This archive report was first published on 7 June 2020.
As the world grapples with the coronavirus pandemic, it's a challenge to convince children about the need to keep social distance. But a brilliant solution has been found by Project HAND UP, a puppet project that delivers health messages in Kenya.
Project HAND UP has been entertaining and educating large groups of people on subjects such as HIV and Aids, health, sanitation, and child safety for years. However, with the coming of coronavirus, their travelling and group shows had to stop. Yet the need for HAND UP messaging was more urgent than ever.
International Director of Project HAND UP, Darren Collins, and his colleague Fedelis Kyalo, turned to video to continue their mission. They were greatly assisted by Ross Franks of Buni Media, the producers of the XYZ Show.
They are making five short videos, targeting Kenyan children and helping them to understand what is going on right now. Each video focuses on one of the joint World Health Organisation/Fifa campaign messages: Wash hands frequently; Keep social distance; Cover your nose and mouth with a bent elbow when coughing; Avoid touching your face; If you feel unwell, stay home.
The videos feature Dr Pamoja and Bali, the little monkey friend. The second in the series, which came out last weekend, focuses on the importance of keeping social distance. In the video, Bali asks Dr Pamoja for a banana, but Dr Pamoja gives him social distancing advice instead. The message gets across in a quick, colourful, and fun way.
Project HAND UP has secured support for this initiative from the De Soto Rotary Club and the Plano East Rotary Club of the United States. The videos are already in five languages: English, Swahili, Luo, Kamba, and Kikuyu. They are showing on TV channels, YouTube, and social media.
According to Darren, it's an 'opportunity from adversity.' Project HAND UP has shown itself to be one of the first responders when it comes to disease prevention in Kenya.
Published on June 7, 2020, by John Fox, Chairman of iDC.
