This pilot work conducted between 1987 and 1989, indicated that school children, guided by their school teacher, were effective for collecting water samples and to a limited extent, the children were usefully involved in providing basic environment data. Instructions need to be unambiguously clear and the purpose for which the work will be used must be understood in order to ensure maximum cooperation from both staff and the children. The process is economic, saves time and effort and penetrates the community extensively. The key issues are centred on using school children as partners in research. Some teachers found the involvement of the children on a practical level useful in the education process. The technique was successfully used for a specific task in ten different schools in two districts in Zimbabwe and it was felt that it could be developed for general application when the limitations indicated are overcome.
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