Report on the International Forum on Participatory Research

Abstract

Yugoslavia was selected as the site for this event because of the unique emphasis which has been made there to the principles of self-management and self-government; principles which are totally complementary to the concept of participatory research. In addition, Yugoslavia, and the Republic of Slovenia in particular, have been true pioneers in a variety of adult education forms. It offered us a chance to bring together practitioners from other countries to a place where the principles of adult education and self-management for an equitable society are central tenets of the way of life. The decision to choose Yugoslavia was vindicated many times over as the supportive atmosphere and the freedom to speak openly generated a remarkable climate a unique experience for most of us. Ljubljana has joined the list of places where, in the short history of participatory research work, plans have been made, momentum established, ideas clarified and reasons for working re-emphasized. This has included Aurora, Ontario (Canada), London (U.K.), Ostgeest (Netherlands), Caracas (Venezuela), Kungälv (Sweden), New Market, Tennessee (USA), and Ayacucho (Peru).