Solar-Powered Projectors and Video for Behavior Change

Summary

If NGOs and ministries of government don't have the right communication tools, their life-saving work is ineffective. Video is an underutilized tool in behavior change communication and training. This is largely due to lack of electricity and the assumption that it requires significant technical expertise. One Mobile Projector Per Trainer (OMPT) revolutionizes how information is delivered to remote populations through the use of video and battery-powered projectors. In doing so, OMPT gives aid workers the tools and training to effectively communicate to beneficiaries in low-resource areas. Through hands-on workshops, equipment procurement and capacity development, OMPT strengthens the capacity of NGOs to engage with remote communities and promote behavior change. In the past twelve years, OMPT has conducted 32 Video Education Workshops in 25 countries and trained 600+ development workers. In this multimedia presentation, OMPT will use solar-powered projectors to showcase behavior change videos made by previous NGO partners. A key element of OMPT's intervention is highly-contextualized videos, which incorporate beneficiaries and community members. All videos are created and disseminated in the local communities using OMPT methodology and equipment, thereby creating relatable behavior change messaging. We provide camera kits for creating video, a cordless projector for showing video and an alternative recharge kit so the equipment can be used in the most remote areas without electricity. OMPT's intervention can be applied to behavior change communication, advocacy and donor communication. We have worked in thirteen key sectors of international development, including WASH, nutrition, and civic engagement.

Background/Objectives

OMPT builds the capacity of NGOs to use video as a tool for behavior change in the most remote communities. Using OMPT's methodology and equipment, our partners learn to create and show video most effectively at the community level. Our goal is to equip every humanitarian worker with the skills and technology to incorporate video into their communication strategy. Lack of electricity shouldn't be a barrier for technology and innovation, and OMPT is working to change that. Our objective is to showcase videos from previous partners and provide insight into how to incorporate video into field work in remote areas.

Results/Lessons Learned

OMPT will share best practices from over a decade of producing and disseminating videos for behavior change in low resource settings. Our methodology is rooted in social change theory and practical experience in the field, and our results demonstrate a significant improvement in behavior change. In Guinea Bissau and Senegal, for example, we've seen a 33% increase in community participation directly related to the use of OMPT's equipment and methodology. Over the last 12 years, we've demonstrated: Projector Kits Deployed: 2736 Camera Kits Deployed: 274 Recharging Kits Deployed: 619 Project Countries: 25 People Directly Trained: 602 In addition to creating and sharing videos, OMPT has a depth of experience integrating video into behavior change communications projects. Organizational constraints can be a barrier to the successful integration of video. Through our capacity development program, OMPT can provide external support and advise of best practices and strategies to overcome challenges.

Discussion/Implications For The Field

NGO partners are doing great work to improve the lives of beneficiaries. However, there are unique challenges in accessing the most remote and rural communities with engaging, high-quality content. Staff capacity and logistics challenges prevent many NGOs from regularly accessing communities living in rural areas. Moreover, as information cascades through the dissemination network of field staff and community volunteers, the quality and accuracy of the messages suffer. With OMPT's intervention, NGOs can scale their programs and reach more beneficiaries with consistent, standardized messaging. In doing so, fewer people are left behind in the world's most marginalized and vulnerable communities.

Abstract submitted by:

Laurie Kaplan - The OMPT

Matt York - The OMPT

Andy Shoemaker - The OMPT