During my time in Indonesia, I assisted in investigating the impact of board-game-based educational strategies on knowledge and behavior change related to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices. More specifically, the change focused on proper diaper disposal and hand washing practices. Our research involved both quantitative analyses and qualitative focus groups involving all members of the family (mothers, fathers, children) as well as community health workers (Posyandus) and local neighborhood WASH committee members.

While that was my main research project, I was involved in a lot of other community-based events, such as a faith-based intervention session to convince kids who have dropped out of school to return, a local community garden and farming program, and a sexual health education session aimed at middle schoolers and high schoolers. I got to see what strong grassroots community organizing and engagement looks like in another social and political setting.