CBBC is working with community leaders from the majority (developing) world, helping them to re-write the narrative of ‘poverty’ and dependency by empowering them to uncover the aspirations, skills and agency already present in their local communities.
In Burundi we are working with the Gatumba community, who have been forced into displacement following successive civil wars since the 1970s and more recently persistent flooding.
The community is changing how they see and understand themselves and focusing on what they can achieve in addressing the flooding problem in the Bujumbura region. The people have knowledge and resources that can transform their community. Changing the people’s perception of themselves and their community is showing them their voice and power to drive their future.
We believe in developing local capacity. Everyone’s experience and knowledge is valued. This results in a community of learners who end up teaching each other.
What is unique about CBBC support is that they believe in developing local capacities. When I was going through their training I felt they created a non-threatening environment. More important for me was how my experience, my knowledge was valued during the training. We ended up with a community of learners and most of what I learnt from also from the experience of others in the consortium. And when I was working with the community, I was amazed at how much these so called 'poor people' can teach us. In one word, CBBC helped me to look at things differently, to be always a learner.” Dr. Theodore Mbazumutima, Rema Burundi
Through the Informal Cities and Settlements Consortium (ISCC), grassroots community development workers from allover the majority world and beyond, come together regularly to share story, learn from each other and together stand in solidarity.
The ISCC has been a worthwhile experiment in fostering south to south connection by providing a valuable platform where we have been able to explore challenges and opportunities for sustainable development for global citizens residing in city slums. Martin Kapenda, Micah Zambia
The Flourishing Pathways initiative is a training and practical support process for communities as they learn about and apply their knowledge, skills, and agency towards their own flourishing.
CBBC provides a range of learning opportunities, through seminars, mentoring and learning communities, workshops, and gatherings.
The centre acts as a hub, seeking to bring together practitioners, academics, leaders and other interested people for conversations and action that will help in the development of flourishing communities.
Through CBBC's in-house expertise the centre is able to offer in-depth and diverse knowledge to reach meaningful outcomes that will benefit all your stakeholders.
