A peoplecentred perspective on peoplecentred community development

Abstract

This article uses the concept of "peoplecentredness' for South Africa to stress the fact that development requires that the people themselves - who are meant to be the beneficiaries of development initiatives - be placed in the forefront and fully involved in any projects or programmes which aim to assist them. The authors see this peoplecentred perspective 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, this requires their complete participation - which implies sharing and working together and most importantly, for outsiders working with them, to trust their skills and abilities. The authors stress that development can only take place when agencies provide the services that people really want, rather than imposing pre-conceived policies and programmes on people. -Authors