Partners in Development

What is development? A Group Discussion

Photo: UNHCR/C. Shirley

(30-45 minutes)

This activity introduces the idea of development and asks what we value. What are signs of development?

Preparation: Copy and cut out the statements below to provide each group of four with a full set.

Process:

Divide your group into clusters of four people.
Distribute a set of statements to each group.
Ask them to discuss the statements and arrange them in an order that best defines what development means to them. For example, the statements could be placed in a line from 1 – 10, with the one that is most important for development at the top and the one that’s least important at the bottom.
Allow about 15 - 20 minutes for this conversation.
Invite each group to present their list. As a whole group, identify the three or four most important elements.
What struck you in this conversation?
Are development and wealth the same thing?
Would people in different parts of the world have different views of development?

IS ABOUT EVERYONE HAVING WASHING MACHINES, CARS, TVS, ETC.

IS ABOUT HAVING MODERN TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATIONS, SUCH AS FREEWAYS AND COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY.

MEANS PEOPLE ARE NOT AFRAID TO SPEAK OUT AND CAN HAVE A SAY IN THEIR OWN FUTURE.

MEANS EVERYONE HAS ACCESS TO EDUCATION, HEALTH CARE, AND SOCIAL SERVICES.

IS ABOUT MAKING SURE THAT ABSOLUTE POVERTY AND HUNGER ARE ELIMINATED.

IS ABOUT LOOKING AFTER THE ENVIRONMENT AND PROTECTING IT FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.

MEANS BEING ABLE TO LIVE IN PEACE.

IS ABOUT POWER OF ALL SORTS BEING SHARED MORE EQUALLY AMONG PEOPLE.

RESULTS FROM A GROWING ECONOMY AND THE WEALTH AND JOBS THAT THIS PRODUCES.

MEANS FAIRER TRADE RULES AND DEBT RELIEF FOR POORER COUNTRIES.

(Adapted from “What is Development” in Keep Our Word, Trócaire, Ireland. Used with permission.)