PIA has chosen the Participatory approach as a method of working with the community, to empower them towards their independent development. Jan Loubser, an international veteran in social and human development advises PIA’s participatory process. He has pointed out to us that evidence has accumulated over the last several decades that area-based development and particularly local community-driven development contributes effectively to national development and serves as a basis for achieving national objectives, such as poverty reduction and sustainable economic and human development, country-wide involving all regions or areas.

 

The participatory approach is no stranger to the cultural norms of Grenada and is reflected in our maroon culture. These cultural practices are dying as communities are drawn apart from the village life by the lifestyle and demands of our developing world. We believe that there is a parallel between the growing poverty and our disappearing culture. We also believe that the ground up participatory approach is a true representation of:

 

“For the People, By the People and With the People”

 

The participatory planning process is implemented by means of a workshop or series of workshops, rather than meetings. Participants come prepared to work, not to listen passively to what other people have to say or propose.