Participatory methodologies and permanent education in training community/health agents

Abstract

This article seeks to reflect on the use of participatory methodologies in the continuing education of community/health workers, in a discussion about the limits and possibilities of such methodologies, encouraging reflections and possible changes in these professionals’ daily practices. Transect interviews and walks were carried out with the agents, which resulted in the rapporteurs that used as material for analyses. It would be no simple task to measure the impact that this methodology has on the process of building reflective thought, but the analysis of the potential of participatory methodologies in the training activities aimed at community health workers allowed us to realize that there was empowerment with regard to the themes addressed. It was possible to understand how significant the methodologies have shown to be in addressing the issues, especially with regard to the ‘prevention of disease and promotion of health’ and to ‘gender violence.’ In sum, the fact that something can be realized with other meanings and senses allows other modes of production of daily practices.