Community development : an analysis of Gawad Kalinga

Abstract

Gawad Kalinga is a community development project, directed towards poor and depressed areas in the Philippines. They strive to build integrated, holistic and sustainable communities. In order to achieve this, there are three core elements; community empowerment, massive mobilization of volunteerism and partnership in nation building. Gawad Kalinga works radically to restore the dignity of the poor, guiding them towards hope and inspiration. This study aims to provide a macro analysis of the structure, methods, values and outcomes of Gawad Kalinga. The research presented is one which evaluates this project, which may contribute new knowledge relevant to this field. A qualitative approach was used to achieve the information required. Visiting the communities, interviews were carried out with seven beneficiaries and also with five people working for the movement. The visit in the Philippines also served to gain a better understanding of the project itself and also of the context through further observation sessions. From the results obtained the success of this project has been shown on many levels. Gawad Kalinga's work inspired change in the communities themselves, in the families, the individuals within them and also in the workers and society as a whole. While it was expressed that people are now living in much better living conditions it was also recognized how Gawad Kalinga brought hope, empowerment and unity. A new culture of development is being created and adopted by the country through the 'caring and sharing' values of the movement. Elements which are core to the effectiveness of the project where discussed, for a better understanding of how the project works.