Workshop To Train Enumerators for Mobile Based Survey

PRIA organised a workshop in Muzaffarpur from the 5^th to the 9^th of March to train enumerators to conduct a mobile based survey in selected formal and informal households of the city. The workshop was organised under PRIA’s Engaged Citizens, Responsive City (ECRC) project, supported by the European Union. 

This survey is designed to provide a holistic understanding of sanitation surveys in the city. Citizens, civil society organisations, and parastatals can use the results to gauge and improve the quality of service at the level of the ward, sanitation zone, as well as city.

The five day training programme covered a plethora of topics.

On day 1, enumerators were introduced to the ECRC project, and a detailed discussion on the objectives of the survey ensued. After this, enumerators and trainers located the various wards and sanitation zones of the city on a map. The next session was on understanding water and sanitation services in Muzaffarpur. Many enumerators later remarked that this session exposed them to aspects of their city they had never thought of. Post this, enumerators reflected on the advantages of a mobile based survey, and came up with some rather unique and exciting statements, many of which we had not thought of before.

On day two, a demonstration of the mobile phone application began, which carried on until lunch of day three. Post lunch, a set of energisers were held. Enumerators played various games and enjoyed a laugh together! After this, a quick discussion on survey etiquettes was conducted, post which enumerators practiced introducing themselves to the audience. This is a pivotal part of the process when conducting surveys. It is important to be confident and clear about the purpose so that respondents are willing to give their time to the survey. Many enumerators were initially shy, but eventually emerged confident and excited.

On day four, enumerators surveyed each other and articulated any remaining doubts. Post lunch, we visited the field for a pilot, and then returned to share experiences. Each team consisted of four enumerators surveying households in a pair, and one core member from PRIA who would guide and observe the process.

On the final day, enumerators were shown the data collected by them, and mistakes were analysed as well as corrected. Finally, enumerators reflected on the training and said that the process had been a good learning experience for them.