Empower a Girl: For Self-Reliance

Use of different approaches: solve problems

By identifying root causes of the problems of their students, Kole Intellectual Forum through its Institute of Home Economics has been able, together with other people involved, to solve these problems easily, because they are using one on one approach first and the next, prioritize is based on the multiple approach

To solve problems base on one by one approach, they first define the specific problem by identifying its root cause, the people involved, and the impact; while neatly, they create a step-by-step plan for the most important one. Finally, execute the plan, monitor progress, and move on to the next problem. 

In the one by one approach, they first: identify the core issue: Ask "what," "who," "where," "when," and "why" to understand the problem's scope and root cause; Determine who is affected: Consider the perspectives of everyone involved, including those who have the problem, are impacted by it, and care about it; and Analyze the cause and effect: Understand why the problem persists and what other issues it might be causing. 

In case the first approach fails, they use the multiple approach that includes, to: list and prioritize: If you have multiple problems, list them and then focus on the most urgent or important one first; develop a strategy: Create a step-by-step plan for the current problem, including how it's being solved now and how it could be solved in the future; and to consider the impact and timing: Understand the impact of solving the problem and the timeline for a resolution, which will help inform your plans. 

• Empowerment: Equipping communities with knowledge and skills to solve their own problems, not just providing solutions.
• Participation: Involving residents in identifying needs, planning, implementing, and evaluating projects (e.g., surveys, focus groups).
• Relevance: Addressing specific local challenges like food insecurity, poverty, health, or waste management.
• Holistic View: Connecting individual/family well-being to broader community and societal issues (economic, social, environmental). 

• Needs Assessment: Home economists work with communities (leaders, families, youth) to identify priorities (e.g., job skills, healthy food access).
• Skill Development:
  • Workshops on budgeting, micro-enterprise, sustainable cooking, digital literacy, or sewing/repair.
  • Setting up community gardens, food preservation groups, or shared kitchens.
• Economic Development: Supporting local entrepreneurship, promoting circular economy (reduce/reuse/recycle), and strengthening local food systems.
• Health & Wellness: Promoting healthy lifestyles, family support programs, and addressing social determinants of health.
• Advocacy: Using data from community engagement to advocate for better policies (e.g., affordable housing, childcare). 

• From Individual to Community: Translates personal skills (home management, consumerism) into collective action for community resilience and sustainability.
• Fosters Ownership: Ensures projects meet real needs and are sustained because the community helped create them.
• Builds Social Capital: Strengthens relationships and trust, leading to more effective collective action.