I have just returned from three weeks in India where HHI hosted its first Trainer’s Conference. It was an exciting opportunity for all of our Trainers, from three states in India (Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Orissa) to work and learn together. It was also our first test run for HHI’s new early childhood development curriculum.

Our new curriculum was written by Christine Chaille, PhD and Frank Mahler, MS. Chaille is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Portland State University. Both Christine and Frank came to Chennai in October 2007 to spend a week with HHI’s Trainers. They learned from HHI’s local experts on the ground and got their feedback on how to best improve the first draft of the new curriculum, and they also were an excellent resource for further professional development for our HHI Trainers.

Christine, Indhu, Sujatha holding Palak, Tapaswini, Delsini, Frank & Laura

After this time of knowledge sharing, the new curriculum is in the final stages of design. By the end of 2007, HHI anticipates having the new Trainee’s Booklet, our first Trainer’s Manual and a short instructional film on baby massage (shot during this trip). The written materials will be translated into Tamil, Malayalam, Oriya and Hindi, while the DVD will have dotSUB technology to allow it to be subtitled in 200+ languages. HHI’s complete curriculum includes the following educational components: explanation of the four domains of development; connections across the domains; variations in development; early brain development; the importance of observation; bonding and attachment; baby cues; the role of play; health and hygiene; baby massage; and then detailed descriptions of the physical cognitive, language and affective development from birth to age five. Our curriculum molds to different cultures easily, using local songs, dance, games and stories. HHI also employs a standardized pre and post test of knowledge, as well as a follow up survey to continue to monitor and evaluate our impact.

Initial interest in applying HHI’s training tools and expertise is extremely high! I have had initial meetings with the India branches of World Vision, CARE, UNICEF, USAID, Catholic Relief Services, and Family Health International. We have also been approached by groups from Kenya, Cameroon, Uganda, Bangladesh, Russia and Haiti. By as soon as this spring HHI may begin working with one+ of these groups to help them apply our tools in orphanages, refugee programs, resettlement camps and other arenas where children are in serious risk. The goodness is growing to greatness!