Utilisation of training programmes by health advisers

Abstract

Most of the training programmes received by the health advisers in the Gauteng health promotion directorate, are delivered in a lecture form, whereby trainers prepare their presentations according to themes chosen by management, without the involvement of trainees. After training, the health advisers adopt the same attitude with the individuals they educate. This study describes how participatory research was carried out to investigate how health advisers in the Gauteng Province experience and utilise these training programmes. It articulates the roles of the researcher and participants in the research process. The study showed that while it is true that trainees must receive theoretical information, it is equally true that they must be able to relate that information to their practical situations. The study indicates that this can occur by introducing a form of training in which the focus is on both the trainer and trainees as co-learners in the learning situation.