As Covid-19 infections in Europe and the United States continue to climb with Canada and Mexico having extended border closures through October, many South Africans are wondering if it’s possible to avoid a second wave, given that our own infection numbers are continuing to climb under Level 1 Lockdown.
The Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA) is adamant that the answer to this question is a resounding “yes” – but only if we continue to uphold critical prevention and management protocols.
HWSETA CEO, Elaine Brass, said that although this may appear a simple task, many of us are neglecting or forgetting to follow basic protocols: washing and sanitising hands, wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing – whether through fatigue or sheer carelessness.
It is for this reasons that SETA has joined forces with talent acquisition consultancy, Talent Brand, to launch the second phase of the Real Heroes Connect edutainment series.
While the first series provided basic information about the deadly coronavirus pandemic, and reached over 2 million South Africans, the latest 7-series video special is geared towards addressing the complexities of the post-Covid world.
Brass noted that while the project initially targeted essential workers during the hard phase of lockdown, the campaign later broadened its focus as lockdown regulations relaxed to help people adjust to the very different conditions of the world in the wake of the pandemic.
Thus, Real Heroes Connect now explores questions such as how do I deal with stigma? How can I stay well in a Covid-19 world? What does effective parenting look like in the time of Covid? How does self-isolation differ from self-quarantine? Why is stigma a problem? How can I show people I care? And what happens if I test positive for Covid-19?
COVID-19 second wave; lessons and learning styles
Real Heroes Connect’s Jo Watt attributes the success of the series, which reached over 2 million South Africans, to the animated videos’ design, which has been maintained, and was carefully planned to ensure appeal to a wide range of learning styles.
Available in various formats- audio, visual and tactile – producers made certain to incorporate a variety of touchpoints that would help people assimilate information in the manner that suited them best.
“This was important to us, because there is little point in bombarding people with information they don’t heed,” Watt explained. With this in mind, Real Heroes Connect was formulated to encourage shareability.
And while the videos were available in static format so that they could be flighted at workplace premises, they could also be downloaded (free of charge) and shared – and people who did so stood a chance of winning a share in daily airtime.
“We are proud to support HWSETA in making every attempt to avoid more disruptions to the economy and, worse still, loss to human life”
Real Heroes Connect’s Jo Watt
Real Heroes Connect is one of several investments in public health and social development made by HWSETA, with the organisation’s contribution to initiatives totalling about R200 million to date.
“South Africa has been through a terribly dark time. We are proud to support HWSETA in making every attempt to avoid more disruptions to the economy and, worse still, loss to human life. It all hinges on relying on South Africans not to become complacent,” Watt added.
To help spread the facts and keep South Africa safe, visit https://www.realheroesconnect.com.
*For heads-up on what South African corporates and the government are doing to empower local communities, make sure to regularly visit the Empower SA page!
