Tearfund on Creating Positive Change (part 1)

How to change for the better? Isn't this always the question? We want to see communities and individuals transformed and flourishing. But how? What does that look like? 

Tearfund (in Footsteps #100 - July 2016) offers some insights. I will abbreviate their article: 

Understanding the need: We may think we've identified a need. i.e. children or sometimes teachers not regularly attending school. But, perhaps this lack is not the main reason behind the problem. Perhaps the children are hungry, or have too long a distance to walk. Perhaps family are lacking funds for school uniforms. By spending TIME listening to community, understanding what is at the root of the problem may surface. As well, perhaps most urgent needs can be discovered. 

Community Participation: Many community projects have failed because the community was not involved. To bring about positive changed that will last, it is important to include the community at every stage of the process. 

It is important for community to think about their own capacities and resources to address problems they face. They may contribute labour or resources but also can be involved in planning the project, and in monitoring and reviewing progress. It is vital to encourage their honest feedback throughout. We need to treat community members with dignity and be accountable to them for the work we do. 

More to come, next blog: Planning well, Monitoring and evaluation & Unintended Impacts. 

Photo: A facilitated meeting about vision for their school. Participants: PTA, headmen, teachers at Butale school