Relief and Development
Remember that interventions with low external inputs and high local ownership have a good chance at promoting lasting change.
This article starts with a brief history of change in Africa and Europe, looking at the attitudes to and reasons for change, personal motivation for change and a Christian perspective. It continues by examining the three different levels at which change takes place – worldview/values/morality, informal cultural customs and technical. Change also affects power relationships, so the need to discuss potential changes with all the players and avoid loss of face for each is vital, as well as being aware of people’s motivation, peer pressure and the need to take things slowly. [more...]
The Micah Network is a group of 300 Christian relief, development and justice organisations from 75 countries. Micah Network was formed in 1999 with the aims to:
1. Build capacity
Strengthen the capacity of participating agencies to make a biblically-shaped response to the needs of the poor and oppressed
2. Encourage integral mission
Speak strongly and effectively regarding the nature of the mission of the Church to proclaim and demonstrate the love of Christ to a world in need
3. Advocate [more...]
PILLARS Guides provide practical, discussion-based learning on community development. The Guides are designed for use in small community groups such as youth groups, church groups, women’s groups, farmer groups and literacy groups. A trained leader is not required; just one literate person. The Guides aim to increase the knowledge, skills and confidence of group members by drawing out and building on existing knowledge and experience, and empowering members to take charge of their own development. There are between 20 to 24 topics in the Guides. [more...]