Johnson, Victoria

This paper presents the findings of a research project that examines the use of visual methods of participatory appraisal and how they are used with children in the fields of education and development. The work assesses the role and potential of visual methods for children's education and empowerment. It challenges the ideology that has elevated writing as the central most important form of visual literacy, thereby undermining and marginalising children's communication, expression of ideas and learning.

Findings from research carried out in residential communities adjacent to chemical industries in Durban. The purpose of the research was to begin the process of developing community-based quality of life indicators for monitoring and evaluating the performance of the industries. This was done using a range of participatory methods with men and women in community groups, and was part of a wider set of Local Agenda 21 activities within the city.

The understanding of children's roles in the household, how work loads are shared and how they alter over time and with different socio-economic and environmental conditions is crucial for development. Gender issues are important, and an understanding of both gender and children should be built into projects and policy. Children's work has not often been considered in planning development initiatives. The first section provides a background to this before moving onto the background to the fieldwork conducted in Nepal and a description of the area.