PLA Notes CD-ROM 1988-2001 6 Participatory appraisal and education for empowerment?

Document begins: PLA Notes CD-ROM 1988­2001 6 Participatory appraisal and education for empowerment? Korrie de Koning Introduction awareness about the world in which people live (Freire, 1972). Freire believes that most PRA has much in common with Participatory educational activities do not challenge inequalities in the learners' lives. This kills Research (PR) and Participatory Action initiative, creativity and the belief and Research (PAR). The latter concepts were confidence in one's ability to think for oneself. developed in the 1970s by pioneers such as Rajesh Tandon and Fernandes, Orlando Fals- Borda and Budd Hall, who highlighted the To improve their lives, people who have lived need to link research with empowering in marginalised positions need to develop a education and action. The common ground in critical insight into the structures, ideas and practices in society and in themselves that PR and PRA is the concern with persistent place and keep them in positions of inequality. inequalities in the distribution of power and For example, in my experience, poor and resources and the development of a research and planning methodology which is more illiterate people are often referred to in a people-centred in its approach. negative way. People say of them: "They ...