Part II.pdf - MTB-MLE Network

Contact with local stakeholders
The team visited and communicated with local stakeholders of indigenous communities living in
different parts of the region. The study and research was carried out with the direct help of the
local community leaders.
Reading and review secondary sources
The team successfully developed materials for the intended curriculum through reading and reviewing
available information and resource books obtained from several sources. A survey report of ‘Dip
Shikha’ and writings from chief researcher Dr. M.A. Jalil’s ‘Uraon,’ a research-based information
bank, proved invaluable for this exercise.
Field Exploration
The team selected the best possible way to approach fieldwork among the communities. Although
it initially encountered some constraints and threats at the local level, the team eventually successfully
carried out the fieldwork.
Orientation and training for the field team
Training sessions were conducted for the field team. The Chief Researcher conducted the training
to familiarize the team with methods and tools, rapport-building skills and analytical skills. These
issues are critical for effective research work.
Collecting Oraon language data
During the secondary source appraisal, members of the tribal community expressed certain important
concerns. In light of the appraisal, the study team surveyed different categories and levels of speakers
in isolated Oraon villages from different Northwest districts, i.e. Pabna, Sirajgonj, Natore, Chapai
Nowabgonj, Naogaon, Joypurhat, Dinajpur, Rangpur, Nilphamari and Thakurgaon. At the same
time, a number of group discussions with Oraon people were held in different places.
Inputs from the key-informants
To ensure community participation and get genuine information, the research team identified some
potential key informants from different parts of the region: Gonesh Kha Kha and Utpal Minji
(Rangpur), Jogendra Nath Toppo and Ruhiny Kanta Ekka (Sirajgonj), Dr. Modan Kumar Barowar
(Niamotpur), Sugrib Kumar Sarder and Usha Rani Lakra (Gomostapur), and Sumitra Lakra (Porsha).
These resource people were very helpful by providing relevant information and by assisting directly
in developing relevant materials.
Data collection on culture and language
In order to reflect the culture, language, and heritage of the tribe in the curriculum, the research
team collected representative samples on vocabulary/dialects used among the Oraon communities
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