Client: Common Thread | Year: 2023
Context
Common Thread, a global collective of behavioral scientists, public health experts, communicators, and designers, is dedicated to addressing complex public health challenges through innovative and people-centered approaches. In collaboration with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Bank, and the Kenyan Ministry of Health, Common Thread launched the "Call for Change" initiative. The project aimed to nurture groundbreaking local ideas and empower them with mentorship and resources to combat future pandemics. Within this initiative, I played a pivotal role in designing and implementing capacity-building curricula for Kenyan NGOs, organizations, and the Ministry of Health.
Common Thread, a global collective of behavioral scientists, public health experts, communicators, and designers, is dedicated to addressing complex public health challenges through innovative and people-centered approaches. In collaboration with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Bank, and the Kenyan Ministry of Health, Common Thread launched the "Call for Change" initiative. The project aimed to nurture groundbreaking local ideas and empower them with mentorship and resources to combat future pandemics. Within this initiative, I played a pivotal role in designing and implementing capacity-building curricula for Kenyan NGOs, organizations, and the Ministry of Health.
Goals
My primary objectives were to design comprehensive training curricula, emphasizing health promotion, human-centered design, behavioral economics, and pitching and proposal development. The goal was to equip participants of the "Call for Change" competition and the Kenyan Ministry of Health with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive impactful health innovations.
My primary objectives were to design comprehensive training curricula, emphasizing health promotion, human-centered design, behavioral economics, and pitching and proposal development. The goal was to equip participants of the "Call for Change" competition and the Kenyan Ministry of Health with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive impactful health innovations.
Training Curriculum
Drawing from the realms of health promotion, human-centered design, and behavioral economics, the training curriculum was meticulously designed to be both insightful and practical. Divided into three modules, the curriculum delved into the intricacies of health promotion strategies, integrating human-centered design principles, and harnessing behavioral economics to drive behavior change. Practical activities were interwoven with theoretical concepts to ensure participants could seamlessly apply their newfound knowledge. I collaborated with Common Thread to leverage existing content and developed a facilitator's guide, as well as engaging workshop activities.
Drawing from the realms of health promotion, human-centered design, and behavioral economics, the training curriculum was meticulously designed to be both insightful and practical. Divided into three modules, the curriculum delved into the intricacies of health promotion strategies, integrating human-centered design principles, and harnessing behavioral economics to drive behavior change. Practical activities were interwoven with theoretical concepts to ensure participants could seamlessly apply their newfound knowledge. I collaborated with Common Thread to leverage existing content and developed a facilitator's guide, as well as engaging workshop activities.
Capacity Building & Mentoring
By crafting the curriculum, I indirectly supported the "Call for Change" winners through their journey of capacity building. The practical curriculum empowered my colleagues to facilitate engaging and enriching sessions, ensuring that winners received meaningful mentoring and guidance. This approach not only enabled knowledge transfer but also fostered an environment of mutual learning and empowerment.
By crafting the curriculum, I indirectly supported the "Call for Change" winners through their journey of capacity building. The practical curriculum empowered my colleagues to facilitate engaging and enriching sessions, ensuring that winners received meaningful mentoring and guidance. This approach not only enabled knowledge transfer but also fostered an environment of mutual learning and empowerment.
Support for Kenyan Ministry of Health
In alignment with the project's objectives, a similar curriculum was tailored to enhance the capacity of the Kenyan Ministry of Health. With a focus on health promotion, human-centered design, and behavioral economics, the curriculum aimed to strengthen the Ministry's ability to drive innovative health initiatives. By integrating real-world examples, case studies, and fieldwork, the curriculum facilitated practical skill development and ensured participants were well-equipped to effect transformative change.
In alignment with the project's objectives, a similar curriculum was tailored to enhance the capacity of the Kenyan Ministry of Health. With a focus on health promotion, human-centered design, and behavioral economics, the curriculum aimed to strengthen the Ministry's ability to drive innovative health initiatives. By integrating real-world examples, case studies, and fieldwork, the curriculum facilitated practical skill development and ensured participants were well-equipped to effect transformative change.
Outcome
My collaboration with Common Thread resulted in a significant enhancement of capacity and knowledge within the Kenyan health innovation landscape. By developing and implementing comprehensive curricula, participants were empowered to drive innovative solutions informed by human-centered design principles and behavioral insights. The practical approach ensured that theoretical knowledge translated seamlessly into real-world applications, creating a lasting impact on health promotion initiatives and equipping the Ministry of Health with the tools to effect change.
My collaboration with Common Thread resulted in a significant enhancement of capacity and knowledge within the Kenyan health innovation landscape. By developing and implementing comprehensive curricula, participants were empowered to drive innovative solutions informed by human-centered design principles and behavioral insights. The practical approach ensured that theoretical knowledge translated seamlessly into real-world applications, creating a lasting impact on health promotion initiatives and equipping the Ministry of Health with the tools to effect change.
Testimonial
"I worked with Ben between April - July 2023 on a capacity building work stream for the Kenya MOH. Ben provided great ideas on facilitation support, and has a natural knack for structured thinking and organisation. Beyond this, he always brought a warm, kind and fun presence to calls. I really appreciated his ability to just get stuck in and support where he could. He is a hard worker - and a fun one! I can't wait to see what the future has in store for you :-)"
- Felicity Pocklington, Senior Project Manager
"I worked with Ben between April - July 2023 on a capacity building work stream for the Kenya MOH. Ben provided great ideas on facilitation support, and has a natural knack for structured thinking and organisation. Beyond this, he always brought a warm, kind and fun presence to calls. I really appreciated his ability to just get stuck in and support where he could. He is a hard worker - and a fun one! I can't wait to see what the future has in store for you :-)"
- Felicity Pocklington, Senior Project Manager
