XIV. Lessons learned

As a result of its experience with the women of Kibwezi CHEK has drawn up a recipe for successful development projects in Kenya and other third world countries:

Take the following essential ingredients:

1. A GROUP of willing, motivated people who need and desire to improve the quality of their lives by working hard and persistently towards self-improvement, self-reliance and self-contentment;

2. The SEVEN C'S for helping people to help themselves. Act as part of a Catalyst organization, analysing and evaluating the situation. Co-operation and Cohesion: The group, if possible, should have common roots based on traditional leadership and organizations such as mutual assistance associations. Co-ordination: The presence of a dedicated and knowledgeable co-ordinator relentlessly prodding the group towards its goal, one small step at a time, proposing and implementing appropriate solutions to problems communally discussed and decisions reached by Consensus and monitoring achievements. Collaboration with donors of financial, technical and material assistance and tight Control over funds received and spent: there should never be enough cash around to become a temptation.

3. APPROPRIATENESS as a key concept in assessment and analysis of situations and people's capabilities, in applying appropriate solutions to problems, initiating appropriate productive activities, in utilizing the environment, and in introducing technologies.

4. COURAGE and ENCOURAGEMENT to try new activities and depart from traditional norms where appropriate; to dare to think in unaccustomed ways. To develop derivatives from ongoing projects while ensuring that basic subsistence activities continue to prosper. To train and educate to improve and enhance effectiveness in project implementation. To revive and revitalize old craft traditions.

Mix all ingredients gently, allow plenty of time to ripen and do not let your temper go beyond simmering point.

When WELL DONE your group will eat cake.