‘The tragedy of underdevelopment is not
that ordinary people have remained poor – but that they have
been inhibited from their authentic development as humans’
Rahman, Md A. (93) People’s Self Development : Perspectives
on Participatory Action Research (A journey through experience) Zed
Books London.
Working with people in groups and communities enabling them to
work together and participate in making decisions that transforms
their lives:
• to establish and sustain their well being
• to experience their right to dignity and freedom
• to express their capacity for creativity
After 13 years as a community development worker in a UK ‘outer
estate’ in the North of the world – and 12 month’s
experience of research and working alongside village people in the
South of the world – Trish has a development practice that
seeks to:
• build local leaders
• honour diversity
• facilitate connection
• support participation
• enable learning
• work creatively with conflict
• build confidence
‘Women are involved
in everything –– it is just that they are shy to talk,
especially in front of men. I have changed now – I always want
to talk. I don’t want to listen any more and keep quiet. After
attending the development workshops, I became much more active.
I have confidence now. In the past in meetings I would think inside
myself, that I am going to say something wrong. Now I just say it,
even if it is wrong or right! In the end I find it helps just to
say what I think’.
A South African village woman who participated in development
workshops facilitated by Trish Bartley
