The development of training strategies for community organisers in South Africa

This paper describes the development of a training programme for people with no formal training in community work. A programme which would equip them for work in troubled townships and 'homelands' in South Africa. An attempt was made to develop a programme particularly relevant to the needs of South Africa, with emphasis on personal growth and participation, and on a problem posing and problem management approach. Details of some of the actual techniques and strategies used are given, with explanations of the underlying assumptions made by the training designers. The paper ends with a summary of the learning gained from the experience of developing the training programme.