Transfer of Technology for Youth Civic Engagement in Pond Restoration: An Intervention Study Using the Social Group Work Method

Abstract

Abstract Youth role is significant in the conservation of water resources. However, youth civic engagement in pond restoration is less explored. This article discusses the research process and outcome of an intervention study conducted by the researcher for her Postdoctoral Research. Mixed methods were used to understand community needs, power structures, problems of youth and youth culture. Social group work method was used to motivate youth to restore a pond called Vairakuttai in Katchipattu Village, Tamil Nadu, India. The youth received training in pond restoration, and the impact of the training was analysed using one-sample ‘t’-test. The study revealed that transfer of technology enhances youth civic engagement in pond restoration and raised awareness on the protection of water resources amongst the community. As an outcome, training content and theoretical framework for enhancing youth civic engagement in the restoration of water bodies were developed by the researcher.