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WHY IT'S A PROBLEM
Communities are the true experts of their own lives and contexts. Failing to learn from, and about, them — or excluding them from processes and decisions that affect them most — is a form of discrimination that calls for reflection on our own biases and values. When communities aren’t involved, it undermines inclusion and the principle of doing no harm, leading to potential wrong assumptions, erosion of trust, and programme quality.
PITFALL 2
Leading adaptations without community input
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LEARNING
Involve communities at every step
HOW THE PITFALL WAS OVERCOME
It can seem faster and easier for organisations to adapt a programme and engage the community only during implementation. But communities know their context best, including what will and won’t work, the right timing, and the cultural nuances that shape effective approaches. In Cabo Verde, meaningfully involving community members throughout the adaptation strengthened the programme, prevented costly missteps, improved acceptance and impact, and deepened community ownership.