Recent Activities
Documenting our journey of fieldwork, community engagement, and pilot training on the ground.
Focus Groups: Consultation with Fishermen and Women
On 3 December 2025, researchers visited a fishing community to better understand how people access and manage the information needed in their daily lives. Community members shared several challenges. Many children leave school early due to weak educational opportunities and often join fishing activities at a young age. Although fishermen may earn income during productive seasons, limited awareness about financial management and online risks sometimes makes them vulnerable to scams.
Fishermen also noted that much of their free time is spent at tea stalls, where people gather to chat but have few opportunities to engage with useful or reliable information. Community members expressed a strong interest in creating a shared space where they could access information, discuss community issues, and learn how to identify trustworthy sources. They also wanted a safe and supportive environment where their children could spend time reading and learning, as many parents hope their children will pursue safer careers than fishing.
Following these discussions, the researchers and community members chose a location for the shared learning space. One fisherman generously offered the front yard of his home, which is now being used as a community space where people can gather, learn, and engage more critically with information.
Fieldwork: Planning the Community Library
On 24 January 2026, the team returned to the fishing village for a follow-up meeting to plan the construction of a community library as a shared learning space. During this visit, researchers and community members discussed possible locations and alternative options for establishing the space beyond the previously proposed front yard of a fisherman's house. Local builders and villagers considered constructing a strong tin-roofed structure that could withstand the harsh coastal winds. However, the estimated cost of building such a structure was far beyond the available budget.
The team explored more affordable alternatives, but community members explained that cheaper materials would not survive the local weather conditions. It soon became clear that reducing costs would mean compromising the durability of the structure. Given these constraints, the community and researchers confirmed the decision to begin the community library in a fisherman's yard. Although small, this space represents an important first step toward their shared vision of creating a lasting centre for learning and community development.
Pilot Training in the Shared Learning Space
On 25 January 2026, the team conducted a pilot training session with local fishermen on the basics of internet safety. The purpose of the session was to gather feedback on the training manual and better understand the community's learning needs. At the beginning of the session, many participants believed the internet was largely harmless. Through simple examples and discussions, the trainers explained that online spaces can involve risks—much like situations in everyday life.
Participants learned practical ways to stay safe online, including creating strong passwords and recognising common online scams. The training explained that passwords act like locks protecting personal information, and weak or repeated passwords can make users vulnerable to hackers. The session also introduced different types of scams, such as fake offers, impersonation attempts, and emotional manipulation (including romance scams). Participants were advised not to click on suspicious links, share personal information, or send money to unknown individuals.
By the end of the session, many fishermen expressed greater awareness and caution about online activities. What began as a basic introduction turned into an eye-opening experience, helping participants take their first steps toward safer and more informed internet use. Participants also reported that the training was easy to understand, and they found the shared learning space convenient for gathering and learning together. However, they suggested that the space would benefit from basic logistical support, such as tables, chairs, and a board for teaching.
