Final Report: Strengthening Community Research in ... - Ninti One

Bush Mechanics: The role of knowledge in maintaining vehicles and keeping families on the road generally falls tothe men. Many men spoke of learning from their uncles and of teaching their children and grannies(grandchildren). Because in past days even fewer resources were present in the community, many men spokeabout how complex and dangerous jobs were undertaken with lots of innovation, but also lots of risk.Some spoke of injuries received while doing simple things, such as tyre changes, when standard equipment fails.Everyone gave the strong message that their contemporary knowledge about health and safety practices led themtowards taking safety around vehicles very seriously.The education and training in safety, tools, driving, and vehicle maintenance was a very high priority for the men,as was maintaining and teaching emergency bush repair their skills to younger ones.Tools: The men and women who participated in the focus groups all recognised the requirement for access and storageof tools required for car maintenance and also the need for formal training as well as bush mechanics skills in how touse, store and care for tools.Final Report: Strengthening Community Research in Remote Service Delivery at Ntaria 53