Abstract
This article offers an overview of the process and outcomes of a participatory action research undertaken in Ahmedabad, India, over the course of 2 months. The research process focused on improving opportunities for lifelong learning at different levels within the local community. Advancing evidence of the guiding principles and success stories of community-based education programs run by a local NGO, the study contributes to a needs-based approach to sustainable development. Following the principles of participatory action research, the research process included a capacity building intervention tailored in response to professional development needs expressed by grassroots workers who deliver supportive educational programs in urban slum areas. Finally, the paper includes a critical reflection on available tools which can benefit development practitioners in order to increase the impact of grassroots interventions and contribute to lifelong learning and sustainable development at the heart of vulnerable communities.
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Acknowledgements
The author would like to acknowledge the valuable contribution of Mr. Bogdan Radu, Ph.D., Lecturer at the Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca and scientific advisor of this research project. Sincere gratitude also goes to Manav Sadhna’s trustees and volunteer coordinators, community centres coordinators, and all of the organization’s staff members and volunteers who have helped with translation and preparations during community-based workshops and interviews. Their contribution is greatly appreciated.
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Militaru, A.M. (2018). Building Capacity for Sustainable Development Through Community-Based Education. In: Leal Filho, W., Mifsud, M., Pace, P. (eds) Handbook of Lifelong Learning for Sustainable Development. World Sustainability Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-63534-7_16
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-63534-7_16
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