Report on the Workshop on Community Participation UNICEF 18-21 May 1981

Abstract

If UNICEF is to accept realistically, the definition of Community Participation as something that is not merely a part or a component, but the basic framework within which programmes should be developed; and if UNICEF is to accept the implications of the fact that the "beneficiaries" are to be the poorest and least-served, then there has to be a certain amount of re-thinking about the present functioning of UNICEF. We should recognize that we must as an organization develop the will to involve fully, the community in programme development. As we advocate this to Government, we should try to incorporate the will into action within our organization. Some ways of doing this might include shifting emphasis to small and flexible programmes and developing ways of increasing intra-organizational participatory decision-making. An understanding needs to be built up within UNICEF that this very fruitful approach is time-consuming and may result in a considerable drop in expenditure during the initial periode. UNICEF should also be prepared to absorb a sudden rise in funding needs once the process of participation begins, because of an increase in demand from organized groups.