GCRF_NF101: Internally Displaced Persons and COVID-19: Leveraging local low cost COVID-19 solutions in informal settlements in Zimbabwe
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Nottingham
Department Name: Sch of Education
Abstract
This project focuses on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) residing in informal settlements in Harare, Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is among the latest countries in the region to be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Whilst the government has responded well to the pandemic, it is currently preoccupied with returning citizens, some of whom are testing positive on arrival, leading to increasing numbers in infection cases. The system is neglecting the plight of secluded populations such as IDPs, most of whom are of a migrant/refugee heritage and were victims of developmental displacement programmes (e.g. the infamous land reform programme) who lack resources and access to critical public health information. Bringing together an interdisciplinary team of two UK universities, three Zimbabwe universities and a local NGO, this impact-oriented project aims to complement the government's current response to the pandemic by adapting locally developed low cost COVID-19 solutions to fit IDPs' needs.
Objectives are to:
1. identify through research what IDPs know about COVID-19, sources of the knowledge and current preventive/protective measures and the gaps;
2. adapt the recent low cost COVID-19 innovations (e.g. sanitisers and facemasks) developed by our co-investigator university, Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University, to fit the IDPs context;
3. develop a COVID-19 transformative public health education programme to be accessed through diverse interactive communication channels;
4. produce a toolkit and provide training through media to empower women to make COVID-19 protective products for use by their households;
5. produce policy briefs for engaging relevant government departments to include IDPs in their development plans.
Objectives are to:
1. identify through research what IDPs know about COVID-19, sources of the knowledge and current preventive/protective measures and the gaps;
2. adapt the recent low cost COVID-19 innovations (e.g. sanitisers and facemasks) developed by our co-investigator university, Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University, to fit the IDPs context;
3. develop a COVID-19 transformative public health education programme to be accessed through diverse interactive communication channels;
4. produce a toolkit and provide training through media to empower women to make COVID-19 protective products for use by their households;
5. produce policy briefs for engaging relevant government departments to include IDPs in their development plans.
Publications
Maradzika J
(2021)
Internally displaced persons and COVID-19: a wake-up call for and African solutions to African problems ? the case of Zimbabwe
in Journal of the British Academy
| Title | Performances for official launch of the installations |
| Description | A group of young people from the IDP community were tasked with composing a song to perform at the official launch of the installations/roadshows of the adapted innovations. It was also hoped that a group of children would perform a play or similar to communicate their understanding of COVID-19 and its impact for them. |
| Type Of Art | Performance (Music, Dance, Drama, etc) |
| Year Produced | 2021 |
| Impact | The young people who have been tasked with composing the song have become energised and focused. These young people have very little to do as there are very few opportunities available for them to channel their artistic skills and talents due to their precarious positions as IDPs. |
| Description | The handwashing stations and full body innovations led to several noticeable impacts. Initial communication with the IDP communities at the settlements led to a collaborative relationship with the leaders of the settlements who led the discussions on the placements of the installations. They insisted on negotiating with the community before any decisions were made, and as a result, the community formed committees to oversee the maintenance of the installations. This was led by the community in each settlement and each committee was formed of a majority of women to men. When the innovations were installed, the IDP community were extremely positive and enthusiastic that they had been selected for support to protect themselves against COVID-19. They formed the committees described above to ensure the installations remained in good working order, and formed their own security teams to remind people to use the installations, particularly the full body baths which were set up at the entrances to the settlements. They suggested building a protective structure around the full body bath and handwashing stations, and a 'guard room' so that those who had volunteered to be the 'security' could store their belongings and have access to a space where they can have food and drink. They also decided to construct a storage space to keep the additional sanitiser/soap etc. The work was carried out by members of the IDP communities who were skilled in building and constructing, with support from the engineers This was evidence that the IDP communities took ownership of the installations and organised themselves to maintain them. The members of the IDP communities acted swiftly and established a good working relationship with the project partners and engineers; trust and friendship became the foundation of the project, and the construction of the guardroom showed how the groups worked together to co-design and co-construct the structures. The training that took place to explain how the innovations work also included some basic fact-finding on the community's knowledge and understanding of COVID-19 which supported the public health education training. This health education training was a collaborative process with the village health workers who work in the settlements and are known within the IDP communities as they live among them. The training, which drew on insights from the survey, was also co-designed with the health workers so that the materials and resources produced were relevant and appropriate for the context. The entrepreneurship training led to more than 20 people being trained (original figure planned was 10), a majority of whom were women. Following the training based on the Matarenda principles, they have set up their own small businesses and received orders to make overalls for employees in local companies nearby, uniforms for pupils in nearby All these activities have helped to form a positive relationship with members of the IDP community who have embraced the work and felt empowered to take responsibility for the installations and training. |
| Sector | Communities and Social Services/Policy,Education,Healthcare |
| Impact Types | Cultural Societal Economic |
| Description | ESRC - IAA (impact acceleration account) |
| Amount | £15,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 7230345 |
| Organisation | University of Nottingham |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2022 |
| End | 08/2022 |
| Title | KoBo Toolbox |
| Description | Our partner at NANZ has made use of KoBo Toolbox to collect data from the IDP community about their knowledge and understanding of COVID-19 , as well as their priorities as IDPs during these times of uncertainty. The KoBo Toolbox allows for rapid data collection in challenging environments and the data can then be analysed using tools such as SPSS and NVivo. A questionnaire was developed by the project team that included quantitative and open responses and a team of researchers went into the field to collect responses from members of the IDP community who were randomly selected. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2020 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | The questionnaire data was analysed by our NANZ partner using SPSS and the results made available for the project team. The results have enabled partners to plan appropriate training around public health education. Ethical approval - in order to begin the field work, we sought ethical approval from the University of Nottingham School of Education's ethics board. This was then shared with our partners at ZEGU who sought ethical approval from the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe (MRCZ) which was a lengthy process as documents had to be submitted in English and in Shona. Following ethical approval from the MRCZ, our partners at University of Zimbabwe successfully applied for ethical approval from their ethics board. |
| Description | Internally Displaced Person and COVD-19: leveraging local low-cost COVID-19 solutions in informal settlements in Zimbabwe |
| Organisation | University of Wolverhampton |
| Department | Faculty of Education Health and Wellbeing |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | As the PI, I am co-ordinating and managing the research tasks, assigning roles to partners and collecting weekly updates on the progress of the tasks. I ask for weekly updates on progress of the project tasks and manage the sub-teams to ensure there is clear communication between individuals as part of the larger team. As the work is based in Zimbabwe, I ask evidence of work as it develops and respond to any queries. As the budget holder, I have been able to ask for funding to be redirected when necessary, and have appointed a research fellow to support the team's work. I have led on gaining ethical approval for the project and co-ordinating this with the appropriate authorities in Zimbabwe with our partners from ZEGU. This has been followed by research and impact activities so far including a survey on the needs of the study community and adaptation of the major COVID-19 innovations and the beginning of their installation in the settlements at this point. This also includes securing the innovations through erecting protective structures around them. Meanwhile other related activities are ongoing i.e. adaptation of public health education material; training of the communities on how to use the innovations to protect themselves; planning a training for the IDPs community to make their own facemasks; and the development of a toolkit for entrepreneurship training. |
| Collaborator Contribution | University of Zimbabwe - our partner from the University of Zimbabwe is responsible for co-planning transformative public health education appropriate for the IDP community. She is planning a programme of training sessions for village health workers who live among and are familiar with the IDP community so that they are fully prepared to share information and knowledge about COVID-19 and how to protect oneself within the context of the settlement. Our partner is also co-leading on how key COVID-19 messaging is communicated through posters and other media channels. Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University (ZEGU) is our main partner in Zimbabwe. They have led on the adaptations of the innovations working with engineers based at ZEGU to ensure the washing stations and full body baths are fully functioning and suitable for use in the settlements. They are responsible for installation and training in the use of the innovations and have established good networks with the IDP community leaders. The Church arm of ZEGU is also providing a team of trainers to teach identified members of the IDP community to make masks and support them in building their entrepreneurial skills. ZEGU has also led on applying for ethical approval from the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe. Our partner at the Women's University in Africa is the Zimbabwe project lead and is overseeing the work done by our Zimbabwean partners. She is leading on the messaging around COVID-19 through the use of various media channels (print, video, radio etc) so that the IDP community feels knowledgeable about what COVID-19 is and how they can protect themselves. This also includes messaging for children living within the settlements. Our partner at the University of Wolverhampton is co-leading on the transformative public health education aim of the project with our partner from the University of Zimbabwe. He is also leading on adapting existing protections so they are made suitable for children - this is in the form of balaclavas that children can feel comfortable wearing all day without constantly removing them as they do with masks. Our partner at the National Age Network of Zimbabwe is CEO of the charity and is leading on aspects of data collection and analysis, as well as connecting with the IDP community. |
| Impact | There have been good networks established between our Zimbabwean partners and the IDP community which is beneficial for the development of the work we have planned to do. In one settlement, 7 handwashing stations have been installed as well as a full body bath. Data has been collected and analysed through an online questionnaire on current understanding of COVID-19 among members of the IDP community. Media has been involved in capturing the work through local newspaper reports, videoing and interviewing partners as well as representatives of the IDP community. Some initial public health education training has begun with some village health workers and draft leaflets produced on aspects of protections against COVID-19. |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | Internally Displaced Person and COVD-19: leveraging local low-cost COVID-19 solutions in informal settlements in Zimbabwe |
| Organisation | University of Zimbabwe |
| Country | Zimbabwe |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | As the PI, I am co-ordinating and managing the research tasks, assigning roles to partners and collecting weekly updates on the progress of the tasks. I ask for weekly updates on progress of the project tasks and manage the sub-teams to ensure there is clear communication between individuals as part of the larger team. As the work is based in Zimbabwe, I ask evidence of work as it develops and respond to any queries. As the budget holder, I have been able to ask for funding to be redirected when necessary, and have appointed a research fellow to support the team's work. I have led on gaining ethical approval for the project and co-ordinating this with the appropriate authorities in Zimbabwe with our partners from ZEGU. This has been followed by research and impact activities so far including a survey on the needs of the study community and adaptation of the major COVID-19 innovations and the beginning of their installation in the settlements at this point. This also includes securing the innovations through erecting protective structures around them. Meanwhile other related activities are ongoing i.e. adaptation of public health education material; training of the communities on how to use the innovations to protect themselves; planning a training for the IDPs community to make their own facemasks; and the development of a toolkit for entrepreneurship training. |
| Collaborator Contribution | University of Zimbabwe - our partner from the University of Zimbabwe is responsible for co-planning transformative public health education appropriate for the IDP community. She is planning a programme of training sessions for village health workers who live among and are familiar with the IDP community so that they are fully prepared to share information and knowledge about COVID-19 and how to protect oneself within the context of the settlement. Our partner is also co-leading on how key COVID-19 messaging is communicated through posters and other media channels. Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University (ZEGU) is our main partner in Zimbabwe. They have led on the adaptations of the innovations working with engineers based at ZEGU to ensure the washing stations and full body baths are fully functioning and suitable for use in the settlements. They are responsible for installation and training in the use of the innovations and have established good networks with the IDP community leaders. The Church arm of ZEGU is also providing a team of trainers to teach identified members of the IDP community to make masks and support them in building their entrepreneurial skills. ZEGU has also led on applying for ethical approval from the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe. Our partner at the Women's University in Africa is the Zimbabwe project lead and is overseeing the work done by our Zimbabwean partners. She is leading on the messaging around COVID-19 through the use of various media channels (print, video, radio etc) so that the IDP community feels knowledgeable about what COVID-19 is and how they can protect themselves. This also includes messaging for children living within the settlements. Our partner at the University of Wolverhampton is co-leading on the transformative public health education aim of the project with our partner from the University of Zimbabwe. He is also leading on adapting existing protections so they are made suitable for children - this is in the form of balaclavas that children can feel comfortable wearing all day without constantly removing them as they do with masks. Our partner at the National Age Network of Zimbabwe is CEO of the charity and is leading on aspects of data collection and analysis, as well as connecting with the IDP community. |
| Impact | There have been good networks established between our Zimbabwean partners and the IDP community which is beneficial for the development of the work we have planned to do. In one settlement, 7 handwashing stations have been installed as well as a full body bath. Data has been collected and analysed through an online questionnaire on current understanding of COVID-19 among members of the IDP community. Media has been involved in capturing the work through local newspaper reports, videoing and interviewing partners as well as representatives of the IDP community. Some initial public health education training has begun with some village health workers and draft leaflets produced on aspects of protections against COVID-19. |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | Internally Displaced Person and COVD-19: leveraging local low-cost COVID-19 solutions in informal settlements in Zimbabwe |
| Organisation | Women's University in Africa |
| Country | Zimbabwe |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | As the PI, I am co-ordinating and managing the research tasks, assigning roles to partners and collecting weekly updates on the progress of the tasks. I ask for weekly updates on progress of the project tasks and manage the sub-teams to ensure there is clear communication between individuals as part of the larger team. As the work is based in Zimbabwe, I ask evidence of work as it develops and respond to any queries. As the budget holder, I have been able to ask for funding to be redirected when necessary, and have appointed a research fellow to support the team's work. I have led on gaining ethical approval for the project and co-ordinating this with the appropriate authorities in Zimbabwe with our partners from ZEGU. This has been followed by research and impact activities so far including a survey on the needs of the study community and adaptation of the major COVID-19 innovations and the beginning of their installation in the settlements at this point. This also includes securing the innovations through erecting protective structures around them. Meanwhile other related activities are ongoing i.e. adaptation of public health education material; training of the communities on how to use the innovations to protect themselves; planning a training for the IDPs community to make their own facemasks; and the development of a toolkit for entrepreneurship training. |
| Collaborator Contribution | University of Zimbabwe - our partner from the University of Zimbabwe is responsible for co-planning transformative public health education appropriate for the IDP community. She is planning a programme of training sessions for village health workers who live among and are familiar with the IDP community so that they are fully prepared to share information and knowledge about COVID-19 and how to protect oneself within the context of the settlement. Our partner is also co-leading on how key COVID-19 messaging is communicated through posters and other media channels. Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University (ZEGU) is our main partner in Zimbabwe. They have led on the adaptations of the innovations working with engineers based at ZEGU to ensure the washing stations and full body baths are fully functioning and suitable for use in the settlements. They are responsible for installation and training in the use of the innovations and have established good networks with the IDP community leaders. The Church arm of ZEGU is also providing a team of trainers to teach identified members of the IDP community to make masks and support them in building their entrepreneurial skills. ZEGU has also led on applying for ethical approval from the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe. Our partner at the Women's University in Africa is the Zimbabwe project lead and is overseeing the work done by our Zimbabwean partners. She is leading on the messaging around COVID-19 through the use of various media channels (print, video, radio etc) so that the IDP community feels knowledgeable about what COVID-19 is and how they can protect themselves. This also includes messaging for children living within the settlements. Our partner at the University of Wolverhampton is co-leading on the transformative public health education aim of the project with our partner from the University of Zimbabwe. He is also leading on adapting existing protections so they are made suitable for children - this is in the form of balaclavas that children can feel comfortable wearing all day without constantly removing them as they do with masks. Our partner at the National Age Network of Zimbabwe is CEO of the charity and is leading on aspects of data collection and analysis, as well as connecting with the IDP community. |
| Impact | There have been good networks established between our Zimbabwean partners and the IDP community which is beneficial for the development of the work we have planned to do. In one settlement, 7 handwashing stations have been installed as well as a full body bath. Data has been collected and analysed through an online questionnaire on current understanding of COVID-19 among members of the IDP community. Media has been involved in capturing the work through local newspaper reports, videoing and interviewing partners as well as representatives of the IDP community. Some initial public health education training has begun with some village health workers and draft leaflets produced on aspects of protections against COVID-19. |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | Internally Displaced Person and COVD-19: leveraging local low-cost COVID-19 solutions in informal settlements in Zimbabwe |
| Organisation | Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University |
| Country | Zimbabwe |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | As the PI, I am co-ordinating and managing the research tasks, assigning roles to partners and collecting weekly updates on the progress of the tasks. I ask for weekly updates on progress of the project tasks and manage the sub-teams to ensure there is clear communication between individuals as part of the larger team. As the work is based in Zimbabwe, I ask evidence of work as it develops and respond to any queries. As the budget holder, I have been able to ask for funding to be redirected when necessary, and have appointed a research fellow to support the team's work. I have led on gaining ethical approval for the project and co-ordinating this with the appropriate authorities in Zimbabwe with our partners from ZEGU. This has been followed by research and impact activities so far including a survey on the needs of the study community and adaptation of the major COVID-19 innovations and the beginning of their installation in the settlements at this point. This also includes securing the innovations through erecting protective structures around them. Meanwhile other related activities are ongoing i.e. adaptation of public health education material; training of the communities on how to use the innovations to protect themselves; planning a training for the IDPs community to make their own facemasks; and the development of a toolkit for entrepreneurship training. |
| Collaborator Contribution | University of Zimbabwe - our partner from the University of Zimbabwe is responsible for co-planning transformative public health education appropriate for the IDP community. She is planning a programme of training sessions for village health workers who live among and are familiar with the IDP community so that they are fully prepared to share information and knowledge about COVID-19 and how to protect oneself within the context of the settlement. Our partner is also co-leading on how key COVID-19 messaging is communicated through posters and other media channels. Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University (ZEGU) is our main partner in Zimbabwe. They have led on the adaptations of the innovations working with engineers based at ZEGU to ensure the washing stations and full body baths are fully functioning and suitable for use in the settlements. They are responsible for installation and training in the use of the innovations and have established good networks with the IDP community leaders. The Church arm of ZEGU is also providing a team of trainers to teach identified members of the IDP community to make masks and support them in building their entrepreneurial skills. ZEGU has also led on applying for ethical approval from the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe. Our partner at the Women's University in Africa is the Zimbabwe project lead and is overseeing the work done by our Zimbabwean partners. She is leading on the messaging around COVID-19 through the use of various media channels (print, video, radio etc) so that the IDP community feels knowledgeable about what COVID-19 is and how they can protect themselves. This also includes messaging for children living within the settlements. Our partner at the University of Wolverhampton is co-leading on the transformative public health education aim of the project with our partner from the University of Zimbabwe. He is also leading on adapting existing protections so they are made suitable for children - this is in the form of balaclavas that children can feel comfortable wearing all day without constantly removing them as they do with masks. Our partner at the National Age Network of Zimbabwe is CEO of the charity and is leading on aspects of data collection and analysis, as well as connecting with the IDP community. |
| Impact | There have been good networks established between our Zimbabwean partners and the IDP community which is beneficial for the development of the work we have planned to do. In one settlement, 7 handwashing stations have been installed as well as a full body bath. Data has been collected and analysed through an online questionnaire on current understanding of COVID-19 among members of the IDP community. Media has been involved in capturing the work through local newspaper reports, videoing and interviewing partners as well as representatives of the IDP community. Some initial public health education training has begun with some village health workers and draft leaflets produced on aspects of protections against COVID-19. |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Title | Public health interventions and innovations |
| Description | As described within the previous section on activities, handwashing stations and full body baths were installed in both settlements and settlement committee members have received training on how they function. These installations are being used by the wider IDP community in the settlements where the innovations were installed. Funding for this has was provided for from the original application for the bid. Public health education training took place following an initial discussion with committee members and some health workers from the IDP community. |
| Type | Preventative Intervention - Behavioural risk modification |
| Current Stage Of Development | Small-scale adoption |
| Year Development Stage Completed | 2021 |
| Development Status | Under active development/distribution |
| Impact | An initial training session with committee members (responsible for maintenance of the adapted innovations installed) and some health workers in the IDP community led to increased behaviour modification from the wider IDP community. As the full body baths were installed at the main entrance of the settlement, people were encouraged to enter the settlements at this location so that they became familiar with using the full body bath and learn how sanitisers can provide some form of protections against COVID-19. . Handwashing stations were installed at various locations in the settlements and people have become used to washing their hands more often. The public health education training took place following discussions with committee members and some health workers, as well the results from the questionnaire. |
| Description | Adaptation and installation of innovations |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Following adaptations of handwashing stations and full body baths at ZEGU, our Zimbabwe partners with a small team of engineers installed 15 handwashing stations and 2 full body baths across two settlements. Members of the IDP community, including the community leader (the Chairman) observed the installations. Following the installations, the IDP community under advisement form the Chairman, formed 2 committees to oversee the upkeep of the installations. I committee is responsible for the handwashing stations, ensuring they are operating smoothly, and the other committee is responsible for the full body bath. The community has decided to build some protections around each installation including a guard house around the full body bath. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| Description | Communication with wider audiences |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | The PI was interviewed by BBC local radio and recoding is available which can be sent via email A blog was written to share the work of the project and the engagement with the IDPs: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/vision/empowering-vulnerable-communities-to-fight-covid-19 An article was published in a local publication following an interview with one of the partners: https://thebusinessconnect.co.zw/zim-uk-universities-partner-to-foster-covid-19-innovations-in-idps/ A documentary has been produced on the project: https://drive.google.com/u/0/uc?id=1DBVejpPQVSluShwjISliA2XO0iKwSeCK&export=download A website was produced to share the project aims and objectives: https://www.idpszim.org/ A documentary has been produced and will be shared more widely |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021,2022 |
| URL | https://thebusinessconnect.co.zw/zim-uk-universities-partner-to-foster-covid-19-innovations-in-idps/ |
| Description | Community constitution |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
| Results and Impact | The IDP community were supported to set up their own committees to formulate a constitution to guide them in their activities in managing the outputs as a result of this project |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| Description | Entrepreneurial skills training |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
| Results and Impact | Members of the IDP communities were invited to participate in entrepreneurial skills training with a view to set up their own small businesses. The training was based on the Matarenda principles, an initiative that has its roots in Zimbabwe to empower women and their families to set up small business enterprises to improve their livelihoods |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Health centre |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
| Results and Impact | Following discussions with IDPs and at their request, a health centre was constructed in one of the settlements. Health workers are based there to disseminate information and advice about managing Covid-19 to members of 4 settlements in the region |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Local business involvement |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
| Results and Impact | Following the publicity generated by the roadshows, 2 local companies offered their services to support the vaccination programme in 1 settlement |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Mask making |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
| Results and Impact | A working group was set up to teach members of the IDP community in making masks. Trainers from ZEGU have volunteered their services and our partner from NANZ identified 10 members of the IDP community who were willing to be trained in making masks. Due to the popularity of the training, more people form the settlements requested training. The total number of IDPs trained was 23. Once the training had taken place, the IDP trainees learnt about setting up their own micro-businesses in making and selling masks and other products as part of the entrepreneurial skills training. Due to the success of this training, members of the IDPs have received orders from local businesses and schools to make overalls and uniforms for the employees and students (see Spin Out section) |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| Description | Project details reported in 3 national papers in Zimbabwe |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Details of the project have been reported in 3 national publications in Zimbabwe, enabling the general public to learn more about the work we are involved in and generating interest from other media channels. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| URL | https://www.newzimbabwe.com/zegu-throws-lifeline-to-underprivileged-communities-amidst-covid-pandemi... |
| Description | Roadshows and vaccination clinics |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
| Results and Impact | 2 roadshows were held across 2 settlements. A media company organised the roadshows, providing information and advice on Covid-19 with health workers, filming the events, engaging with the IDPs and supporting vaccination drives led by the Ministry of Health. The roadshows helped to spread the messaging around Covid-19 for the IDPs in their contexts and facilitated the vaccination process |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Training in use of the innovations |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | 3 of our Zimbabwe partners, accompanied by some engineers, held a training session at the settlement where the innovations have been installed. They led brief sessions on general understanding of COVID-19 and more time on how each installation works and how it must be maintained so it remains in good working order. The engineers explained how the full body bath works, what it does and how to ensure it is maintained, At the handwashing stations there was a reminder of how to ensure people wash their hands correctly followed by details on how to ensure the station is filled with a sufficient water supply and operates well. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| Description | Transformative public health education |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Connections have been made with local village health workers based at the settlement where the innovations have been installed. They have been invited to attend public health education training so that they are able to communicate with the IDP community on how they can protect themselves against COVID-19. As the health workers have been trained by the Ministry of Health, the training programme being planned will seek to build on their current levels of knowledge and include information on vaccines. Results from a questionnaire distributed via KoBo Toolbox are being used to plan the training so that we can provide the clearest information about COVID-19. The team leading on this training (1 partner based in Zimbabwe and 1 in UK) have also drafted information leaflets on COVID-19 which they will discuss with the health workers to ensure the information is appropriate for the IDP community and include images as well as translations in Shona. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| Description | Workshop to share project outputs |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
| Results and Impact | A workshop was held at the end of the project in Zimbabwe. The event was televised to connect IDPs from 2 different settlements as well as international audiences such as the wider project team. It was an event open to anyone interested. Members of the IDP communities from the settlements were provided with transport to and from the location, shared the work and skills they had learnt while on the project and their views on the success of the project |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |