Empowerment and participation for people-led change processes

Publication

In the trauma brochure, a Nigerian community tells four stories of wounded hearts. The second part describes how these wounded harts can be recognized and the third part is about healing together.

Information Document

At Misereor we promote projects that support poor and disadvantaged people in Africa, Asia and Latin America in becoming autonomous. In this context we need to ask how we and how you – our partner organisation – define the “autonomy of poor target group”. How is this strengthening of autonomy reflected in the projects?
We would like to use this information document to dialogue with you, so that we can compare notes and exchange ideas on the autonomy of poor target groups.

Discussion Paper

Misereor has always seen participation of the poor, their access to public services, economic resources and political decision-making processes, as an indispensable element of poverty alleviation. Participation is at the same time a goal, a principle and an instrument of development cooperation designed to sustainably improve the living conditions and the dignity of the poor. This comprehensive understanding of participation is rooted in the call for social justice and the preferential option for the poor, which are guiding principles of Christian social ethics...

Publication

A joint effort of local communities, NGOs and donors to redefine participation. The publication documents field experiences made by Misereor partners in Asia in strengthening people-led development processes. Misereor has initiated reflection processes with partner organisations and their partner communities on how to facilitate ‘real’ participation and ownership by local communities of development initiatives. Open communication, peer learning and creating spaces for experiential learning are important elements of such development processes.