Immersions in ActionAid

Author: Ruparel, Sonya

Source: Participatory Learning and Action, Volume 57, Number 1, December 2007 , pp. 36-40(5)

Publisher: IIED - Participatory Learning and Action

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Abstract:

Immersions are a practical and powerful way to experience someone else's life and to make a personal connection with the issues they have to deal with on a daily basis. ActionAid has been organising different kinds of immersions for more than 10 years. In the last 3 years it has been trying to use them in ways that have influence beyond the individual participant. Whilst ActionAid continues to use different models of immersions for different audiences, this article focuses on a multi-country initiative which aims to bring together development decision makers (donors, government officials, NGO staff, academics etc.) to learn directly from poor people. ActionAid sees immersions as one way to influence decision makers in an environment where the rich and powerful are ever more divorced from the daily realities of the poor. This article shares some thoughts on how the impact, influence, and learning from immersions can be scaled up.

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Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2007-12-01

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Participatory Learning and Action (formerly PLA Notes) is the world's leading informal journal on participatory approaches and methods. It is published 2-3 times a year and includes articles of both general and thematic interest. PLA draws on the expertise of guest editors and authors, providing timely accounts and critical analysis about participatory development in specific fields. All articles are peer reviewed by an International Editorial Board. Subscriptions are free to readers from the South. For more information and to subscribe, visit www.planotes.org.