Hello! I’m Nishikawa, the head midwife at Japan Heart Cambodia.
Maternity classes, which were suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic, have resumed. I am glad to see that many pregnant women listen to the classes attentively!
These maternity classes have actually been enhanced compared to what we used to do. In the past, maternity classes were usually led by Japanese midwives who created the content which was then translated into Khmer. During the maternity class’ hiatus, we thought more carefully about the needs of Cambodian mothers, renewed the content and decided to introduce a new version.
【Maternity class】
Of course, I will revise what we have been doing so far, so it is not all up to the Cambodian midwives, but they have been the ones who were able to think about how to improve the class. When planning the revision, we had to fight the feeling of postponement. We decided to make it by May, but it wasn’t until May that we finally started moving forward.
Despite all that, I am so impressed by the discussions that have been happening.
In the introduction phases, the discussions were initiated by Japanese midwives, but after a few minutes they were mainly led by Cambodian staff and the discussion language switched to Khmer from English. I can’t understand half of what is said, but I can understand that they are sharing opinions. The leaders facilitate discussions well, while the sub-leaders offer their opinions. There is nobody involved who does not contribute.
【Discussion】
During study sessions, this kind of discussion almost always happens. As I explain, an exchange in Khmer suddenly begins. If my explanation is difficult to understand, somebody invariably seeks confirmation. When a younger member asks something, the leaders and older members will supplement it. If it is still difficult to understand, I take questions after the discussion and move toward a solution that way.
I enjoy this time because it is rewarding to hold a study session where there is active participation. Interaction in Khmer is just the first step for them to grow together. I would like to continue to cherish this time in the future.
The story has digressed, but the first maternity class was interesting to many of the pregnant women who joined. There are four themes total and once they are all done, I would like to discuss them with my team and improve them even further.
Nishikawa Miyuki, Japan Heart Cambodia Head Midwife