Raising our heads above the clouds: The use of narrative practices to motivate social action and economic development — Caleb Wakhungu and the Mt Elgon Self-Help Project

Description

Poverty, conflict, and disease are like ‘clouds’ that encircle our communities. We must find ways to raise our heads above the clouds and work towards the world we hope for… This publication documents an emerging field of practice: narrative ‘development’ work. The Mt Elgon Self-Help Community Project, based in rural Uganda, uses narrative practices to spark and sustain local social action and environmental and economic projects. This document contains the stories of the Mt Elgon project and its outcomes; the principles they are employing; examples of the methodologies; and ideas for how workers and organisations in other contexts can develop their own effective practices. It also contains an overview of key narrative principles as described by Michael White in a workshop taught in Uganda. The work of the Mt Elgon Self-Help Community Project provides a framework for how narrative development work can enhance economic and environmental sustainability, and also contribute to community renewal. This publication will be of immediate, practical value for: • social and community workers • aid and development workers and organisations • policy-makers and funders interested in supporting locally-developed, culturally-appropriate programs which are both highly effective and sustainable.