2-4
The people’s list might include any combination of the following.
We want a health worker who:
• is kind
• is responsible
THIS LIST CONTAINS
SUGGESTIONS FROM
SEVERAL PROGRAMS
• is honest and shows good judgement
• has a mature personality
• is interested in health and community work
• is humble; feels equal to and not superior to others
• will probably stay in the village (not move away)
• is accepted and respected by all the people, or at least by the poor
• has the full agreement and cooperation of his or her family
• can read and write (preferably)
• does not have more than a primary school education
• is eager to learn; open to new ideas
• is a good leader and organizer
• has healthy habits (does not smoke, does not drink too much)
• can draw, or is a good storyteller
• works well with mothers, children, and working people
• has a good record of taking part in or leading community activities
• has some experience in health care or healing (preferably)
• understands and respects people’s beliefs and traditional practices
• identifies with and defends the interests of those in greatest need
The team in Ajoya feels it is important for the villagers to develop the list of
qualities themselves, rather than to have a list handed to them. If, however, the
people forget certain important qualities, the instructors may ask questions that
help the people consider those points.
Only after the list of qualities has been developed and thoroughly discussed,
are the people asked to suggest names of persons who might make good health
workers. If certain persons are known to dominate discussions or decisions,
they are asked, politely, to remain silent so that those who seldom speak can
make their suggestions first. When necessary, the vote is taken by secret ballot.
In this way, selection of a health worker is the
beginning of a process in which the poor find
a voice and fairer representation. But all this
takes time. In the Makapawa program in the
Philippines, a team works in the village for at
least 3 months, helping the poor organize and
consider their needs before a health worker is
selected.
A village health committee is often chosen at
the same time. (See page 10-3).
•
Other programs take different approaches to the selection of health workers.
Some have requirements for age, sex, schooling, physical health, etc. Some give
simple tests to check for such things as skill with one’s hands. Generally, the more
distant the headquarters, the more requirements are set in advance.