About Us
Our Understanding of Development
The following concepts are central to our understanding of development:
Participation - the involvement of people in all aspects of
their own development from analysing their situation, identifying their
own needs and assets and the planning, implementing, monitoring and
evaluation of development endeavours.
Developing Capacity - sustainable development empowers
communities to determine their own future and to increase the
utilization of available local financial and human resources.
Development which is imposed or remains dependent upon outside support
is not sustainable.
Non-discrimination - it protects the God-given dignity of each person and does not discriminate on any basis.
Gender Equality - all development work has a gender impact and
does not affect women and men equally. Sustainable development requires
a gender analysis of the roles of both men and women within the family
and broader community. It also requires the active participation of
both men and women in decision making and implementation of development
activities to ensure that the activities benefit the whole community.
Cultural and Spiritual Sensitivity - although cultural and
religious practices can both support and inhibit development,
development can not be sustainable unless the cultural and spiritual
practices of persons and communities are recognised, enhanced and
incorporated into the development process.
Protecting Human Rights - human dignity and well-being are
enhanced through ensuring that governments fulfill their responsibility
to protect people’s economic, social, cultural, civil, political,
religious and communication rights.
Advocacy - mobilising public opinion regarding the root causes
of poverty and injustice to influence those in positions of power and
influence.
Promoting Peace and Reconciliation – development planning,
particularly for communities that have experienced recent conflict,
must incorporate effective prevention and reconciliation strategies.
Effective Communication - appropriate communication
methodologies are essential to ensure effective participation by
communities in all stages of the development process.
Environmental Sustainability - sustainable development is
environmentally aware, preserving, maintaining and regenerating the
natural resource base. Particular attention is paid to the knowledge
and practices of Indigenous peoples as they relate to the environment.
