Child Development Evaluation
July 10- July 24, 2026
Background
GHEI has robust data collection while families are enrolled in our Mother Mentors for Child Development (MMCD) program, which begins in pregnancy and continues until the child turns two years old.
However, we have not yet conducted a systematic evaluation of the outcomes for children once they leave the program. We are eager to have volunteers support this effort to better understand how participation in MMCD may have impacted both the child and the family.
Goal
Assess the health, development, and home environments of children who have completed GHEI’s Mother Mentor Program (MMCD), now ages 2–9, to understand long-term impact and guide future program improvements.
What will I do?
Prepare Tools
If desired, work with GHEI pre-departure to finalize the questionnaire, using validated questions when possible, largely drawn from UNICEF MICS questionnaires. This is optional- participate in this step if you have time and interest pre-departure.
Conduct Home Visits
Work in teams with GHEI staff to collect information from households. Likely topics:
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Nutrition and feeding practices
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Education status
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Infection prevention practices (malaria and diarrheal illnesses)
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Basic hygiene and safety
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Child’s height and weight (volunteers will do the measuring and weighing)
Synthesize Data
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Clean data daily
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Review data with local staff
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Report back on key findings
Who will I work with?
Joseph, Aggie and Mensah will lead a team of field staff trained in data collection. Dr. Rickard will advise before, during and after the project.
Joseph Yankson
Health Program Coordinator
(Joined GHEI in 2023)
Aggie Obeng
Health Program Administrator
(Joined GHEI in 2004)
Mensah Gyapong
Health Program Administrator
(Joined GHEI in 2008)
Diana Rickard, MD MSHS
Co-founder, Board Chair (will not be on site)
Session Leader Role
We’ll select one volunteer to serve as the Session Leader, who will contribute ~2–5 hours/week for 2–3 months before departure, and for 1-2 months after return.
Responsibilities include:
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Get to know your team's interests
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Work with GHEI on questionnaire and analysis plan
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Help finalize the session itinerary
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Coordinate materials (local vs. brought from the US)
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Assist GHEI with logistics including ensuring volunteers meet deadlines
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Complete final presentation/report and verbally give report back to GHEI via zoom
Interested? Mark your interest on the application. Candidates may be interviewed, and the leader will be selected by early spring.
