The Institute for Development Studies and Practices in Quetta, Pakistan is the outcome of more than twenty-five years of community development work. The organization was created to address stark dichotomies in community development between management and implementation. IDSP believes that in conventional development, community members are often left out of the planning process, their richness, wisdom and sensibilities overlooked. IDSP’s mission is to nurture and develop individuals and communities in order to change power structures. They do this by demystifying processes of education and development, and generating value-based partnerships and practices at all levels.
Activities and Accomplishments
IDSP opens learning spaces for young people that empower them to respond to existing challenges in education, learning, livelihood, peace and pluralism. They have engaged thousands of young people from traditional communities who act as catalysts to help create viable solutions to community problems. IDSP has created three types of learning spaces for these young people:
- Information and Learning Centers are environments where concepts of development and dominant education can be demystified and redefined.
- Reflective Learning Centers provide space for adolescents excluded from mainstream education to learn from each other and take initiative for livelihood development. The programs are run by local community members and focus on indigenous practices and skills.
- Fellowship Programs are provided for graduates of other IDSP initiatives and allow individuals to deepen their work in specific areas rooted in their local communities. Examples include working with women’s empowerment, children and creative expression, victims of natural disasters.
Find out more about IDSP by visiting their website. |
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