Training for Transformation: A Handbook for community Workers: Book I

AlI the theories, codes and exercises in this book have been used effectively with groups in Africa since 1.975. Most of the examples and quotations in these books come directly from our experience, which bas been mainly working with church sponsored groups in Africa. There is therefore an African and a Christian perspective throughout. For us, the spiritual dimension was life-giving, and constantly challenged us to reach beyond the daily struggle. We believe the spiritual dimension is essential in the process of breaking through the apathy and discouragement, even hopelessness, which groups often experience as they try to fare the bard facts of reality and engage in social analysis. It will be necessary for aIl teams using the books to adapt the approach 10 their own cultural context, to find examples, stories, proverbs from the lire of local people and to seek out those texts from the religious tradition(s} of the community which reinforce the vision of transformation towards adjust, peaceful and happy society. These texts are to be round in aIl the great religions and in the literature of liberation struggles, socialist and environmental movements. Since the books were first published in 1984, there have been vast unpredictable changes in the world. On the global political level, it seems the world will never be the same. Yet very little bas changed for the vast majority of poor people in the South or so-called 'Third World'. (We prefer to call the "Third World" the Two-thirds World because two-thirds of the world's people belong to it. In some places life bas become more and more difficult. We felt it was important for us to rethink our analysis of the causes of global poverty and our understanding of hopeful guidelines towards solutions. There is much talk of participatory democracy nowadays, but few training programmes for leaders to help them ensure authentic participation at the grassroots level. This is exactly what those using Training for Transformation have appreciated most about these books. We are convinced that the fundamental approach, which lies at the core of the books, is as relevant and needed as ever. We have added new insights, theories and exercises which have enriched our own practice in recent years. There is no short cut to effective leadership of groups. Sensitivity to the needs of the group and quick sure judgments on what will be most helpful at any particular moment, can only be developed through constant practice, complete openness to feedback from participants, critical reflection, analysis, and years of experience. This set bas been produced in three books mainly because it is easier to use this in the field than one large, bulky book. Each book belongs with the other two. Book one is basically the theory of Paulo Freire on developing critical awareness and how to put this theory into practice. Book two is focused on the skills necessary for participatory education. To break the 'culture of silence', people need to gain a sense of self-confidence and know that what they think is important. Therefore methods to involve the group actively are critical in group leadership, as are ways of clarifying and implementing the goals of the group. Book three deals ,with the social analysis necessary to develop critical awareness and long-term planning and with steps needed for building solidarity in people's movements.