Development Perspectives is an independent Irish based development NGO.  A major pillar of our work is development education and the majority of our endeavours in this area focuses on an eight month project that explores, examines and acts upon a range of issues and challenges that face our world. Our development education activity is based on the utilisation of experiential learning and informed theoretically by systems thinking and reflective practice.
Here are a few observations from our perspective, which might provide some clarity and insight into what we do and why we do it:

* The world is ever changing
* People around the world are interdependent as are the challenges that face them
* Presently, the world is a very unequal place to live
* We can address and solve the challenges that face the world through individual and collective reflection and action

Partnership approach
Development Perspectives recognises the important and valuable contribution that many people and organisations have made in the arena of development in Ireland and abroad over the years.  We also recognise that we have energy, skills, knowledge and the desire to contribute in a positive way towards many of the development challenges that face mankind.  These beliefs dictate that we work in partnership with other organisations and individuals in order to maximise resources, reduce dublication and more importantly to increase the effectiveness of our endeavours.  Our practice in this regard mirrors our understanding of development.  
Over the last four years we have established important relationships with Youth Work Ireland - Louth, Sonairte-the National Ecology Centre, Dundalk Institute of Technology, Kimmage Development Studies Centre, Trocaire and Irish Aid.  This network allows us to engage with many people in different spheres of activity across society in discourse and debate that centres on development.

Further afield, we have also built up important and valuable relationships.  In Tanzania, we work with Uvikiuta who are based in Dar Es Salaam but are active right across Tanzania.  Another key relatioship in Tanzania is with Alais Morindat who has been an inspiration to many Development Perspectives participants over the last four years.  Alais has facilitated our insight into the pastoralist way of life in a truly experiential manner by letting us base ourselves in the village of Arkaria.
In Uganda, we work with Cranebow who are based in Kebale in Southern Uganda.  This relationship was forged through contact made with Sr. Maureen O`Connor.  In the summer of 2008, an exciting pilot programme took place in Kebale which focused on community youth leadership.  In 2010, Development Perspectives will build on this exciting initiative.
Development Education Network - Liberia (DEN-L) is also an organisation we have had close contact.  DEN-L is an inspirational organisation and one that certainly leads the way internationally in terms of development education.  Development Perspectives realises that we have much to learn from DEN-L and looks forward to working with DEN-L on an Advanced Development Education Practitioners programme in 2010.

Get Involved!
We really want to take this opportunity to ask you to become involved in our efforts.  If you would like to contribute your energy, time, expertise or money to our project, please feel free to contact us.  We are always on the look out for people with ideas and will welcome your input.  Don`t wait any longer!!  Make that call or send that mail!!!
Secondly, if your youth group, school, college, university or workplace would like to engage in any type of development education activity, please feel free to contact us.  We have a panel of experienced facilitators who have access to exciting resources.  We can tailor a programme for you or facilitate a once off session.  The cost is minimal and would include travel, preparation of resources and biscuits!!!  See you soon!!!!