Project
Empowerment of Shanty Towns’ Settlers through Democratic Spaces
- Argentina Colombia El Salvador Peru
- September 2011
Aiming to improve the living conditions of vulnerable populations in marginalized areas and to put self-promotion processes in motion, the project’s goal was to enable these beneficiaries to take charge of their own affairs and to know and demand their rights. The grantee created permanent community centres and promoted community development through specific micro projects to mobilize and train teams of volunteers, and to strengthen the community centres’ capacity to organize and dialogue with local decision-making bodies.
The beneficiaries greatly appreciated the project’s assistance on the ground. The volunteers’ continuous presence heightened the populations’ motivation and engagement. Several factors contributed to the project’s effectiveness: country action plans suited to local realities; the formation of well-trained teams of volunteers; the strong mobilization and participation of settlers in the activities; the financing of projects proposed by the target populations to improve their living conditions; and the quality of the local support provided by the teams of volunteers.
💡
- Community activism
- Argentina Colombia El Salvador Peru
- September 2011
The project did not emphasise enough fundamental rights. It also could have done more to institutionalize opportunities for local engagement. The benefiting populations need greater opportunities for dialogue with local decision makers and for participation in negotiating venues. It is important that the community centres gain official representation so that they can be full-fledged partners in decision-making bodies.
💡
- Community activism
- Argentina Colombia El Salvador Peru
- September 2011
At the end of the project, the beneficiaries from the four participating countries shared information about their practices and experiences with their counterparts from other countries and draw lessons for the future. This encouraged networking and inspired continued engagement and problem solving.
💡
- Community activism
- Argentina Colombia El Salvador Peru
- September 2011
Having acquired skills in organizing, participation, problem solving, and the search for solutions, the shanty town residents came to understand the importance of engagement and the role they should play in community development. The transfer of knowledge and skills not only raised capacity, but also launched a social dialogue among marginalized people, who have become more articulate about their needs.
💡
- Community activism
- Argentina Colombia El Salvador Peru
- September 2011
A salient feature of this project was its vigorous mobilization of qualified volunteers with a range of professional skills. These volunteers were very engaged in the project, and ensured quality volunteer monitoring and supervision. Young volunteers trained in leadership showed a strong and sustainable interest in community development. This approach also led to a positive cost-benefit ratio which was extremely beneficial to the project and its sustainability.