Transformative Development Planning

Transformative project design and implementation is the newest approach in development planning. This model values beneficiaries who become part and parcel of the project. They begin by making contributions to the Theory of Change (TOC). Here, primary targets identify needs, root causes, and find solutions by themselves. As planners, we take the ideas to the next level although maintain the language of the beneficiaries as simple as possible. A Case in point about transformative planning happened with  adolescent girls in Mathare recently when Otto Benecker Foundation team engaged in project fact finding mission about sexual abuse, exploitation and violence in January-June 2019.

One could easily feel the reality on the ground as girls expressed about statements and actions that are said and done to their bodies as they mingle with key influencers. Positive statements made them feel valued, loved and appreciated and mainly increased their self-confidence. On the contrary, negative statements made them feel disgusted, unappreciated, stigmatized and contributed to their low self-esteem and poor performance at school. The involvement of the girls then informed planners of various emerging needs as unsafe physical and emotional spaces for girls. This approach to planning makes planning easy for both the community, the primary target and the project staff.  (to be continued......)