ANNOTATION |
Development is the second civic manual in ACPD's Building Democracy series. The manual is based on participatory, problem-posing methods where readers are encouraged to analyze problems and search for their own solutions. Ideas and information are only given after readers have had a chance to develop their own ideas. Additionally, these participatory methods are the most appropriate for the study of democracy. It is important to note that this book was produced through the Community Publishing Process, through which learners develop their confidence, creativity and skills by participating in the design of their own learning materials.
Development tends to refer to two different concepts - top-down economic development, which benefits a wealthy minority at the expense of the majority, or grassroots development, which is democratic and integrated, and benefits the majority. When a community is involved in its own development process, it is united, resources are shared and distributed equally, and problems are addressed and resolved constructively. Grassroots community development empowers communities with the confidence, creativity and strength needed to realize their objectives and improve their way of life.
Annotation from the Church/NGO Civic Education Network |