The Shantala extension project and its challenges in the pandemic: experient report

Abstract

In 2020, in Brazil, a problem began, generating challenging situations related to  public health emergencies. Due to the 2019 coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19), the performance of university extension activities were readjusted as a result of social distancing. As development of the extension project - Shantala and its benefits in the health strategy, linked to the population of professionals and future nursing professionals, a dynamic follow-up was necessary through virtual spaces, with readjustment of their activities. This experience was developed by students of the nursing course who worked on the project between 2019 and 2021, reporting the activities developed and their impressions throughout the process. Seeking tools to help in this new context, three platforms/digital social networks were chosen: Instagram, Whatsapp and Google Meet for content production and sharing. These virtual activities provided skills in handling technological tools that were underused until then. They promoted bonds among people, in addition to guaranteeing the continuity of the project and the dissemination of knowledge.