A nutrition/health training program for Peace Corps volunteers

Nutrition and health education is a crucial component of the overall mission of the Peace Corps program. Individuals selected to work as Peace Corps volunteers need to be well prepared to perform this complex and challenging job in recipient countries. This article presents a model for a training program for Peace Corps trainees that was conducted over a 5-week period. The program was planned in accordance with some specific training guidelines that were provided by the Peace Corps. The trainees included nine women ranging in age from 22 to 61 years with diverse backgrounds; however, all had a BA/BS in a health-related discipline. Training curriculum included fundamental nutrition and health-related areas: basic nutrition, foods, clinical nutrition, maternal and child health, communicable diseases and sanitation, health strategies, and community development. Fifty percent of the curriculum was devoted to "hands-on" practical and clinical activities. Maternal and child health was emphasized in the training curriculum as this is an area of concern in all developing countries. The trainees were evaluated by weekly quizzes as well as completion of a special project involving applications of all their newly acquired skills. Implications of the training program are discussed.