Towards Community Rehabilitation: Reflections From the Bwarak Community Theatre Experience

Abstract

Most tertiary institutions in Nigeria are known influence the communities in which they are established. In recent times, scholars have observed the growing trend of negative influences in such communities and that of the Federal University of Education Pankshin is not an exception. The sudden rise in social perils in the Bwarak community has been attributed to the presence of the Federal University Pankshin formerly known as the Federal College of Education Pankshin, where thousands of students come from across the nation to attain education. Against this backdrop, the authors of this article employed community theatre pedagogy to trammel increasing social menace in Bwarak Community in the light of its proven effectiveness in stimulating community members' active engagement, dialogue and critical thinking towards social change. This will be done through interviews, observation and focus group discussions. The impact of the study was evaluated by a combination of action-based, qualitative and quantitative research. Materials required for the implementation of this project. The social menaces uncovered from the interaction between members of the community and the university include: unemployment, robbery, teenage pregnancy, substance abuse and truancy. The researchers further catalyzed solutions by facilitating discussions between the university and the community representatives. It is hoped that positive changes would be encountered in the near future as the consensus of decisions spelt a harmonious working relationship and corporate social responsibility from both parties in an effort to rehabilitate Bwarak community. .