Introducing Participatory Approaches
A 60 minute session for approximately 15-20 people introducing the value, opportunities, and challenges to working in a participatory manner.
Objectives
At the end of the session, participants will be able to:
- Describe the importance of participatory approaches, and
- Identify some of the main advantages and challenges of participatory approaches.
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Materials
- Picture (a nice image, inspiring, preferably) from magazine cut up in pieces (same number as participants)
- Flip-chart paper
- Coloured markers
- Tape
- Introducing Participatory Approaches handout
- Flipchart, Powerpoint slide, or transparency of Introducing Participatory Approaches handout (optional)
Activity
This session has the following steps:
- (5 min) Pass out one piece of the magazine to each participant. Tell them you will begin this lesson by doing a Puzzle Game. Ask them to work together to complete the puzzle (tape the pieces up on a wall or flipchart paper).
- (10 min) Ask participants how they felt about that exercise. What was easy? Why? What was hard? Why? How did they resolve that? Record these insights on fliphchart.
- (10 min) Explain that the puzzle game is a participatory activity, people have to work together to get it done. Explain that we hear the terms “participation” and “participatory approaches” a lot. Donors and NGOs, etc REALLY like them! Ask, “But what are participatory approaches? Why are they important?” Brainstorm with the large group on a flipchart, getting a volunteer to record all ideas (this way the facilitator’s attention isn’t diverted by writing). Make any links with the ideas flipcharted on the Puzzle Game.
- (10 min) Thank the recorder and the group. Pass out handout on Introducing Participatory Approaches, and review each on the flipchart/transparency of Participatory Approaches handout (block out the Advantages/Disadvantages), again making any links from the puzzle game.
- (15min) Explain that we need to be aware that participatory approaches have advantages and disadvantages/challenges. Go through the handout of Advantages and Disadvantages. As you go, ask the group for any examples of these taken from their own life/work.
- (10min) By way of summary and wrap up, take down all notes (shut down the Powerpoint projector/tape closed the flipcharts) and get everyone to put away their handouts. Ask the group to explain: a) the importance of participation, and b) some of the advantages and challenges of participation. Close the session.
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Introducing_Participatory_Approaches_Handout.pdf