3-15
A more complete way to look at the relative importance of problems is to consider
the following 4 questions for each problem:
1. How COMMON is the problem in the community?
2. How SERIOUS are the effects on individuals, families, communities?
3. Is it CONTAGIOUS? (Does it spread to other people?)
4. Is it CHRONIC? (Does it last a long time?)
Again, plus marks can be used to add up the results. But a more fun way that gets
everyone involved is to use cut-out symbols:
SKULLS mean SERIOUS.
big skulls:
EXTREMELY SERIOUS
(deadly)
middle-sized skulls:
VERY SERIOUS
small skulls:
SERIOUS
SAD
FACES
mean COMMON The more common a problem is, the more
faces you put next to it.
FACES
WITH
ARROWS
LONG
ARROW
mean CONTAGIOUS (the illness spreads from one person
to others)..
means CHRONIC (the problem is long lasting).
These symbols can be made of flannel or soft cloth, to be used on a ‘flannel board’
(see p. 11-16). First, have the group members draw them and cut them out. Thev will
need at least:
100 sad faces
15 skulls
15 faces with arrows
10 long arrows
Use a different color for each symbol.
Now write the name of each problem on a
strip of paper or cloth. Attach these strips to
the flannel-board.
Then discuss Ihe problems one by one. Have students come forward and place the
symbols they think fit each problem.