USING VISUAL CHARTING TO EXPLORE INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY RESILIENCE IN BARIO AND LONG LAMAI, SARAWAK, MALAYSIA
Abstract
Visual charting is a communication tool for gathering information in a group discussion . It is done by collectively creating drawings and accompanying words on a large piece of paper that everyone in the group can see. We utilised the method in this research for two purposes. First, we were using a community-based research process to explore indigenous community resilience and, as such, desired to use a participatory way of gathering information. Second, we were working in a region where the project team is not fluent in the local language, so drawing pictures was a way for us to reduce the challenges associated with the language barrier. We used the visual charting method as part of the Global Citizenship and Sustainability programme, a community-based research and service-learning programme operated by Cornell University and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak. Below we describe the literature on visual methods of communication and engagement as well as provide background on the Global Citizenship and Sustainability programme's community-based research approach. The community-based research approach is based on mutual learning (community and students) for collective transformation (in students and community) (Allred and Somchanhmavong 2015). The visual charting was carried out in the communities of Bario and Long Lamai in the state of Sarawak, Malaysia.
Author Biography
An advocate for indigenised and controlled development, Mr. Garen Jengan is a respected member of the Penan community from Long Lamai, Upper Baram in Sarawak, Malaysia. Since 2007, he has served as a local leader and liaison between Universiti Malaysia Sarawak and the Long Lamai community in research and development projects such as a homestay programme , Microhydro, eLamai Telecentre, indigenous knowledge management, and service-learning.
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