We use the Accompaniment Model, which means that we work alongside communities to assist our partners to create meaningful change. Because we are embedded in local communities through the churches and prioritise long-term development programs over many years, we build strong relationships with our partners.
Our Strengths-Based Approach identifies and builds on the existing collective strengths of communities. This approach leads to more sustainable change, and allows everyone in the community to participate in building a better future.
Accompaniment means walking side-by-side with our program partners. It means supporting them and following their lead.
We accompany our program partners by providing:
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Training and mentoring
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Technical support
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Risk management
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Organisational development
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Funding
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Amplifying their voices
How we identify community strengths
Human strengths
Skills, knowledge, labour and health.
Social strengths
Social networks, relationships of trust and reciprocity.
Natural strengths
Land, water, fertile soil, animals and weather patterns.
Financial strengths
Cash, livestock, grain stores, savings or pensions.
Physical strengths
Roads, bridges, clinics, schools, transport, shelter, water supply and sanitation infrastructure.
How the strengths-based approach works
The approach starts with 'what people have' and builds on this. It ensures that communities design their own development and are less reliant on external ‘experts’. Under the approach, communities:
- Map their assets using a variety of tools
- Develop a vision for their community
- Share skills and assets with each other
- Strengthen positive community relationships and trust
- Work together to advocate for community needs
- Regularly monitor their own progress
Never see a need without doing something about it.