Inclusive Community Feedback and Response Mechanism for WASH Services Regional Familiarization Workshop

(Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 27 December 2023, PMC-E): In a two-day event, which took place from December 26 to 27, 2023, the Population Media Center Ethiopia (PMC-E) organized a transformational Familiarization Inclusive Community Feedback and Response Mechanism for WASH Services Regional Familiarization Workshop in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia This workshop served as a pivotal catalyst for government stakeholders and WASH program actors to come together to unravel the significance of the Community Feedback Mechanism (CFM) framework.

On the workshop event, opening remark was given by UNICEF representative Mr. Nazi…. welcomed the participants and reflected that this workshop is the best opportunity to successfully implement WASH activities at national and regional levels. It’s also a great chance for the participants to share their experiences, and challenges they encounter in their regions.

In this significant gathering, Kalkidan Gugsa, a WASH Social and Behavioral Change Specialist affiliated with UNICEF Ethiopia, extends a heartfelt welcome to each participant. Emphasizing the profound significance of the Community Feedback Mechanism (CFM), Ms. Kalkidan underscores its pivotal role in influencing and shaping both communities and healthcare outcomes. As we embark on this workshop, let us collectively explore and appreciate the transformative impact that the CFM holds, recognizing its potential to drive positive change in the realms of community engagement and healthcare practices.

In the two-gender, familiarization training workshop, Eshetu Girma (MPH, PhD) presented various WASH topics, like pretest, introduction and setting norms, community feedback and its importance the common WASH problems, in a community and WASH expert sensitization the public, problems to the community, gender and disability inclusiveness for WASH etc. He also elaborated the opportunities, challenges, and best experiences of WASH at national and regional levels. He also emphasized how to successfully implement WASH activities at national level and defined the role of all the participants at all levels.

Group discussions and reflections were also part of the event and participants were divided into six teams and discussed on Communication skill including public speaking, how to give and receive feedback, conflict and mistrust management, and confidentiality.

They embarked on profound conversations about the Community Feedback Mechanism and its vital role in fostering community engagement, and sustainability. These discussions also tackled pressing WASH issues within communities and explored effective ways in which WASH programs can sensitize the public about CFM principles, approaches, and challenges.

Furthermore, the workshop featured in-depth discussions on gender and inclusiveness in the context of WASH initiatives, recognizing the importance of equitable access and participation. Participants also presented their skills related to CFM, including communication skills, public speaking, giving, and receiving feedback, conflict resolution, trust management, and the critical aspect of confidentiality. These skills were an integral part of the group discussions and presentations, equipping attendees with the tools to champion CFM effectively.

As the workshop reached its conclusion, the formation of CFM establishment or revitalization teams marked a significant milestone. These teams were entrusted with the responsibility of managing CFM, analyzing feedback, and strategizing responses to the feedback provided by communities. This comprehensive approach is poised to bring about substantial positive change

The Familiarization Training Workshop was a collaborative effort, hosted by PMC-E in partnership with UNICEF. The participants comprised a diverse assembly, including representatives from the Ministry of Health (MoH), Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, (MoWSA), Ministry of Education (MoE), and Ministry of Water, and Energy (MoWE), alongside various stakeholders in Development WASH programs. Moreover, Oromia, Amhara, Sidama, Benishangul Gumuz, Gambela, Central Ethiopia region, Southwest Ethiopia Region, Dire Dewa, South Ethiopia region, Tigray, and Afar Health, Women and Social Affairs, Education, and Water, and Energy bureaus representatives participated on the two-day workshop.   

This monumental workshop marks a significant step towards empowering communities, driving positive change in WASH interventions, and ensuring that the voice of every community member is heard, valued, and acted upon. The CFM framework promises re-engineering and complexity adaptive, transparent, accountable, and sustainable WASH program delivery, and community engagement in Ethiopia

The CFM Familiarization Training Workshop stands as a watershed moment in Ethiopia’s healthcare narrative, delving deep into the essence of the Community Feedback Mechanism and its far-reaching implications.