Word of mouth or peer education is still the most reliable way to get information. Making sure that information is correct or accurate is another story.

One of Another Option’s role under USAID/Nepal’s Early Grade Reading Program managed by RTI International is to create awareness among parents of children in grades one through three about the benefits of reading, and for children to read outside of schools at home, reading corners, and libraries.

With the Ministry of Education, we developed a peer education guide to encourage parents to talk to other parents. Our research showed that parents talked to other parents about maneuvering their way through the school culture and to assure parents received good advice on what to do for their children to succeed.

Approved by the Ministry of Education and USAID/Nepal, the guide is in English and Nepali with plans to translate into three other languages. The training kit consists of three components: trainer guide, participant guide, and wall hanging with recommended behaviors and activities for parents.

An electronic version will be posted for any to use. Please give credit to USAID/Nepal. Drawings and illustrations by Keshar Joshi.