Reflections on an immersion: Funsi, Ghana (PLA 57)

The articles in Section 3 of PLA 57 are a collection of individual testimonies written by some of those who have taken part in immersions. In this second account of an ActionAid-organised immersion in Funsi, the author discusses the powerful undercurrents of race and perception that her immersion brought to light. At the end she questions whether immersions are the best way to bring the voices and perspectives of poor people to the table.

By their very nature these are highly personal and subjective accounts. The authors record what mattered to them at the time. The act of writing is part of the process of reflection, which is so central to every immersion. The tone of the pieces and the choice of language reflect the intensity of the experience. All of them illustrate the power of face-to-face dialogue and the potential of immersions to challenge deeply held beliefs.

Participatory Learning and Action (PLA, formerly PLA Notes) is the world's leading series on participatory learning and action approaches and methods. PLA publishes articles on participation aimed at practitioners, researchers, academics and activists. All articles are peer-reviewed by an international editorial board.

Guest editors: Izzy Birch, Raffaella Catani with Robert Chambers.