European Union supported SHARE (Strengthening Health, Applying Research Evidence) project of icddr,b in collaboration with University College London (UCL), organized a school-based public engagement event with the students of I.P.H School and College to make them aware on Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) risk factors. Around 23 students from classes 5-9 participated in the event on 17-18 April 2018 at I.P.H School and College, Mohakhali, Dhaka. Students were trained on basic filming techniques using android device and hands-on practice sessions were included to create short clippings on different thematic areas for dietary risk factors of NCD.
Facilitators:
1. Anna Purdie, UCL
2. Edward
3. Dr. K.M. Saif-Ur- Rahman: Research Investigator, icddr,b
4. Shafiul Adnan Khan: Communications Specialist, icddr,b
5. Razwana Afzal: Communications Officer, icddr,b
Participant’s List:
1. Taslima Nila
2. Maria Islam
3. Tamanna Islam
4. Jannatul ferdous
5. Naznin Karim
6. Al Shaharia Khan
7. Md. Billal Hossain
8. Md. Yead Ali
9. Akayed Islam
10. Md. Tanvir
11. Israt Jahan
12. Maksuda Akter
13. Afroza Akter
14. Sanjida Akter
15. Nupur Binte Halim
16. Md. Al-Amin
17. Hridoy Chandra Hawlader
18. Busra Binte Ayrin
19. Suariya Akter
20. Sumona Akter
21. Sumi Akter
22. Esha Islam
23. Nusrat Jahan

Day 1
In the beginning, the facilitators told the students the purpose of their visit and what the event is based on. They discussed about Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and the importance of school health. After the students formally introduced themselves, they were asked about their food habits; what they like to eat the most and whether those are healthy and unhealthy. Then the students were given some blank cards asking them to draw their favorite fruits which are available locally. After that, the participants were asked to write about their daily food habits followed by at what time they take their breakfast, lunch, and dinner by Mr. Adnan and Dr. Saif. The students said that most of the time they eat home cooked foods and during recess and supper they eat snacks from outside. When they were asked what influenced or made them have those daily foods, they mentioned some points- adverts of the foods, how attractive the food looks, how good the food tastes, availability of the food, pricing of the food and family customs. They were also asked about their family members whether they eat enough fruits and vegetables and who have been suffering from NCDs.
After this session, Anna and Edward showed them a presentation about UK school activity under the same project. They showed the videos that the students made in the UK schools. In the afternoon, there was a sum up of what was learned so far. After that Edward and Mr. Adnan showed them the technical aspects of how to work the cameras, such as before filming to take consents from the people, how to hold the camera horizontally and to capture photos and videos inadequate light. The students were divided into 6 groups of 4 and were given 2 cameras per group. Each group was assigned 1 topic to film:
1. Group 1: Advert
2. Group 2: Vendor
3. Group 3: Home cooking
4. Group 4: School
5. Group 5: Daily food intake
6. Group 6: NCDs
After the training session on basic filming, students were then asked to film the vendors in the surroundings with permission. Vendors were asked some simple questions, such as what are they selling, whether those are clean or not, and what do students eat mostly.
They interviewed their teachers, parents, and the other students who participated in the event of their daily food intake and whether they were aware of the risk factors of the NCDs or not.
Day 2
On the second day of the event, Mr. Adnan, Dr. Saif, and Anna proceeded to the greeting session which was followed by recapitulation session conducted by Dr. Saif and Mr. Adnan. Then the students of the IPH School and colleagues shared their experiences and what they learned from 2 days long event on NCD awareness. Most of them shared that they should bring changes in their lifestyle and eating habits. During this session, Dr. Saif highlighted that they should aware their fellow schoolmates as well as their family. The students then played a game which was conducted by Anna and assisted by Mr. Adnan. In that game, Anna asked some questions like- Who thinks Junk food is healthy? Would you prefer eating junk food or vegetable and fruits? The principal of the IPH school and college afterward thanked icddr,b and Anna for conducting this event in their school and enlightening their students about the risk factors of NCDs. Anna, Ed, Dr. Saif, Mr. Adnan and Mrs. Razwana had a discussion session with the teachers of the school about NCD risk factors. One-to-one interviews with four (two male students and two female students) students were conducted asking them about their experiences of this event and eating habits. Each group provided the clippings that they made by themselves. Some students made short films using a role-play model. All the clippings were saved to compile with those from UK students which will be used to make a documentary on NCD related food behavior among school-going adolescents.
During certificate giving ceremony, Dr. Aminur Rahman thanked principal for letting icddr,b and UCL conduct this event at their school and also shared that during his school years there wasn’t any event as such for creating awareness about NCD. He also thanked Anna and Ed for traveling from the UK in order to conduct this event. Anna thanked the students for their effort in her closing remarks.
The two day long school-based public engagement activity was successfully completed on 18th April.