Socially Acceptable

Socially Acceptable

As with any other new initiative, social acceptance of the new cooking methods is key to making lasting changes in Monwabisi Park.  We wanted to discover with the residents what might actually work, so as not to create more problems than we solved, or make them feel like we were trying to sell them something.  It is nearly impossible to spread new ideas or products to a community that does not believe it is necessary or useful.

We had to gain the approval of residents by demonstrating the benefits of safer stoves and letting them test the stoves for themselves.  Community involvement is a main focus of the Cape Town Project Centre with good reason.  Once there are champions for your cause, word can be spread much faster, which can then start the wheels of change.