People Power

According to the UN’s Human Development Index (HDI), Moldova is one of Europe’s poorest countries. In rural areas – that rely heavily on agriculture – communities are struck by poverty and hardship. In 2018, together with a local partner organisation, we launched our Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) methodology in the Floresti District.

ABCD
ABCD is based on the premise that communities can drive the development process themselves. Based on the premise that communities can drive the process themselves, ABCD provides a robust strategy for sustainable development. The approach reveals strengths and potential within social groups – translating needs-based thinking into opportunity-based ideas.

Community Mapping
Through a Community Mapping exercise, we created an inventory of the formal and informal organisations in Floresti. Associations (mostly those working with the elderly) were invited to share their mission and define their assets. During this meeting the groups also indicated which resources they would like to share.

Win-win
At the end of the three-four-week period, institutions were encouraged to visit each other’s premises. This gave them a real insight into each other’s operations – as well as what they could offer in terms of space, experience, equipment etc. The objective of the workshop was to connect likeminded individuals and associations; and pool resources in order to maximise impact. By becoming more outward-oriented, the institutions were able to change mind sets, establish common goals and approach new beneficiaries.

29 April 2019