A peoplecentred perspective on peoplecentred community development

摘要

This article uses the concept of 'people centredness' to stress the fact that developmentrequires that the people themselves - who are meant to be the beneficiaries ofdevelopment initiatives - be placed in the forefront and fully involved in anyprojects or programmes which aim to assist them. The authors see this people centredperspective as providing a new paradigm which is vital in the process of learning,growth and development If empowerment of local people is to be achieved, thisrequires their complete participation - which implies sharing and working togetherand most importantly, for outsiders working with them, to trust their skills andabilities. The author's stress that development can only take place when agenciesprovide the services that people really want, rather than imposing pre-conceivedpolicies and programmes on people.