Video Led Training

Video Led Training allows people to see what often remains hidden, hear what is seldom said, cutting to the heart of issues to find appropriate solutions to persistent challenges.

The Mediae team originally developed video-led training as a tool with the Open University and UK’s Reading University’s Department of International Development and Rural Livelihoods.  Initially designed to teach communication skills to Agricultural extension workers in Kenya, the pilot was then adapted for use in a further six countries in Africa.  The methodology of Video Led Training has since been developed by Mediae to meet the specific communication and training needs of diverse organizations.

For the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC) Kenya, the challenge was how to improve health worker communication and counseling skills in promoting cross-testing for HIV and TB.  Mediae research highlighted the negative impact on clients of health workers’ stigma of HIV.  A video tool was developed, with the aim of encouraging health workers to know their own HIV status, for their own health and so as to communicate better with clients.

Mediae’s Video Led Training process begins with research to identify the key training issues and inform the development of all content - what should be dramatized, what portrayed in first-hand interviews and the specific discussion outcomes to be reached.  Further research is carried out when the video is tested with audiences in the field, to confirm the discussion objectives and outcomes are reached by the target audience.

The video-led training session often includes a handbook for each participant, featuring quotes, pictures and key points made in the video.  The handbook is designed to include any notes a participant may wish to make throughout the session.  As a take-home tool, the handbook serves as a reminder of the key points, tips and decisions made during the training session, available to refer to at any time and share with others.