USAID in partnership with Kenya’s Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education co-designed a behavior change campaign to support COVID-19 risk communication and community engagement for primary school students. These efforts were led by Tusome (“Let’s read” in Kiswahili) Early Grade Reading activity. The activity is a flagship partnership between USAID and the Government of Kenya’s Ministry of Education.
The Tusome campaign features Captain Tumaini (“Hope” in Kiswahili), a friendly superhero, and three pupils engaging in conversations about COVID-19. The radio and TV edutainment messages teach students how to stay safe at school during the pandemic; stay safe on school playgrounds and prevent COVID-19 infection; and how to manage COVID-19 illness at home. Also, posters in English and Kiswahili remind students of the three behaviors to practice: wearing face masks correctly, keeping physical distance, and washing hands with soap and water.
