Approach

Our approach is expressed through 10 “rules” which capture the essence of our development philosophy. These rules are the result of thirty years of experience, enriched by our own reflections and by constant re-evaluation of our work.

Rule 1:Development is people

People are at the cornerstone of development. Programs, projects and activities are not the goals or objectives of development. Programs, projects and development activities must be for the people, of the people, and by the people.  

Rule 2: Development is women

Women are the true heart of development efforts. They are often belittled, taken for granted, or ignored in the developmental process. Their selflessness, dedication, and loyalty to bettering their community make them essential in local development. They must be given their due place in the community and in the society.  

Rule 3: Development is a change of attitude

Development starts in the mind. Self-esteem and self-confidence in each person’s own abilities are prerequisites for self-help. If they want to take charge of their own future, poor people must first reject the "mendicant mentality."  

Rule 4: Development is solidarity within the community

Unity is strength! In solidarity, people are part of a larger, encouraging unit. The group supports them, and in return, they must invest in the group and wider community.  

Rule 5: Development is iterative

The road to development is long and arduous. People's development must proceed forward in small steps. At each step, a question has to be asked: "Are we in pursuance of our goal?" When the goal seems to be out of sight, actions have to be taken immediately to get back on track.

Rule 6: Development is participatory

People must participate in all stages of their development. They have to identify their needs, and find obtainable solutions to their problems. They must take ownership of each phase of their own development. Development cannot be achieved when dictated from above without real commitment and participation from the beneficiaries.

Rule 7: Development is intra-cultural

Agents of change and development organizations must be immersed in the culture and sub-cultures of populations they work with. Culture has to be understood and integrated into all facets of development.  

Rule 8: Development is long-term

It is unrealistic to think that a significant, lasting development impact can be obtained after a few years of community activities. Reaching a change of attitude to understand and value self-help takes time.

Rule 9: Development is not free

People have to learn to contribute (in-kind and in monetary donations) to their own development. People's contributions substantiate ownership and are essential for development. Once they are confident in their ability to contribute to their own well-being, self-reliance is within reach.

10. Development builds on success and credibility

People who are in the process of development want to see results. Improvement in their economic security through small monthly savings and loans seems to aid in self-reliance. Agents of change must be credible if they want to be accepted by the people. Consistency between its rules and its mission, professionalism and transparency at all levels, and active work in the field rather than just preaching are essential in maintaining credibility and achieving success.

 

We integrate several concepts drawn from Asset-Based Community Development theory (ABCD) into our approach. This approach encourages communities to identify their strengths and to take an inventory of the resources (or assets) that they can draw upon to build sustainable communities.

Together, SOPAR and Bala Vikasa focus their approach on what they consider to be the principal asset of any community: the individual. When individuals change their beliefs and attitudes, become aware of their own power and capabilities, and develop the confidence and motivation necessary to control their lives, they become the principal assets upon which community development is built.