Media and Training Centre for Health (MTC)

Context

The Media and Training Centre for Health (MTC) is a non-profit organisation based in Cape Town, South Africa. Established in 1994 as an affiliate of the National Progressive Primary Health Care Network, MTC has operated as an independent entity since 2001. We specialise in the design and development of community learning models that promote health and empowerment in marginalised communities. We have been instrumental in the implementation of community learning programmes in eight countries (South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, Mozambique, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Cameroon).
Our mission is to empower people with knowledge and skills, using community media to achieve better health and educational standards and to elevate communities from vulnerable positions in order to improve quality of life. We work with community radio stations in rural and marginalised areas to educate and engage community members in dialogue about issues that impact on their daily lives. In this way we assist the vulnerable sectors of the community who have low literacy levels, and are unable to access information through print media. We perform an advocacy and lobbying function by raising awareness about their rights and provide a communication channel with health and social development authorities. Our focus here is primarily vulnerable women and children.

Website:
http://www.mtcforhealth.co.za

Area of Work:
Cape Town, Africa

Contact Person:
Gail White

Approaches to implementing Community monitoring/accountability

In keeping with PRA principles, we promote and encourage the decentralisation of resources and the empowerment of communities to be actively involved in the management of projects. Management teams are elected by the beneficiaries themselves: we function in a support and mentoring capacity to provide skills and knowledge and to provide an enabling environment that ensures that all role-players take responsibility and accept accountability for the decisions and actions taken during the planning and implementation phases of our projects. Sound monitoring systems are put in place to ensure that sustainable outcomes are attained and to continuously provide guidance in such a way that beneficiaries take ownership of the processes.

Results and lessons

Our primary work revolves around the training and mentorship of community radio staff to produce quality programmes that accurately reflect the needs of their listeners and to collaborate with key stakeholder partners in the health sector.