Sierra Leone Partnerships
Capacare
What constituted the partnership?
Connection made during previous fieldwork in Sierra Leone.
How did the partner help you? How did you help them?
We interviewed their doctors and we made an educational film representing them. We have streamed this video in hospitals.
They helped us put together a viewing and they generously offered their insight and expertise. They helped distribute our film by posting it to social media.
Was this a symbiotic relationship? Why or why not?
Yes, we were able to conduct interviews and information and in exchange, they received the informational video we made.
What would help strengthen this partnership and make it more equitable?
A written contract or paper of agreement, ensuring that it is communicated what Capacare wants and we we want.
NEMS
What constituted the partnership?
Connection made through Carrie Jo.
How did the partner help you? How did you help them?
Ricardo has given us information about NEMS regarding ambulances and data.
We have given them more publicity.
Was this a symbiotic relationship? Why or why not?
No, because our work with NEMS is unfinished. We are scheduled to have an interview with them soon.
What would help strengthen this partnership and make it more equitable?
Continued communication through interviews.
Makeni Midwifery School
What constituted the partnership?
Connection made during previous fieldwork in Sierra Leone.
How did the partner help you? How did you help them?
They participated in an interview with us, enabling us to obtain information about midwifery in Sierra Leone.
We made an educational video for them.
Was this a symbiotic relationship? Why or why not?
Until we have valid metrics of success from our video for them, which are the recruitment of more midwives, it will not be.
What would help strengthen this partnership and make it more equitable?
If the continued screenings of our video promote the recruitment of more midwives.
SACHO
What constituted the partnership?
Connection made during previous fieldwork in Sierra Leone.
How did the partner help you? How did you help them?
They participated in an interview with us, enabling us to obtain information about SACHO.
We made videos for them, it was shown on our social media, and it was streamed on their website and screened at hospitals.
Was this a symbiotic relationship? Why or why not?
Yes because they have used the video we made for their own benefit.
What would help strengthen this partnership and make it more equitable?
Continued communication and development of our partnership.
Mr. Yillah from SHADE
What constituted the partnership?
Mountaintop fieldwork.
How did the partner help you? How did you help them?
He provided us with background information on FGM.
We have not yet given him anything in return.
Was this a symbiotic relationship? Why or why not?
No, because he provided us with information and we did not give him anything in return.
What would help strengthen this partnership and make it more equitable?
Continued communication. Potential content for him and partnership.
America Partnerships
Boston Research Lab
What constituted the partnership?
Our faculty advisor, Fathima.
How did the partner help you? How did you help them?
They showed the U.S. initiatives to combat maternal mortality.
We have not given them anything in return yet.
Was this a symbiotic relationship? Why or why not?
No, because they provided us with information and we did not give them anything in return.
What would help strengthen this partnership and make it more equitable?
We may create promotional material for them to use and disseminate.
Doula Amy
What constituted the partnership?
Emailed her through her Doula services website.
How did the partner help you? How did you help them?
She participated in an interview with us, enabling us to obtain information.
We have not yet given her anything in return.
Was this a symbiotic relationship? Why or why not?
No, because she provided us with information and we did not give her anything in return.
What would help strengthen this partnership and make it more equitable?
We may make a promotional video for her.
Coalition:
Policy makers – social change
Sierra Leone government officials
Masanga Hospital administrators
Healthcare professionals – Engagement
Midwives
Doulas
Doctors
Pastor/religious figure/people in community with clout – stronger movement
Ministry of Health – social change
Bernadett
Sister Marama Momah
Core stakeholders: mothers – compelling story
Resource partners: Personal Health Units – stronger movement/engagement
SACHO
To reduce maternal mortality in Sierra Leone by 5%, we have been using a creative media model to exhibit the process of film impact. The coalition starts with the basis of the story and our core stakeholders: the mothers. Their thoughts, opinions, and experiences shape the way we choose to create and disseminate our films. The next organization in our coalition would be us, The Mothers of Sierra Leone. Through our filmwork and networking, we bring awareness and access to maternal resources which enable women to access healthcare resources and in turn, will help cultivate trust between women and hospitals and clinics. For engagement, we need healthcare professionals which include midwives and doctors from the Makeni Midwifery School, Capacare, and Masanga Hospital. Their engagement in the films we produce help to create transparency between healthcare professionals and women. To create a strong movement around our educational films, we need the help of people in the community with clout, such as pastors or other religious figures. Their presence in our films as well as their promotion of the films will engage the community. To finally bring about social change, we need policy makers such as Sierra Leone government officials, individuals from the ministry of health.