Peace Corps appropriate community technology/Site Selection and Preparation

The site selection process should include the preparation of shade maps as described in Phase IV: Session 8.

This 16-hour session allows much latitude for individual trainer styles. It follows a format similar to the construction sessions for pedal/treadle power in Phase III and the solar water heaters in Phase IV. The following notes are here to give some guidance and share some experiences that have worked well during our training programs. The session does not have to happen all at once. Since it is a 16-hour session, it should be complemented with other sessions, such as Health & Nutrition, The Role of the Volunteer in Development and other Core Technology sessions, and the following solar dryer sessions: Practical Drying Tips (Phase V: Session 15), Dryer Assessment and Modification (Phase V: Session 17) and Cost Benefit Analysts (Phase V: Session 18). See the phase calendar. It is helpful, in fact, to spread the construction time over as many days as possible, because the participants will then have more "spare time" to discuss their projects and their problems outside of session time. Six or eight hours of the day give the participants sufficient time to set up, build and clean up.

At the beginning of each construction period, have the participants discuss the events of the preceding day. Focus the discussions on the group dynamics and problem-solving methods that are being used by each group, what's working and what's not working, etc. This should take 15-25 minutes, depending on how many issues need to be brought up. Remind the participants of how many hours remain in the construction part of the phase and that some time near the end of the phase should be spent on the development of a presentation for their device. When time begins to get short, encourage the participants to focus on the essential tasks only, and to divide them among group members to help speed up the process. During the construction periods, keep in touch with how the groups are proceeding, taking time, when necessary, to show people how to properly use and care for tools. Don't intervene every time the group or an individual makes a mistake. Mistakes are an important part of the learning process. Intervene only if the safety of the group is in danger or if a certain decision will prove fruitless and take a large amount of time away from the group. Explain that any group finishing one project may go on with another small project, begin preparations for the presentation of their device or research other types of solar dryers. Allow 10-20 minutes at the end of each construction period for cleanup of the work site and shop area. At the end of the final construction session, plan about half an hour for a thorough cleaning of the work site and shop area.

This session will require considerable preparation in the following three major areas: Resource Material - Obtain a copy of the Jequier book for each participant (see bibliography). If this is not possible, a handout should be prepared which includes a summary of the essential points brought out in Chapter 6 of the Jequier book. Volunteer Participant/Facilitator - Beginning at Step 5, this session provides an excellent opportunity for a participant to practice facilitation skills. If you ask one of the participants to facilitate, it will be necessary to provide a thorough overview of the session in advance. Also, be certain to allow time at the end of the session to give feedback on the facilitation skills. Panel Discussion - Steps 5 through 9 of this session call for the participation of 3 to S guest panelists. Ideally, these panelists should be currently involved in development work and should represent a variety of perspectives (i.e., agency level work, community level work, work with women, work with men, etc.). You will need to select, invite and orient these panelists well in advance of the date of the session.

Some suggested points to emphasize during this discussion are: The present system of research and development is geographically and administratively centralized in many countries. There is a need for local control (decentralization) in order to provide for community-based research and development of appropriate technology. Central governments need to support technological innovation on a national level to promote wide and active participation of all sectors of the population. Decentralization fosters local initiative and self-reliance.

Emphasize the importance of keeping these questions as general as possible in order to allow spontaneity of the panel discussion. Some suggested questions include: What efforts are being made to decentralize technological research and development in your country? Are there organizations in your country that could provide support and/or assistance to appropriate technology volunteers? What are some effective techniques for facilitating community-based technological development? What are some effective ways of supporting existing indigenous technological development? What are some difficulties which an appropriate technology volunteer may encounter when dealing with local values, beliefs and organizational policies?

During this break, arrange the room so that the panelists will be seated where they can see the posted discussion questions. If a participant has volunteered to facilitate the panel discussion, he/she should assume the role at this time and greet the arriving panelists, providing them with a brief summary of the proposed discussion procedures.

During this break, you may find that participants want to speak individually and informally with certain panelists. This informal dialogue should be encouraged since it can provide an opportunity for additional questions and clarification. If this informal dialogue is animated and flowing well, you may omit Step 10.

These might include: natural refrigerators, cooling ponds, evaporative coolers, etc.

Focus the discussion by asking: Which of the devices and techniques described in your "scenario sketches" might be applicable in your country of assignment? Which would not? Why? What cultural factors, beliefs or values might enhance or impede their applicability?

The presentations made in this session are the result of an assignment given to the participants in Phase III: Session 13, "Appropriate Technologies for Health."

Be sure a timekeeper is appointed, and that the presentations are limited to ten minutes each. Encourage questions, comments and discussion after each presentation.

Post the suggested guidelines on newsprint. If the group needs assistance, some suggestions are: Locally-based and -operated programs Integration of local practitioners Volunteers as facilitators, not providers