Development and our vision for the future
Adapted with thanks from an article written by Torrey Olsen, World Vision, Gao, Eastern Mali.
We have found it very helpful to conduct training among our staff in eastern Mali using the 'twelve factors' in the 'Wheel of Development' shown below. Before we introduce these, we like to begin a discussion by asking the question ‘Why do you think people are poor?’ All kinds of reasons and excuses are usually discussed. Then we introduce the 'twelve factors' and look at each in turn. We give a strong case for each of the twelve sections being the most important factor for development. This can easily be done - often with the help of recent stories in the papers or radio.
Then we ask the group ‘Which of the twelve factors do you think is the most important?’ Now all the previous excuses have gone. People feel a little overwhelmed. A far better discussion begins. This discussion usually takes about an hour and the result is usually a new understanding about the complexity of the causes of poverty. After this introductory session, the group may work through the questions (see end of article) in a number of meetings.
Twelve factors in the 'Wheel of Development'
1. Religion
- biblical truths put into action
- prayer
- beliefs
2. Education
- literacy
- schools and colleges
- teachers
- language
3. Social systems
- role of women
- the extended family
- social groupings and castes
4. Food
- cash crops
- fishing and hunting
- agriculture
5. Health
- training
- medicines
- clinics and hospitals
- health care
- nutrition
6. Economics
- stable currency
- markets
- credit schemes
- personal assets
7. Environment
- water
- forests
- environment soils
- fuel
8. Services
- telephones
- transport
- postal service
- electricity and gas
- roads
9. Politics
- peace and stability
- fair government
- justice
- laws and polics
10. Population
- population growth
- tribal groups
- movement to cities
- languages
- refugees
11. Climate
- rainfall
- seasons
- storms
- droughts
- floods
12. Emotions & Attitudes
- fatalism
- hope or despair
- confidence
- risk
- view of the future