RESUMO
PIP: World Education is planning a training program for illiterate midwives in Colombia. Program design is based on the premise that midwives do not need to become literate to learn and practice new skills. The educational approach follows three principles: 1) the training process and materials are to be related to practical problems, 2) the midwives will not need to learn reading and writing, and 3) the program will be designed specifically to teach the illiterate adult. The program must be designed in such a way that the midwives will put the new methods and principles into practice. The teaching materials will: 1) be understandable to the illiterate adult; 2) use symbols and/or stick figures; 3) be clear and understandable, presenting an initial idea as well as a stimulus for recalling the concept; 4) be easily adaptable to different cultures; and 5) be durable so that the midwives may continue to use the materials. The "code" of symbols will remain constant so that other materials can be supplied on a continuing basis to the midwives after completion of the training program. This program affords the opportunity to establish whether or not training programs will close the gap between the theory of community participation and actual participation of community members.^ieng