I am getting a lot of questions.... so what exactly is your research about? In my head it all makes sense, but I am sure I give a different answer everytime I am asked. Here is a brief summary of what my research interests are and how I have set up this project. I am sending this out to local NGOs and government ministries so that they have an idea of what I am doing and will hopefully attend the closing event at the end of September (ahh... next month already). I'd love to hear your feedback and comments...
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The following research and community development project is taking place in Oyarifa near Accra, Ghana. Ultimately, the interest for this project arose out of the belief that research with communities – rather than on communities – can be used as a tool for development. Collectively creating knowledge and recovering lost knowledge/wisdom can and should be used by a community to collectively create the transformation of their society they desire.
The question arose though – what is the experience of personal transformation that co-researchers encounter while engaging in the activities and learnings of community transformation? In other words, while the concepts of participatory development, monitoring and evaluation, and research are all now mainstream we have yet to explore the role of personal healing as an ingredient to community development. Thus, another question begs to be asked: What are the therapeutic benefits and elements of participation in a community based development project?
With these ideas in mind, this project was conceptualized as having two distinct, yet mutually important elements. The first is a twelve week research/community assessment/development experience. Twenty three children attending Newells Academy in Oyarifa, Ghana are using the Photovoice (www.photovoice.com) methodology to tell the story of the concerns they have for their community. After an initial theme creation workshop, all co-researchers now have their own camera and are taking pictures of health and safety concerns in their community. Critical reflection , analysis, and actions to address these concerns will follow, culminating in a photo exhibit. It is expected that community members, parents, NGOs, and government ministries will be present at the exhibit, where children’s voices, pictures, and writing will educate adults about what children are concerned about and want to take action on.
The second element involves focus group discussions to learn about the personal experience of participation in this project. I want to learn what role personal growth and change has in the process of community transformation – since in essence it is people that comprise our communities and societies. If they transform does the community transform? And if so, through what process and mechanisms? And how can these be incorporated into future development projects so that we all begin to see the world we desire?
Ultimately, this project is about having the voices of children heard. Too often their opinions and ideas are not sought, yet the policies created and decisions made today will directly affect them for the longest period of time. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child – which Ghana was the first country to sign – proclaims that children have the right to participate and voice their opinions on matters that affect them. This project hopes to do just that and hopes that the adults in their community and country take the opportunity at the photo exhibit to listen.
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3 comments:
Brenna,
Your thesis sounds fascinating. TLC is doing a show where they have given children in the US a video camera and are asking them to talk about what concerns them. There might be a way to bridge your work in Africa and the work that is happening in the US. Perhaps a cultural exchange? Or maybe there is a way of finding the common concerns and creating a new collaborative approach to addressing the issues that these kids raise.
I can't remember the name of the show, but if you go online to TLC I am sure that it is posted there.
Hi Brenna:
It may not be of much help but you should know that your experience has been shared by many who have gone before you, especially those who have employed a participatory method. My own experience in feeling the pressure to provide ansers to people when questioned about my research was that people were mostly interested in having a conversation rather than having a definitive answer. Without exception I was received with kindness and respect when my answer was honest...that is in saying that the research is changing as a reflection of my own understanding of the community grows. The more important question I discovered was
Lorne cont'
(sorry, don't know what happened there)
The more important question I discovered was WHY was I doing this and why was I there instead of doing it at home or in another village/community. Being open and consistent with that answer was easier.
Congratulations on your work so far! Thanks for the photos and I'm really glad to hear that Malaria was diagnosed and treated.
Abrazos, Lorne
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