural resources, because once gone - they are gone for good. We
should therefor:
? Protect the land against erosion.
? Maintain soil fertility
? Protect our forest - and not cut trees indiscriminately.
? Protect the dams and rivers from siltation by not cutting trees and not cultivating the land
near river banks.
? Never catch fish or hunt birds and wildlife on times of breading.
? Do not catch fish with a small net - as you will catch fish which have just started
growing.
? Never hunt protected species - as you will participate in eliminating these species from
Earth.
? Use pesticides carefully

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Back ground knowledge
MAINTANANCE OF WELLS AND BORE HOLES
CLEAN WATER IS IMPORTANT FOR A GOOD HEALTH
Clean drinking water is very important for the family to keep themselves healthy. Many
diseases are caused by unclean water.
Safe water comes from a protected hand dug well, from a tube well with a bucket pump, or
from a bore hole with a hand pump. If the hygienic rules for the water points are well kept -
all these systems are good. The safest are bore holes with hand pumps. However, this
cannot be installed everywhere because of the high costs. One bore hole costs the same as
10 wells.
WATER COMMITTEES
In order to construct and maintain a water point - any of the above mentioned, it is
important that the community form a water committee. This committee consists of a
chairman, a secretary, a treasurer and a few active members. The responsibility of the
committee is to organize the committee about the construction of the water point and
hereafter maintain and safeguard it. To protect it against vandalism and theft and to keep the
area clean. The committee must every year after harvest receive contributions from the
families, in order to be able to buy spares, cement and so on for the maintenance and repair.
MAJOR RULES TO MAINTAIN A WELL
? Slash grass around the well
? Keep the drainage clean and the area clean by sweeping
? Keep animals away from the well : construct a fence
? Keep the bucket and rope/chain clean - it should never stand on the ground.
? Put on the lid after use
? Take in the windless, chain and bucket in at night or lock it
MAJOR RULES TO MAINTAIN A BORE HOLE
? Slash grass around the bore hole
? Keep the drainage and the area clean by sweeping
? Fence the bore hole - this is important, because cattle can destroy the pump
? Check that children never play with the pump
? The handle must be operated smoothly
? The pump should be greased and bolts tightened monthly
? The well committee shall call for trained assistance if the pump breaks down, buy spares
and pay the plumber for work done. The government might have a system for the
repairing of hand pumps, but the community must know that they are the ones who will
suffer, it takes a long time to repair the pump
There are pumps in Zambia which have been broken down for 3 years. Therefore it is better
for the welfare of the community to solve the problem locally

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CREATE A GOOD ENVIRONMENT AROUND THE WATER POINT
The community should make a nice environment around the water point. This can include:
?Living fence - for example using Euphorbia. A living fence looks beautiful - and at the
same time the community does not need always to renew a pole fence.
?Shade trees.
?Flowers.
?
USER FEE
The committee should collect a user fee - monthly or yearly. In order to have funds for
maintenance.
THE WATER LADDER

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FOREST MANAGEMENT AND TREE
PLANTING
TREES ARE IMPORTANT FOR OUR ENVIRONMENT
The Environment is all that surrounds us, that is the soil, the water, the people, the animals,
the birds, the insects etc. There exists a balance in nature, created through millions of years
of development.
The sun gives energy which is used by plants to grow. Plants give out oxygen for people and
animals to breathe. Plants are also eaten by people and animals.
The rain falls and trees play an important role in the rain cycle - as they get water from deep
in the ground. This water evaporates from the leaves and will later fall as new rain. Trees are
an important part of the natural cycle of life.
PROTECTION AGAINST NEW DESERTS
Deforestation (cutting down the trees) in combination with soil erosion (caused by
overgrazing, mono cropping and other unsustainable agricultural methods) might result in the
creation of new deserts. Once fertile farming lands are destroyed and nothing can grow there
- a man made desert is formed. Every year big areas are turned into deserts. For example, the
Sahara Desert expands by 10 km southwards every year. Trees assist to prevent the creation
of new deserts. For example, the Sahara Desert expands by 10 km southwards every year.
Trees assist to prevent the creation of new desert.
FOR FENCING
Living fences can be planted around the orchard, vegetable gardens and the homestead. Their
main function is to eliminate the need to construct and replace dead fences every year or the
cost of purchasing and maintaining wire fences. They need to be constantly trimmed in order
to make many small branches which form a thick hedge. The living fence will effectively
keep the crops and trees safe if it is well maintained.
FRUITS
Fruit trees will provide fruit, which will give much needed vitamins to the family. The
orchard must have different varieties so that there will be fruits throughout the year. For
example in Zambia one can harvest fruits like Mangoes (from November to February),
Guavas (from March to June), Paw-paws (from May to November), Tamarind (from October
to February), Mulberry (from September to November).
RELISH
Trees can also be planted to provide relish. Drumstick is one type which can provide the
family with green tasty leaves for relish throughout the year.
WIND BREAKING
Plant trees around the orchard, yard, garden or field for wind breaking - mainly in the
direction, of the strong winds (where the wind blows from).
These trees can at the same time, be used for firewood, poles and as boundary markers. They
will also be homes for birds and other small animals and insects which keep the natural
balance in your yard, orchard and garden.

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FOR MAKING INSECTICIDES
Tephrosia vegelii. This shrub is a very good insecticide. You pound the leaves, branches and
pods in water. This liquid can treat the steam borer in maize, it can be used to control ticks in
cattle, etc.
TO PLANT ON CONTOUR BOUNDS
Plant trees on contour bounds to make them stronger. The roots from the trees will assist to
bind the soil.
FOR POLES, FIREWOOD, CHARCOAL, BUILDING MATERIAL,
FURNITURE, PAPER, MEDICINE, MATCHES ETC.
Households in rural areas ought to grow ex. 50 trees to provide the home with firewood and
other tree material.
FOR IMPROVING THE SOIL
Trees can also be planted to improve soil, which has been exhausted. Plant a nitrogen fixing
tree such as Sespania or Tephrosia closely in a field. Leave the trees to grow for around 3
years, then they can then be harvested. The land will have improved and can be used for
growing other crops successfully for two years without using any fertilizer.
Faidherbia Albida (Musangum) fertilizes the soil, and maize grows very well under them -
because this tree drops its leaves before the rain season, and will therefore not shade the
maize. The cattle love to find shade under this tree in the hot season and to eat the pods. This
tree should therefore not be cut down, if it is found in the field. If you find many young trees
try to transplant them throughout your fields.
FOR INCOME GENERATING
Families who have planted many trees will be able to make a good income from the trees.
Poles, firewood, timber and fruits can be sold locally or be transported to town and sold.
FOR FODDER
Trees can be planted and be used as fodder for domestic animals. It is important to give the
animals additional fodder in the dry season to keep them healthy.
WE MUST PROTECT THE FOREST
In some areas of Zambia there are waste forests, while the forests in other areas have been
cut down. In areas without trees the villagers have problems in getting firewood, poles and
other materials from the forest. This means extra work for the women, who use a lot of time
collecting firewood - or extra expense for the household in order to transport the firewood
and poles from far away places.
In some areas the natural forest can be utilized wisely and will give enough wood for the
community. In other areas the utilization of the forest must go hand in hand with planting fast
growing species.
CHARCOAL BURNING: Often charcoal burners clear the forest and leave the land
bare. This should be discouraged. Thick forest can be used for charcoal burning - but using
selective cutting only.

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CUTTING TREES ON HILLS AND STEEP SLOPES: This must be discouraged,
because the trees protect the land against erosion. If the slopes are left bare - the soil will be
destroyed.
CUTTING TREES NEAR RIVERS AND DAMS: This must be discouraged, because
the trees protect the land from erosion. Keep on cutting and the result will be loss of fertile
top soil - and siltation of rivers and dams.
CHITEMENE SYSTEM: In the Chitemene system trees are cut down on a big area and
burned in order to give ashes for a small field. This system works well - but the problem is
that with the growing population, more and more land will be needed and more and more
forest will be burned. The result will be, that there will not be enough time for the forest to
regenerate. It is better to learn to use good and sustainable agriculture methods - so the same
land can be used year after year.
Uses of trees

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HOW TO PRODUCE TREE SEEDLINGS
INTRODUCTION
Where tree seedlings are produced use the following methods:
1. Produce the seedlings in a tree nursery in polythene pots
2. Produce the seedlings in a nursery using seedbeds
3. Produce the seedlings from sowing the seeds on the site, where the trees are wanted
4. Find wildings (small seedlings under mature trees in the nature) and plant them
5. Plant cuttings.
GROWING SEEDLINGS IN A TREE NURSERY
Site selection
A nursery should be located near a water source, on flat land. It should also have wind
breakers and not be waterlogged. The size of the nursery depends on the number of
tree seedlings to be produced. However, it does not need to be big. e.g. if you want
5000 seedlings 10m x 10m will be sufficient.
Fencing
The nursery must be fenced in order to protect the tree seedlings from animals. If
there is a possibility of problems with chickens use grass and poles. Other places can
be constructed with thorny bushes. For permanent nurseries, it is a good idea to
establish a living fence around the nursery at the beginning of the rainy season. It is
also good to plant a few shade trees in the nursery. It is also good to plant a few shade
trees in the nursery
Nursery Beds
Make the beds 1 m wide with 60 cm between each bed as walkways. If you have
polythene pots mark out the beds with material like natural stones, burnt clay bricks,
poles, or simply dig the beds 5 cm deep. A bed which is 1 meter wide and 5 meters
long can accommodate from 500 to 1000 seedlings- depending on the size of the poly
pots.
Type of soil to use
The polythene pots or the seed beds can be filled with good top soil and the best soil
is found under big trees (Faidherbia Albida) or near dams/rivers. If the soil has a lot of
clay (easy to form a ball when wet), you should mix the soil with sand. If the soil is
not very fertile you should mix it with manure. Never mix more than one part of
manure to 10 parts of soil, because the manure can burn the tree seedlings.
How to fill the polythene pots with soil
The bottom layer must be pressed hard, the middle layer should be slightly pressed
and the top layer quite loose. The soil is pressed hard at the bottom in order for the
soil not to fall out during transportation. If you have no polythene pots you can use
any available container, such as from Chibuku. Remember to perforate the bottom
area so that excess water can run out.

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HOW TO SOW THE SEEDS
Cover the seeds with soil twice the size of the actual seed. This means the bigger the
seeds are, the more soil will be needed for covering. Sow seeds directly in the poly
pots and in seed beds. If you have a lot of seeds, it is better to sow at least 3 seeds per
pot. Seeds can also be sown in seed beds for later transplanting to poly pots, or even
directly to the field. It is also a good idea to have some seedbeds in order to transplant
the small plants to poly pots, in cases where the seeds did not germinate.
SHADING
The seedbed or polythene pots should be covered with a thin layer of grass after
sowing to protect against the sun and heavy rain storms. Too thick a layer of grass is
bad for germination. When the seedlings have germinated you should build a shade at
a height of around 60 cm above the seedlings.
Seed collection
Many seeds can be collected locally from existing trees, it is better if you collect seeds
from good and healthy trees. Seeds from any ripe fruit that you have bought or
collected can be washed, and afterwards can be sown fresh or dried in the shade.
Seed treatment
It is important that the seeds are treated correctly before sowing or it will take a long
time to germinate, and germination will be very poor.
There are basically two different treatments:

34
?Cold water treatment:
?Leave the seeds in cold water overnight before sowing. This applies to most fruit
tree seeds and some other soft seeds
?Hot water treatment:
? Boil water (the volume of the water must be twice the volume of the seeds.
Soak the seeds into the hot water and leave them to soak over night.
Watering
While the seeds are germinating and the seedlings are small, they must be watered
every day. Afterwards every other day is sufficient. Use a water can or sprinkler made
from a plastic container or tin with small holes in it. Do not put too much water as it
can cause fungal diseases
Weeding
Keep the polythene pots or seedbeds free from weeds at all times.
Transplanting
Seedlings can be transplanted from seedbeds, when they are 3 to 5 cm tall. Transplant
them to poly pots or to another seedbed for bare root planting (distance 5 cm x 5 cm).
Water the seedlings and water the pots. Lift the seedling and make sure that the root
will not be disturbed. Make a planting hole with a finger or a stick. Make sure the
hole is bigger than the root. Press the soil firmly around the plant. Irrigate again and
give full shade to the seedlings for 3 days. Always sort out the pots which contain
seedlings from the empty pots where seeds did not germinate or where transplanted
seedlings died. Re-sow or plant in these pots.
Root pruning
Eliminate small roots protruding from the
poly pots by simply lifting the pots and
breaking the roots by turning the poly pot
around or by cutting the roots with a knife.
Without pruning the roots will grow under
the poly pots which can cause difficulties
during transplanting, as roots may be
damaged or break. Before and after root
pruning the seedlings must be well

35
irrigated. Give full shade to the seedlings for 2 to 3 days.
PLANTING AND MAINTENANCE OF
TREES
Introduction
Like any other plant in a field, trees need to be well cared for. A good tree is the result
of good management starting from the time of seed selection up to the time the tree is
ready for harvesting or for as long as the tree provides fruit
HOW TO MAKE HOLES FOR PLANTING TREES
Fruit trees:
Dig a hole of 60 cm x 60 cm x 60 cm
minimum – but better to make it 1 m x
1 m x 1 m. When digging, put the top
soil on one side and subsoil on the other
side. When filling the hole, mix the soil
in the following manner: Fill the top-
soil back into the hole and mix it with
one bucket of kraal manure or compost,
1 cup of ashes and, if available, l
handful of D-compound. Mix
thoroughly.
Fill up the hole with top soil from the
surrounding area. Use the subsoil to
make a basin in order to irrigate the tree.
Leave to settle for at least 2 weeks. If there are any problems with termites you should
mix chopped Euphorbia with the other substances and put into the planting hole.
Other trees:
For non fruit trees make a hole 30 cm deep and 30 cm in diameter. You can also plow
the lines for planting trees. All trees will grow best if you mix manure, ashes and if
possible a little fertilizer into the planting holes. Eucalyptus will not do well without
manure or fertilizer.
Plant early and plant correctly:
Prepare the holes before the onset of rains - or just after the rain has started. Trees
planted in the beginning of the rain season do much better than trees planted late in
the rain season. It is therefore important that you start the nursery early - so the
seedlings are ready to be planted when the rain starte. Measure the correct distance
and place a small peg for every tree

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HOW TO PLANT TREES
Planting of seedling in a polypot:
Remove or cut the poly pot carefully without disturbing the roots. It can best be
removed by cutting with a razor blade. Plant the seedlings carefully so the soil will
not be disturbed around the root. Plant the seedling at the same level as the
surrounding land. Make a basin out of the subsoil for watering the plants. Press the
soil firmly around the plant. Irrigate the plant with at least 5 liters of water (if it is not
raining). Mulch the trees with dry grass or other plant materials. Make sure that the
mulch does not touch the stem in order to avoid attracting termites.
Planting of cuttings:
Prepare the cuttings from mature branches. A coating shall be around 30 cm long.
Place 10 to 15 cm down in the ground. Cuttings will easily make roots if the planting
hole is prepared with compost or manure. Ensure that the cuttings receive water if it
does not rain for a few days.
Direct planting of tree seeds:
Mangoes are normally raised from seeds and planted directly at the place to stay.
Mango seeds easily germinate but for the future growth of the tree it is an advantage
to prepare planting holes as described above. Most trees can be planted using the
direct seed sowing method. You should always irrigate the germinating seedlings if it
does not rain for a few days.
lanting site and spacing
You must select a good place where to plant trees. You must not plant too close to the
house or under big trees.
Always think of how big the trees will grow and allow enough space between them. If
you plant many trees, it is an advantage to use a planting string.
RECOMMENDED SPACING:
Guava 6m x 4m Oranges 6m x 4m
Papaw 3m x 2m Eucalyptus 2m x 3m
Passion fruit 3m x 2m Gmelina 2m x 3m
Avocado 6m x 12m Cassia 2m x 3m

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Mango 6m x 12m
HOW TO PROTECT YOUNG TREES
?Keep the area at least ½ m around the seedling free from weeds all the time. Weeds
will destroy the seedling or make it’s growth slower. Slash between the trees.
?Protect the seedlings against animals by establishing a fence around the plantation,
and around each individual tree. It can, where convenient, be done with thorny
branches
?Protect the seedlings against fire. Make a firebreak of at least 5 m around the
plantation - or around the home. The firebreak can be done by early burning in May
to June
?Mulch around the trees - especially fruit trees. This will minimize the amount of
irrigation
To eradicate termites, apply ashes and the leaves of Cassia Siamea, tobacco or
Euphorbia around the tree. You can also water around the tree with a pesticide.
HOW TO CHASE AWAY BROWSING ANIMALS FROM THE TREES
Place cow or goat dung in a bucket of water (1 l dung in a bucket). Leave to soak
overnight. Sive. Spray the following day on the trees. The goats and cows will be
chased away because of the smell. Keep an eye on the trees - when the animals come
too close to the trees it is time to spray again.
HOW TO LOOK AFTER FRUIT TREES.
? In low rainfall areas nearly all fruit trees need irrigation. The amount of water will
increase with the size of the tree. The basin must also increase with the size of the
tree. The basin ought to be as wide as the canopy of the tree. A 2 year old Orange
tree will need 1 bucket of water, while a big Orange tree will need a full drum of
water for irrigation
? Fruit trees which are not watered will yield less and will give fruits of low quality
(small size and sour)
? Apply some kraal manure, compost and if available D-compound around the trees
at the beginning of the rain season. Mix the manure and fertilizer into the soil not

38
near the stem and avoid to disturb the tree roots. A big tree will need at least one
wheel barrow full of manure/ compost yearly.
? Remove all sick and dead branches. Beside this, most fruit trees do not need
pruning - which can actually often do more harm than good. Fruit trees which
benefit from yearly pruning are: Guava, Passion fruit and Peaches
? When trees and fruits are attacked by pests, look into the list of Natural Pesticides
for methods of spraying against this pest
Let the bassin grow with the tree
HOW TO LOOK AFTER TREES FOR POLES AND FIREWOOD.
In order to secure that Gmelina and Cassia will grow straight for poles, you can prune
away side branches. Never prune Eucalyptus trees - they will grow better undisturbed,
and will still provide a straight pole.
Harvest the tree with a slanting cut, around 10 cm from the ground. New shoots will
grow up - only leave two of those new shoots to grow.

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STOVE CONSTRUCTION
WHY CONSTRUCT A STOVE
A stove has a number of advantages:
?A good stove use only half of the amount of firewood used on a three stone fire.
?It is safe for children compared with the three stone fire.
?A good stove reduces smoke in the kitchen and it improves hygiene.
?The stove we will introduce in this chapter, is cheap and easy to construct.
Where to construct the stove
As it is made of clay, it must be placed on a kitchen, covered with a roof. It must face
the door opening, to get more air for starting the fire.
The stove introduced in this chapter has no chimney and can therefore be constructed
in the middle of the kitchen as well as near the wall. If constructed in the middle, it
can as well be used for the family to gather around in the evenings
HOW TO CONSTRUCT THE ONE POT STOVE
Materials needed:
The amount of materials depend on the size of the stove so the following are
approximates
1 wheelbarrow ant hill clay. It can be from the small anthills found in dambo areas or
from big anthills. It must be good clay.
Preparation of materials
?Collect all materials the day before you want
to make the stove.
?Crush the clay into dust. It can be done with
sticks/ shovel
?Soak the clay dust overnight
?1 x 20 l sand. It shall be river sand without
stones
?6 bricks, a little ash and water
Preparation of materials
?Collect all materials the day before you want to make the stove.
?Crush the clay into dust. It can be done with sticks/ shovel
?Soak the clay dust overnight
?Remove stones, sticks etc. from the clay and the sand
Mixture
?Mix the clay and the sand in the ration 1 sand to 2 clay.
Add water - little at the time. Mix. Continue to add water until the mixture has a good
structure to work with. Try to form a lump in your hand and drop it to the ground
If it splashes out it is too wet. If it goes into pieces it is too dry.

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Too wet mixture Too dry mixture Good mixture
Foundation
Make a foundation out of 4 big bricks (15cm x 20cm).
Plaster the foundation with the clay mixture outside and fill
it up half way inside. Place a layer of 5 cm ash. This will
isolate and the heat will move downwards and warm up the
ground. Therefore the stove will be more efficient.
Build the stove
?You can use a 5 liter paint tin or a pot as a mould
for the firebox. The firebox (the whole in the
middle shall be same size as your smallest pot). It
will normally be around 20 cm wide. The firebox
shall be 19 cm tall and the walls around 10 cm
thick.

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Rest for firewood
?Place three bricks in front of the
stove –
?where you want to cut the opening
for firewood.
?Plaster the bricks.
?Leave the stove to rest over night.
Shape the stove
?Move the tin/ pot used as a mould.
?Shape the outside of the stove using
a knife or building trowel.
?Shine the stove using water.
Curve out the mouth for firewood
?Curve out the side opening (mouth) for firewood using a building trowel or a
knife. The opening must have a shape as a egg.
?The size should be the same as the hole inside the stove.
?The stove wall on top of the mouth should not be less than 5 cm or it can easily
break.
Carve the edge
?Carve the edge to 45 degrees using a knife. This will make it possible to place the
pot rests and to use pot of different diameter.
The pot rests
?The potrest are what you place your pot on. There shall be 3 potrests. You form
three pieces of clay which shall be 1 cm thick (as a finger), 3 cm wide (as 3
fingers) and 10 cm long. Prepare the place to put the potrest by scratching into the
clay for better connection. Place the potrest so it cover the top as well as the side of
the hole. Do not place any pot rest over the opening for firewood. The potrest is
important because they let the smoke to come out. Without the potrests the stove
will not burn well.
Wait to use the stove
?Wait 2 weeks to use the stove in order for it to be completely dry.
Repair of cracks
?Don’t get disappointed if the stove make some cracks. It is very common. It is
good to leave some of the mixture in a plastic bag and use that mixture to fill into
the cracks.

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CHILD CARE
Introduction.
Under this headline the group will go through the following lessons in the manual:
? The needs and the rights of children
? Child growth
? Immunization
? Child development
? Family planing and safe motherhood
? Education for all
Many children do not develop fully due to lack of correct care, stimulation and nutrition.
Many die before they grow up, others become malnourished and will never develop their
body and mind fully, others are abused and become mentally distorted.
The aim with this topic is to improve the life, growth and development of the children. For
them to live happily and to grow up using their full potentials. Use the background
information to learn and discuss with each other using the knowledge of the group members.
This training in the Village Action Group shall be followed by discussions and awareness
campaigns in the area. It should be emphasized that child care is not only a family matter but
should be the concern of the entire community.
CHILDREN’S NEEDS AND CHILDREN’S RIGHTS
Topic no 9
?Start with introduction to the headline for the month.
?Explain shortly about the rights of children and give a few example. Ask hereafter the
members to list the rights. Add if needed. Discuss if children in your villages meet these
rights.
?Continue to the needs of children. Explain that they often are seminar to the needs. Explain
the 4 different categories of needs and divide the members into 4 groups. Each group shall
come up with all the needs in one category and present.
?2 groups hereafter prepare and present sketches about good and 2 groups about bad care of
children (include orphans). Discuss: What is being done right and what is being done wrong?
How does the child feel and reach in each case.
?Explain about stress in children. Use examples from the sketches recently performed.
Explain the 3 categories of stress. Divide the members into 3 groups. Each group shall come
up with more examples in one of the categories. Discuss and add what is missing.
?Discuss children can cope up with stress and how to assist children in need.
?Discuss the situation for children in the area. Are their rights and needs met and how can
the DAPP group assist and improve the situation.
THIRD MONTH OF THE STARTING UP PROGRAM

43
Child growth, immunization and nutrition.
Topic no. 10
? Start with a short reflection of the previous topic.
? Explain about nutritious food (use the membership book). Tell about the 3 types of food.
Let members bring examples of food from each category and ensure they understand the
difference.
? Discuss how to feed a small baby 0 to 6 months. Ask questions and discuss why exclusive
breast feeding is important (ONLY breast milk). It is important that everybody understand
and agree.
? Discuss how to feed a small child age 6 month to 5 years. Use the knowledge about the 3
different types of food and bring up various examples of good combinations - taking the
economy and the type of food available into consideration. Talk about how often the child
shall eat. Explain how to read the weighing scale - using the example in this manual. Explain
as well why the child in the example got malnourished
? Discuss how to feed school going children. Why is good nutrition important for big
children and for adults. Which type of food. What time of the day to eat.
? Explain the symptoms of malnutrition. Discuss if some children to members in the group
are malnourished. Tell everybody to bring the weighing card for the next meeting to help each
other controlling. Discuss what can be done to improve the situation. (Discuss also children
that is between two to 5 years of age)
? Show the drawing in the manual called 6 vaccine preventable diseases. Discuss why
vaccination is so important. Find out if all children to members are vaccinated.
? Ask if all the mothers go to under five clinic regularly. Discuss the importance of attending
Under Five clinic regularly.
Child development.
Topic no 11.
? Start with a revision of children’s rights and needs. Reflect on why it is good to learn more
in order to meet these rights and needs. The previous topic was about correct feeding of
children - very necessary for developing their full potential. This topic is about the emotional
and social needs of the children.
? Read the chapter about child development together. After each point stop up and discuss.
Things to discuss should include: How does a child learn? What can parents do to assist a
child to learn more? Why is it important for a child to have time to play? Which type of work
is good for a child to carry out in different age groups? How do parents show appreciation to
the child - and why is it important?
? Discuss if all children go to school. If not why - and could something be done to improve
the situation. Are there some differences between girls and boys attending school ?
? Discuss advantages of a preschool. Would it be good to start a community preschool in the
area?
? Revise the symptoms of stress in children and discuss if any children are being abused in
the community - or of other reasons are in need. Discuss if something can be done about it.

44
Family planing and safe motherhood.
Topic no 12
? Present the main points for safe motherhood. Put up questions in the process and ask
for comments and questions.
? Present the main points for family planing - include questions and comments.
? Divide the participants into 2 groups - men and women. (Eventually 4 groups if
convenient - Old / young women, old/ young men. Let the groups discuss the following
questions:
1) Is child birth safe in the area, what could be done to improve it.
2) Is family planing commonly practiced in the area. If not why - and should something be
done to encourage more families to practice it.
? Let the groups present to each other and lead a good discussion. You could eventually
put up the questions from the manual about family planing as part of the discussion.

45
CHILDREN’S RIGHTS
Human rights are rights that all human beings have, no matter where they are born, no matter
how rich or poor their parents are, no matter what they have done. They belong to every
single person and cannot be taken away.
There are also the rights of the child. Again, every child, whatever his background, whether
an orphan or not, has these rights.
Big organizations, like the UN (United Nation) and the OAU (Organization of African
Unity), have adopted documents outlining these rights. However, it is important that we
understand how they affect our own lives and those of the children.
So what are some of these rights?
? to life
? to an education
? to adequate food, clothing, and shelter
? to health care
? to interact with other children
? to equal treatment
? to parental care
? to a reasonable workload
? to protection against abuse and neglect
? to protection against degrading punishment
Children are especially vulnerable to having their rights violated. So we adults, the parents,
the neighbors and members of the community in general, have a special duty to make sure
that their rights are respected. A child is often powerless to demand her rights; we have to do
that for her.
Say NO
Because
abuse is
the affair
of all of
us.

46
CHILDREN’S NEEDS
Children’s needs can be divided into 4 categories:
? Physical (shelter, clothing, food, health, exercise)
? Emotional (love, attention, praise, encouragement, hope, respect, trust, understanding)
? Social (conversations, friends, education, recreation, free time, play)
? Spiritual (guidance, faith, knowing one’s religion)
The needs for children changes during their growing up. The following illustrate the main
needs for the various age groups:
? 0 - 5 years: Security
? 6 - 12 years: Recognition and encouragement
? 13 - 18 years: Growing independence and proper guidance
Indicators of stress in children:
Children who do not meet their rights and need become stressed. The following is indicators
of stress in children:
? Physical: (pains, increased illness, malnutrition, scars and bruises, sleeplessness,
strange sleeping patterns, weakness, fatigue)
? Behavioral: (regression to bed wetting, stealing and cheating, nightmares, poor
concentration and poor school performance, increased aggression and bullying, withdrawing
and isolating oneself, complaining and seeking attention, restlessness, drug addiction)
? Emotional (moody, anxiety, increased fearfulness, sadness and crying, depression)
Possible causes of stress:
? Poverty
? Marital problems
? Chronic illness in the family
? Death
? Physical or mental disability in the family
? Drug or alcohol abuse in the family
? Displacement from home
? Discrimination and segregation
? Abuse
How children cope with stress:
? friendship
? love and care
? family bonds
? determination, courage, good self-esteem
? goal and aspiration
? peer popularity
? playing, being part of a team
? going to school
? community concern
? religion and faith
? nutrition's food and good health care
? hope

47
CHILD GROWTH
If all babies were exclusively breast fed for the first six months of life, then the deaths of
more than one million infants would be prevented.
0-6 MONTHS : BREAST FEEDING:
From as soon as the baby is born, until approximately 6 months he/she should be fed
exclusively (only) breast milk . It is the only food the baby needs. Breast fed babies are less
likely to suffer from malnutrition and have fewer illnesses than bottle fed babies, or babies
fed on other foods.
Breast milk (especially the thick yellowish milk produced in the first few days after the birth)
protects the baby from life threatening illnesses such as malnutrition, diarrhea, dehydration as
well as preventing coughs, colds and other illnesses.
It is important that especially during this time the husband and family help to maintain the
health of the mother and child by ensuring that the mother has enough nutritious food, and by
helping with the housework and other domestic tasks, so that the mother can get the rest she
needs. A mother who get little nutritious food, will produce less milk for the child.
Substitute feeding: This include cow’s milk, infant formula, milk powder solutions and
porridge should only be given if the mother are unable to breast feed, or if she dies. The milk
- or water used for diluting milk powder must be boiled. The cup used for feeding must as
well be kept very clean in order to avoid diarrhea.
6 MONTHS TO 2 YEARS: Other food in addition to breast milk:
By the time the baby is six months old he/she will need other foods in addition to breast milk:
E.g. porridge with boiled and mashed vegetables/ eggs/ groundnuts/ kapenta/ beans. The
more variety of foods the greater the nutritional benefits. A child who get
plenty of nshima - but not enough body building and protective food will
get malnourished. The child should be breast fed before being given other
foods.
If the mother becomes pregnant again before the youngest child is 2 years
old, then it is important that she does not stop breast feeding. Some people
believe that breast feeding will harm the new growing baby in the womb.
This is not correct - but the mother need even more nutritious food. Many
babies get malnourished, because the mother stop breast feeding, when she
get pregnant again.
If the mother is HIV positive it is adviced that she stop breast feeding when
the baby is 6 month old.
Weaning of the child.
Children should be weaned from the breast gradually – except if the mother
is HIV positive. This allows the child time to increase the intake of other
foods to replace the breast milk.
If the mother is HIV positive she shall not wean the child gradually as
mixed feeding (breastmilk and other types of food) is dangerous for the
child. The mother will express breast milk for some time – and gradually
make the baby used to feed from a cup. In this way she will wean the baby
from the breast without at any given day feeding the baby with breastmilk
and other types of food.

48
A small child
needs to eat
frequently
Under five clinic:
All children under the age of 5
years should regularly attend
Under Five Clinic. Here the
children will be weighed, will
receive vaccinations and the
health personal will control the health of the child. It is important to monitor the child’s
weight, as the loss of weight or failure to gain weight are often the first indications of other
problems: The child might be sick, it does not eat enough - or does not eat enough of the
right foods. Regular monitoring of the child’s weight and progress can help to detect ill
health or malnutrition in time to prevent death.
Feeding a sick child:
A sick child must be fed extra well. A sick child needs fluids and nutritious food, to replace
any fluids lost and to give the body the strength to fight the illness. Do not stop breast
feeding a sick Child.
All children under the
age of 3 need to be given
between 4 or 5 meals a
day. Because a child’s
stomach is smaller than
an adults the child cannot
eat as much as an adult at
one meal. However, a
child has greater energy
needs, so to fulfill these
needs the child needs to
be fed frequently.

50
Nutrition.
Introduction
To stay healthy we need to eat the right kinds of food in the correct proportions. Our body
requirements differ depending on age, how much work we do, health status and other
conditions such as pregnancy.
The three groups of food
Energy giving foods:
Food that give us energy include maize, cassava, rice sorghum, millet and potatoes. Other
food which give energy are cooking oil and sugar. The more we work - the more energy food
we need.
Body building foods.
Food which help the body to grow and to keep the body strong include groundnuts, fish,
eggs, beans, cow peas, kapenta, insects and meat.
Protective food.
Food which protect the body against diseases - and to recover fast after being sick include
vegetables and fruits.
A balanced diet
A person needs every day to eat a balanced diet, containing all the 3 different groups of food.
A person who eat wrongly will be tired and will not be able to be active in school or in work
- and will easy become sick. A small child who get wrong food will become malnourished.
Many people eat a lot of Nshima and little relish. Healthy food include a lot of vegetables
and fruits. It is important not to overcook as it destroy the vitamins in the vegetables.
Good and cheap proteins are Soya beans, cow peas, beans, kapenta and eggs. It is also very
healthy to eat seeds such as sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds.
Eat natural food – which is more healthy than refined. Millie meal grinded in the village is
much more healthy the white breakfast meal. Brown bread is more healthy than white bread.
Porridge made from Soya and roller meal is much more healthy than white bread and tea
with sugar for breakfast.

51
Immunization
Immunisation protects against several diseases.
? A child which is not immunized can risk death from several dangerous diseases.
? Even if the child survives these diseases, it will be weakened by them. The child may be
undernourished and not grow well.
? Measles can set a child back mentally and cause blindness. Measles often kills.
? Polio can cause the child to be crippled for life.
? Vaccines build up the child’s defenses, so that child is not likely to get ill.
? Breast feeding is a natural immunization. The thick, yellow milk coming from the forest
the first days after birth is especially important. (Colostrum).
? If the diseases strike before the child is immunized, immunization is too late.
Immunization is urgent
? All immunization should be completed within the first year of the child’s life.
? A Child shall be taken for immunization five times during the first year of life. It is very
important for the child to complete the full course of immunization, otherwise the vaccines
may not work.
? When to bring the child for immunization
?? First time Birth
?? Second time 6 weeks
?? Third time 10 weeks
?? Fourth time 14 weeks
?? Fifth time 9 month
? You should bring the child for immunization, even if you are behind schedule. The most
important is, that the child is brought for immunization 5 times.
? Immunization protects against six killer diseases: Tuberculosis, Diphtheria, Whooping
cough, Tetanus, Polio and Measles.
It is safe to immunize a sick child
? The child should be brought for immunization on the given day even if the child has a
mild illness.
? After an injection the child may cry, develop fever, a rash or small sore. It is normal. The
child should be given plenty of foods and drinks. Breast feeding should continue. If the
problem seems serious or lasts more that 3 days, the child must be taken to the health center.
All women shall be vaccinated against tetanus.
? All women between 15 and 44 years of age shall be fully immunized against tetanus.
? A woman, who is not immunized against tetanus puts herself and her born child at risk
from tetanus.
? A woman, who has been vaccinated 5 times against tetanus, will be protected against the
disease for all the years, she will be able to have children.
? Mothers shall give birth in a hygienic place and the umbilical cord must be cut with full
sterilized equipment. ( A knife shall be cleaned and then boiled or heated in a frame.)
? Never put cow dung or ashes on the cut of the umbilical cord.

52
The 6 vaccine preventable diseases.

53
CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Babies begin to learn from the moment they are born
? The growth of the human brain is already complete at the age of 2 years.
? The first years of a child’s life is important in determining how the child develops later in
life.
? From birth, the children need love and attention from adults. Children need to be touched
and hugged, to see familiar faces and to hear familiar voices.
? Children who are stimulated in their early years and are well fed will develop a bigger
brain capasity to be used when they become adults.
Play is important for child to develop
? Children play because it is fun. But play helps as well a child to develop - to speak, to
think, to organize and learn about the world around them.
? Adults shall encourage children to play.
? Adults can help children to play by providing things to play with e.g. Toys, balls, paper
and pen or old clothes to dress up.
Children learn by copying
? Children learn from the example of adults and other children. If you show anger by
shouting and being violent, your children will learn, that this is the right way to behave. If
you treat others with kindness and practice, your children will follow your good example.
Be understanding when a child is angry, frightened or crying
? A baby can not talk. Crying is way of communicating, that something is wrong.
? Don't ignore or laugh at young child which is angry or frightened. The feelings can be
very real for the child. Be patient and kind and find out, what is going on.
Physical punishment is bad for children
? It is bad to beat and punish children. Beating can make children frightened and
unreasonable.
Beating can also cause a child to grow up being violent against other, e.g. to other
children or to animals)
? The best way to educate the child is to appreciate good behavior - it encourages the child
to be good, and to grow up as a responsible adult
? When your child something wrong - don’t punish it. Explain instead firmly, what is right
and what is wrong - and explain why. Children are normally ready to follow rules put up by
adults, whom they love and want to please.
Help your child to learn
? Children will learn better in school, if you encourage them to start learning in the earliest
years of life. When they started in school, you should always show interest in what the child
learn. You can:
?? play with the children
?? help the children to learn to talk
?? learn the children songs
?? teach the children about the world around them
?? tell stories.

54
FAMILY PLANING AND SAFE MOTHERHOOD
Introduction
Every year half a million women throughout the world die from problems associated
with pregnancy. Most of these deaths could be prevented if women would time their
births correctly and follow the various health rules during pregnancy:
Timing birth:
There are 5 high risk groups in childbirth and child
rearing:
1. Young girls under the age of 18 :
Babies born to women who are younger than 18 are likely to be born
too early and weigh too little. The birth itself is likely to be more
difficult. Babies born to mothers who are too young are more likely
to die within the first year of their lives. The risks to the mothers own
health are also increased.
2. Women over the age of 35:
After the age of 35 there is an increased risk of the mother giving
birth to a baby with disabilities, or low birth weight.
3. Women who have more than 4 children:
After 4 pregnancies, there is an increased risk of serious health
problems such as anemia (“thin blood”) and hemorrhage (heavy loss
of blood).
4. Births close to each other (less than 2 years apart):
This affects both the mother and child.
The risk of death for young children is increased by 50% if the space
between the births is less than two years
A mother's body needs 2 years to recover fully from previous pregnancy and childbirth. The
risk to a mothers health is greater if the next birth follows too closely to the last. A woman's
body can easily become exhausted by repeated pregnancy, childbirth, breast feeding and
looking after small children. So further pregnancy usually means that her own health begins
to suffer.
If a woman becomes pregnant before she has fully recovered from bearing a previous child,
there is a high risk of her new baby being born prematurely and light in weight. Low birth
weight babies are more likely to fall ill and 4 times more likely to die in the first year than
babies of normal birth weight.
One of the greatest risks to the health of a child under the age of 2 years is the birth of a new
baby. Breast feeding stops abruptly, and the mother has less time to give the child the care
and attention he/she needs. As a result the child often fails to grow and develop properly.
5. Women who are HIV positive.
All pregnant women aught to know their HIV status. There exist good measures to reduce the
risk for HIV positive mother to transmit the virus to their babies. If measures are not taken 1
out of 3 babies will be infected. The risk for the mother to become sick during labour will
also be much reduced if the mother participate in the Prevention of Mother to Child
Transmission programme (PMTCT). Find out more from the nearest health clinic.

55
Safe motherhood
Safe motherhood can be ensured by following these simple
guidelines:
The risks of childbirth can be dramatically reduced by
going for regular check ups with the nearest health worker
during pregnancy:
Regular checking of things such as blood pressure, and the
progress of the baby’s growth and development will help in
early detection of problems or complications ensuring that the
woman can be moved to the hospital for the birth. The health
worker can also offer advice on breast feeding and caring for
the baby, and also help the mother to prepare for the birth.
Ensure that a trained person is present to assist at the birth:
A trained midwife will know:
? If a mother should be moved to the hospital i.e. if the labour has gone on for more than
12 hours.
? How to keep the birth hygienic and safe, reducing the risk of infection.
? How to cut the cord cleanly and safely.
? What to do, if for instance the baby is in the wrong position for the birth, or if the mother
is losing too much blood, or if the baby does not begin breathing straight away.
? If serious problems arise during child birth a trained birth attendant will know, when
medical help is needed and how to get it.
All women need more food and rest during pregnancy:
? The husband and the family of a pregnant woman should make sure that she has extra
food and that she get the best food available to the family such as milk, fruits, vegetables,
fish and eggs. A pregnant women need food for two - for the unborn baby to grow in her
womb and to keep herself healthy. Too much salt should be avoided as it may cause a rise in
blood pressure, which is dangerous to mother and child. The above should come into play as
soon as pregnancy is confirmed.
? It is important that a pregnant woman gains weight every month, and should try to gain
a total of 10/12 kilos before the baby is born. For this reason a woman should be weighed
regularly, beginning as soon as she knows she is pregnant.
? A pregnant women should also have more rest during the day time, especially from the
sixth month. It is therefore important, that the husband helps with domestic work. If the
woman work too hard, she might miscarry, give birth too early, have problems giving birth or
become sick.
If a woman smokes or takes alcohol or drugs during pregnancy there is a risk that the
child may be damaged in the womb:
When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol it passes from the mother to the unborn baby and
may slow down growth, causing small weak babies. Babies born to mothers who drink may
be born drunk, and may have problems with breathing and suckling from the breasts. There is
also the added risk of sudden death syndrome.
The dangers of smoking include:
? greater risk of problems during child birth
? higher risk of miscarriage or premature birth and
? heart and blood circulation decreases in the babies body.
It is important not to take medicines during pregnancy, unless they are absolutely necessary
and prescribed by a trained health worker.

56
FAMILY PLANNING
Introduction:
Family planing means, that you plan the number of children you want - and when you want
to have them. There are many safe and acceptable methods of avoiding pregnancy.
Information and advice on these methods can be sought from a trained health worker or at the
clinic.
It is important for people to realize that family planning is the responsibility of both men and
women. All men and women should be aware, or made aware of the health benefits of family
planning and of the various methods available.

57
Some common questions:
? Is it good to have a lot of children, so that if some die from diseases, there will still be
some left? This is not correct, as having many children raise the risk for many of them
dying of malnutrition and diseases - as the family will not have enough resources to take
good care of them all.
? Is it a good way for a man to prove, that he is a “real man” by having a lot of children?
This is not correct - because having more children, then what the family can take good care
of, and with a spacing which are unhealthy for mother and children, just show that one is an
irresponsible man.
? Is you future secure, if you have a lot of children, which can take care of you, when
you grow old? This is not correct. Having few children, which you can afford to bring up to
become very healthy and educated adults, is the best way to get assistance, when you become
old. With many unhealthy and uneducated children, you might continue being responsible for
taking care of them, and the grand children - even when you grow old.
? Is the only way a woman can safeguard her marriage from divorce by having many
children, so that the husband will not send her away with the young children? A good
marriage build on love, trust and helping each other. If the marriage only build on having
children together, it is an unhappy marriage. If the marriage in the end break up - or if one of
the partners die - it will be a big problem for the many children.
It is in the interest of the parents to limit the size of their family. A small family is easy
to look after both socially, and economically. Children from small families receive
better education, better nutrition, and better medical attention. These children are
more likely to grow into mature, secure, confident individuals.
The most common methods of contraception are:
? The pill
?? The woman swallow small tablets every day. This method is very effective, but it
need the woman to be very disciplined and remember to take the tablets. As soon as she want
another child, she stop to take the tablets and can become pregnant.
? The injection
?? The woman is given an injection on the clinic/ hospital every 2 to 3 months. This
method is very effective, and is easy to control.
? Condoms
?? The condom is a very thin flexible rubber worn over the man’s penis during
intercourse. If the condom is used correctly it is very effective - and it as well protect
against AIDS and other STD.
? Sterilization
?? Sterilization can be done both on men and women, who have decided never to have
more children. This is a very good solution to women, who have a severe health risk, from
carrying more children. Sterilization is a small operation. It does not effect the sexual ability
and pleasure.
? Natural methods.
?? The rhythm method: The woman are most fertile between the 10. day after start of the
period up to the 18. day. These days she should avoid having sex.
?? Pulling out: The man pulls out his penis before ejaculation (releasing the sperms) and
ejaculate outside the woman.
?? The mucus method: The woman examine the mucus in the vagina. If it is sticky like
paste - not slippery or slimy - she can probably not become pregnant.
? These three mentioned methods are not so effective, as one out of 4 women using
them become pregnant.
?

58
? Traditional medicine.
?? Tightening a string with certain herb around the waste, cannot prevent pregnancy, as
it not in any way prevent the egg in the mothers womb to be fertile by the sperm from the
man.
Abortion.
?? The foetus is removed from the mothers womb. This can only be done, before the
foetus is 3 month old, or it will be a great risk for the mothers life. Abortion is illegal in most
countries, except in case the child birth give a great risk for the mothers life. Some women
try to provoke abortion using various medicine. It is dangerous and many women have died
in the process.
For more details and information regarding the various contraceptive methods visit the
nearest clinic.

59
FOURTH MONTH OF THE STARTING UP PROGRAM
IMPROVE YOUR INCOME
Introduction.
Under this headline the group will go through some of the following lessons in the
manual (The group can chose those of most interest for the members):
? Methods to improve your income
? Get more out of the land
? Livestock rearing
? Vegetable growing
? Budgeting
? Crop storage
Southern Province is one of the poorest regions of Zambia. Again Zambia is one of the
poorest countries in the world. Why is it like that? Can it be changed? Can we contribute to
change it? Do we talk about big investments or can we do much with the means available to
us. Using good planing, hard work and commitment.
The objective of this month is for the members of the group to understand how much can be
done and to start implementing. There is a lot of background material and you will have to
chose those of most interest. The remaining topics the group can cover later.
IMPROVE YOUR INCOME 1.
Topic no 13
?Start with a short introduction to the headline for the month.
?Read the first case story. Discuss if this could be truth in your village.
?Let all members come with some ideas of how to improve the income for the family. Add
eventual points if needed from the following .
?Grow trees and vegetable.
?Improve crop management. Use conservation farming methods. Grow new cash crops.
Diversify the crops. Do not sell when grains are cheap and buy when expensive. Use good
storage methods.
?Improve management of livestock.
?Run small productions or businesses.
?Work together on marketing of crops and livestock.
?Budget well and use the earned money wisely.
?Prevent diseases (do avoid time in bed and to avoid medical expenses).
?Plan ahead of time
?Work hard and committed.
?Read the case story about Mr. Mwanza. Lead a discussion using the attached questions.
End up discussing realities in your village.
?Let one of the members volunteer to be the place to meet next week, for a practical study
on income improvement.

60
IMPROVE YOUR INCOME 3 Optional)
LAND MANAGEMENT
Topic no 15 - 16
Minimum tillage:
Start with exercise in minimum tillage. You should have a marking string ready and members
should have been told to bring hoes. Have some grains (legume and maize), a little manure
and some fertilizer (or sand to illustrate). Dig some holes and explain the advantages along the
way.
Methods to improve soil fertility:
Discuss the following methods - Crop rotation, growing more legume, green manure,
compost, leaving crop residues = NO burning, planting Tephrosia on exhausted land, leaving
Musangu trees (Acacia Albida) on the land...
Avoid soil erosion (where applicable)
Find out which members do experience soil erosion. Discuss the consequences. Explain about
construction of contour bounds. Agree who in the group could learn the technique and help
interested members to measure the contour lines.
LIVESTOCK
Topic no 15 - 16
Goat rearing:
Explain about improved goat rearing using the back ground information. You should conduct
this lesson in a farmers home, so you can discuss which changes could be done to the goats
there. Questions for inspiration: 1) Could and should the bread be improved - if so how? 2)
Would it be good to improve the goat shelter - why? 3) How many goats are advisable to
keep? 4) Which type or medicine should be given and when?
5) Additional fodder? 6) Marketing
Traditional chickens:
Discuss methods to improve the local chickens - while inspecting the chickens where the
lesson is conducted. Questions for inspiration: 1) How many chicks should you expect from
one hen? 2) How many of these chicks should survive and which measures to bring in place?
3) Which medicine will improve survival? 4) Is additional fodder advisable?
5) Is the physical structures in place? 6) Marketing? 7) Improvement of the breed?
Cattle:
Discuss methods to improve cattle rearing - while inspecting the cattle the cattle facilities.
Questions for inspiration: 1) Is it possible to avoid corridor disease - and if so which measures
should be in place? 2) Which vaccine, medicine is available and which are advisable to use?
3) Should measures be taken to improve the bread? - how?
4) Should additional fodder be given? - how? 5) How to improve milk production?
Dogs:
Discuss why we keep dogs and why we should keep them well. Questions for inspiration:

61
1) Why is it important to rabies vaccinate dogs? - how ? 2) How to see if a dog is healthy? 3)
How to feed a dog? 4) How to avoid diseases. 5) How to teach a dog.
Conclusion:
Wind up the discussion by electing one in the group to learn more about animal rearing and to
keep good contact with the local veterinary. The responsible should be the one keeping the
group informed and organize ex. buying of medicine, the veterinary to come and teach the
group etc...
VEGETABLE GROWING
Topic no 15 - 16
Visit one or more vegetable gardens. You should in advance have decided the best gardens to
visit. Let the farmer present how he grow the vegetables and put questions to the farmer. Use
the background information to bring in additional ideas. Inspiration for questions: 1) Soil/ bed
preparation. 2) Use of manure/ compost/ fertilizer. 3) Chemical use (incl. natural measures).
4) Nursery and transplanting. 5) Irrigation. 6) Type of vegetables. 7) Marketing. 8) Planning.
9) Inter cropping with fruit trees.
IMPROVE YOUR INCOME 3 - 4.
BUDGETING
Topic no 15 - 16
?Read and discuss the case stories.
?Go through the budgeting exercise
?Encourage each member to go home and make a budget with the family.
?Remember on the next meeting to hear how many did the budgets and listen to and
comment on a few budgets.

Manual for the Child Aid Start up Programme

Manual for the Child Aid Start up Programme

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