Participatory Development Associates

Participatory Development Associates (PDA) is a social development organisation which seeks among other objectives, to promote community-driven development, empower youth and advocate for improved child protection systems. With offices in both Accra and Kumasi, PDA works with government, non-government and private organisations, as well as multilateral and bilateral organisations in areas such as decentralisation, policy analysis and advocacy, poverty and social assessments, reproductive health, gender and development, monitoring and evaluation among others. Our vision is: of a world where states, communities and organisations provide an enabling environment in which all people, regardless of sex, race, ethnicity, creed, age or disability, can realise their full potential and contribute their best to the common good. Our mission is: to work with government, communities and organisations to facilitate the participation of all people towards taking greater control over their own lives and determine their own destiny. What we do Our approach is to work with people, in groups and as individuals, to help them build their awareness of their situation, see it in a wider context, explore options, make decisions and then move towards a chosen future. PDA uses a broad range of methodologies, most of which enable a high degree of participation and interactive, experiential learning. Our practice is especially inspired by Freirian approaches and also places a premium on creativity and innovation. We employ a number of well-known development approaches including Appreciative Inquiry, Open Space Technology, World Café, Most Significant Change and Participatory Rapid Appraisal. We are committed as an organisation to realising a proud and prosperous future for Africa, building on its own history and indigenous systems. We seek to work with others to find a path that celebrates our strengths, and critically engages with our weaknesses.