A word that we hear and see at every stage. But what does the word participation actually imply? What are these so called participatory approaches?
The main principle:every individual, poor or rich, man or woman has the capacity to analyse his/her own reality and take action based on this analysis. Away from the notion that "we" know best - the trainers - and have something to offer to "them".
The main question that had to be addressed was "Whose reality counts?" in the end. Ours or theirs?
PRA & PLA Techniques
In order to obtain a greater understanding of the reality of the people, and involve them in the entire project cycle, a set of tools known as PRA/PLA techniques was developed. (PRA = Participatory Rural Appraisal; PLA = Participatory Learning and Action)
Robert Chambers describes PRA as "a family of approaches, behaviors and methods for enabling people to do their own appraisal, analysis and planning, take their own action and do their own monitoring and evaluation." (Chambers, Participatory Workshops, 2002)
The methods are open ended, participatory, and often visual as well as verbal. PRA processes have facilitated the process of development in many contexts, rural as well as urban.
As trainers, our main role in the use of participatory approaches is that of facilitators. Good facilitation and empowering others demands action, reflection, learning and change, which are continuous.
A few important Do's and Don'ts of facilitation that have been listed by Robert Chambers in his book Participatory Workshops which are useful reminders for all of us engaged in the process of teaching adults.
DON'T
rush
lecture
criticize
interrupt
dominate
sabotage
take yourself too seriously
DO
use your own best judgment at all times
introduce yourself, establish rapport
respect, be nice to people
handover the stick
watch, listen learn
embrace error, learn from mistakes
unlearn, abandon preconceptions
be self aware and self critical
be honest
innovate and invent
try new things, be bold take risks
