The outline of the program that follows is therefore based on the above
experience and goals.
It is essential that the program be channelled through a primary
instructor. This person should be totally familiar with the cultural
framework of the Marshallese - this I consider of paramount importance as
my experience has led me to believe.
There is no similarity between the
culture of the West and the Marshallese and with due respect to the Western
culture, I feel that an understanding of the Marshallese culture requires
that one be either born there or in a culture very similar to theirs.
It
is recognized that the West has studied their culture, but there is a
significant difference in studying a culture and in blending with that culture.
The need to understand, speak and think in Marshallese is critical for
crossing language barriers.
This combination of cultural and language fluency
permits the development of an understanding for a complex subject such as
radiation and its effects.
The primary instructor then develops a group of Marshallese, who have
also had the opportunity to study in the United States, in the understanding
of radiation and its effects.
This program should consist of:
a.
an examination of the Marshallese language and through the help
of the Marshallese develop an effective means of communicating
the difficult and controversial subject of nuclear radiation and
its effects.
b.
c.
educating the Marshallese instructors in the U.S. especially
in the laboratories where work on the Marshall Islands is being
performed.
visit to the various islands and demonstrate the educational
program based on verbal rather than that of text-book communications.
The above is but a synopsis of what an educational program should be
based on.
I have discussed your request with Mr. Charles Meinhold.
He
concurs with me in that this Division would be willing to help develop an
educational program based on the concepts identified above. The feasibility
of allocating 3 - 4 weeks per year of my time to assist you in developing
the program and later to supervise the field educational part of the program
would be provided on a contractual basis.
Thanking you for the opportunity to contribute towards this unique
educational program.
Yours sincerely,
Nivel
2
.
Va
Janakiram R. Naidu, Ph.D.,
Ecologist
cc: B, Wachholz, DOE/EV
C. Meinhold
A. Hull
E. Lessard
Enc.: H.P. Society Paper, December, 1979