Educating the Locals

While deciding on the methods to use in educating the locals on what bagasse is and how bagasse can be used, three methods were initially decided.

The three methods were:

Physical classes
Use of handouts
Hands-on learning

However, after considering the pros and cons of each of the above-mentioned methods and how open the villagers would be, another three methods were considered.

The three new methods are:

Use of a comic strip or picture handout
Use of a social media platform
Demonstrations (similar to hands-on learning)

All five methods were closely examined, and in the end, three methods were selected to be carried out together to provide a holistic learning opportunity for the villagers.

The finalized three methods are:

Demonstrations
Use of a comic strip & informative handout
Use of a social media platform

Go through the presentation below to find out more about the pros and cons of each method!

The use of a social media platform was chosen as one of the methods for educating the locals because, as of 2021, about 74.1% of the Philippine population has a smartphone. Social media platforms such as YouTube and TikTok are popular amongst smartphone users in the Phillippines. Creating content that demonstrates the step-by-step process of how bagasse can be used and some informative facts about bagasse would spread awareness about this project and educate the locals. This method would also allow for the sustainability of this project as new videos can be uploaded regularly. For more information about the sustainability of this project, click here!

Having a demonstration session where a group of facilitators go down to the village to carry out short demonstrations to those willing or interested in attending would also be beneficial to the villagers. The facilitators would show the villagers how to use bagasse and answer any questions that the villagers may have. This would increase engagement and would make the experience more memorable. The locals would therefore remember how to carry out the steps for a more extended period of time. Furthermore, the villagers would not need to travel to designated locations to watch these demonstrations as this would be done in the village itself. Although this method would require more expenses for equipment needed, this is an integral part of educating. It allows for interaction between the facilitators and the locals and allows the locals to fully understand how to deactivate the bacteria with bagasse.

While not all the villagers may be literate, handouts containing information about bagasse and their uses can be provided to the villagers that may find it useful. Every household would also be provided with a comic strip handout that shows the steps of using bagasse to treat faeces; this would be understandable by both the literate and the illiterate. Locals would be able to refer to the handouts should they forget certain steps for the deactivation of bacteria. Furthermore, the creation of handouts would not require a large sum of money, making it an affordable method that would work well when combined with the physical lesson and the hands-on lesson.

Therefore, the combination of short demonstrations, handouts, and the use of social media platforms would be the most effective way to educate the locals on this project.

An example of the informative handout that can be used can be seen below.

An example of a comic strip handout that can be used can be seen below.

Monitoring