Kyle Durfee and Dr. Tim Heaton, Sociology Dept
Introduction
In an attempt to increase self-reliance among impoverished populations in South America, a non-profit organization teaches participants important life principles. To ensure that participants are truly receiving what they need in the best manner possible, this study was done to evaluate how well the participants understand the principles, apply the principles, and participate in the classes. The study also evaluated the efficacy of the instructors and their teaching habits. Most of the research took place in the City of Noé, a village just outside of Piura, Peru, though some data was also gathered in Iquitos and the surrounding region.
Methodology
Nearly all of the participants were able to participate in all parts of the study. Each participant in Piura was interviewed with a semi-structured interview, and observed in the classrooms. Each interview was recorded and transcribed, then evaluated against a coding tree based on certain pre-determined categories of interest to the organization.
The study made an attempt to use quizzes to gather more quantitative data on the participants, but the program facilitators began to use the quizzes before the researcher had arrived. The facilitators administered the quizzes incorrectly, and this data was unable to be used for its primary purpose. Facilitators were also observed in the classes to evaluate how well they followed the organizations prescribed teaching methodology. This methodology is a process referred to as the FAMA technique. FAMA stands for “Fact,” “Association,” “Meaning,” and “Action.” Facilitators are asked to teach each principles by using certain techniques for each step listed above.
Results
Understanding
Participants had much to say about their understanding of the needs and desires of both themselves and their family. Generally, they desired simple improvements that seemed to fall short of the opportunities that the program tries to provide. The organization may find a greater success rate by either finding a way to target the individuals most capable at using the program, or adapting the program more to the desires of the current participants.
Participation
Several participants arrive to class punctually and regularly participate. However, the majority of participants arrive after the classes begin. Also, many of the participants are mothers of small children that they have to tend to while at the classes. This causes distractions for themselves and those around them. The organization may consider providing simple care services during the classes to enable greater attendance and participation.
Application
Many participants failed to recognize the necessity to act on the tasks they receive in classes. Although participants begin to develop great insight as to how to improve their lives when they accomplish the tasks, it seems that many participants do not even recognize that they are supposed to keep their own personal financial records or improve upon their “Wheel of Life.” The organization may be able to increase the application rate by making reminders more frequent, getting the government to provide the materials earlier, or making the micro-loan costs partially contingent on early completion of the tasks.
One of the primary obstacles to application may be the low literacy rates in the area. Most of the participants are unable to read, write, or do math, which makes keeping accurate financial records extremely difficult.
Teaching Efficacy
The facilitators use the FAMA technique fairly skillfully, but often break from asking questions during the “Meaning” phase of the lesson, preferring to simply tell the participants the meaning. This may be due to the inflexibility of the program being taught rubbing against the need for great flexibility when using the FAMA technique. Since the participants need to arrive at specific, pre-determined meanings, the organization may need to make conscious adjustments to the implementation of the FAMA technique, or adjust the range of possible solutions to success in the program.
Other Items
Many participants work in industries with small, local markets, such as the Chicha business. With such a large percentage of a small population engaged in the same activities, the participants are at risk of incurring greater losses rather than achieving higher profits in the event of external capital being put into the system. The organization may need to take inventory of the common industries and occupations of localized areas and decide on certain economic activities that it will not support from the beginning.
Discussion
The organization will be able to best improve its program by evaluating its strategy for improving self-reliance in the area. It needs to decide whether to perfect a program and then find participants best able to use the program, or to approach the problem by first finding the participants it wants to help, and then creating a program to meet the participant’s specific needs. Selecting one area to focus on will help the organization overcome problems with literacy, occupation choice, and teaching focus.
Conclusion
The organization is already on track to help many people become more self-reliant. With some adjustments, its future programs can become even more efficacious and helpful.