Program

SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY

Common River’s approach is culturally appropriate and sustainable. Using the Positive Deviance approach, the community is involved from the start in the program conception and implementation and follow-up. Involving the community in articulating their felt needs and assisting in planning the program will instill community ownership. The program requires community participation in the following ways:

a) Formation of community committees represented by all groups in the community

b) Community contributions in the form of labor and building supplies and land

c) Monitoring and Evaluation of the program with the community. Indicators will be tracked and posted on a community bulletin board for all to witness.

d) Tapping the internal maternal technology in terms of health practices and behaviors through positive deviance assures that the behaviors are sustained. Behavioral change education through training seeks to internalize new practices in their homes.

Common River believes that by empowering communities to take care of themselves and become more self-reliant that the program will be sustained. It also encourages community ownership, which will enhance maintenance and continuation of program activities.

Common River plans to implement program activities in Aleta Wondo for a period of 3-5 years and then move to another community. Once a viable model has been created and works well, it can be replicated. Common River does not want to create community dependency and will make it very clear from the beginning that the community will be responsible for the program as the phase out strategy begins from the start.

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