Community engagement in university projects can be tricky. There are several challenges that can make it hard to work together effectively. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Time Issues:

   • University projects often have strict deadlines that don't match well with when community members are available.
   • Both students and teachers have busy schedules, which makes it hard to connect meaningfully.

2. Different Interests:

   • Communities have many different groups, each with their own goals.
   • It can be tough to find a common goal, and this sometimes makes the project lose its focus.

3. Lack of Resources:

   • Limited budgets might mean there isn't enough money to involve community members properly.
   • Universities often focus their money on academic needs first, which can leave out important community input.

4. Insufficient Training:

   • Design students might not have enough practice in working with communities.
   • This can lead to poorly organized meetings, making it less likely that people will want to participate.

Possible Solutions:

• Flexible Scheduling:

  • Create project timelines that can adjust to fit community members' schedules.
  • This could help people get more involved and share better feedback.

• Clear Communication:

  • Set up ways for everyone to talk openly about community needs and ideas.
  • Using online tools can help people understand each other better and work together more smoothly.

• Include Different Points of View:

  • Bring community members into the design process right from the start.
  • Having a team that includes local experts can help address differing interests more effectively.

• Emphasize Training:

  • Add community engagement training to the university classes.
  • Teaching students how to work together will prepare them to handle the challenges of community projects.

In the end, while working with communities on sustainable projects can be hard, using these strategies can help overcome some challenges and create better results.