“As we embark on this great collective journey, we pledge that no one will be left behind… And we will endeavor to reach the furthest behind first.” —UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
Of everything in the United Nations 2030 Agenda, reaching those who are the furthest behind is one of the most important points for Amplio. For the last 12 years, we have used the Talking Book to address the UN Sustainable Development Goals by providing access to information for the most remote and marginalized rural communities. Talking Book messages inspire listeners to improve food security and nutrition, stay in school, seek antenatal care, and adopt hygiene and sanitation practices.
Throughout December, during our Talking Book Journey campaign, we shared stories and insights from Talking Book listeners whose lives were changed by the knowledge they gained. We think you'll be inspired by what they have to say.
“My second child was born hearing impaired, and I was told it is possible it could have been prevented if I had received antenatal care regularly. I started listening to the Talking Book messages, and I was educated on the importance of antenatal care. I learned how nurses can identify some defects or abnormalities in unborn babies before delivery and find ways to correct them. I have delivered two babies after that, and I visited the hospital throughout my pregnancy until delivery. Thankfully, they are healthy. I give thanks to the Talking Book program and all the nurses who took care of me during that period. God bless you all.” —Alimatu Kuubaare
“I always listen to the Talking Book whenever it comes to my household. I like the messages on handwashing. I now wash my hands after cleaning the baby, and my household members wash their hands with soap before eating. Diarrhea was a common sickness, but not anymore.” — Madam Diana
“I keep the scheduled dates for antenatal care services at our health center and always accompany my wife. Doing that helps me know important things about mothers’ and children’s health. As the family head, I am doing my best to ensure that my family is healthy. Whenever I meet my friends, I encourage them to do the same. The Taking Book taught us that we should always accompany our wives for antenatal and child welfare services.” —Doosaah Doonyuo
“The first day I tuned into the gender messages, he laughed and we argued a lot. The next day he asked to listen again. We began to discuss how joint decision-making and reviewing the workload can help all of us. I was surprised when he asked our sons to always wash their bowls any time they finish eating." — Mary Bognuo
“My decision to stay in school and go to university was triggered by Talking Book messages that motivated me further because they were explaining to parents and students that higher education was necessary to get a good job. I chose to study education at university because I have always had a love for it—not just education in the classroom but in the field, on issues of social behavioral change as well. I dream of being an educator.” —Gilbert Nkpeniyeng
“From the Talking Book, I learned about delivery with a skilled birth attendant and the dangers of delivering in the house with a traditional birth attendant. It was as if the story was referring to me in particular because I was pregnant and almost due for delivery, so I listened carefully. I delivered a healthy baby at the hospital and my usual bleeding after birth was not something I experienced again. I am very thankful for the Talking Book and the nurses who also helped me during delivery.” — Sophia Kowetenge
“My husband usually picks me on his motorbike for us to go to antenatal care services. He also had the opportunity to listen to Talking Book messages. He is the head of our household and decision lead. With the Talking Book, it's easier to get him to help with some of the things the nurses advise us to do because he has heard the advice for himself.” —Winifred Domonaangmen
What’s next on the Talking Book journey?
Since 2007, Amplio has been able to create local partnerships in Ghana, Kenya, and Rwanda to reach over 600,000 people. Now our goal is to reach millions more. 2019 was a year of growth for Amplio’s small but mighty team, and we’re looking forward to an even bigger 2020. We’re currently exploring new partnerships in Zambia, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Uganda, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Bangladesh.
We are grateful for all of our Talking Book friends and supporters who make this work possible. Thank you for joining us on this journey. May the new year bring you great peace, joy, prosperity, health, and wild possibility!