I attend numerous online discussions on peace-keeping and governance, and there is a pattern. Firstly frustration at the lack of long term success. Secondly NGO's spout acronyms and suggest new methodologies based on research. Thirdly, politicians promising to give the tools to the people to solve their problems, while asking donors for more money. But a few do not follow the pattern. Little money is involved, little grandstanding takes place. And long term effects are there if you want to look. 

When Dr Shamsul Bari retired from a successful career in the United Nations, he wanted to give something back to the rural village where he had grown up. But his offer was rejected, people felt he had nothing to offer. So he listened, identified their needs, and helped them set up a pre-school where children could be taken care of while their mothers work in the field, and where they could be taught the basics for later school education. The Kajoli school model is one where villagers use their own resources, knowledge and technology to provide for their own well-being. No handouts, no speeches, just success. 

Dr Bari has applied this initiative to a number of other problem areas, helping local people find the research skills to identify their problems and the ways they could resolve them. Usually with little or no foreign funding or political support. His Research Initiative Bangladesh is proof of this concept. 

A similar approach in South Africa was followed by Khulisa, a social upliftment organization aimed at catalyzing improving the lives of communities in an inclusive, holistic manner. Born from a program to rehabilitate offenders to sensitizing communities to the causes of criminal activity.

Asked to help a troubled community solve its economic and social problems, they would facilitate a series of meetings of all interested parties in that community to first draw a map of their ideal community, allocating roles to each level and organization in society, and quantifying levels of concern.

Teenage pregnancy? It is going to happen, what level is acceptable? Who is responsible? Churches? Parents? Police? Alcohol consumption: What is acceptable? Who is involved? And so on to care of the aged. Then the next round starts: In your community, what is the situation at each level? And what are the responsible organizations doing? What do they need to achieve success?

This approach allows the community to measure their own progress and success. In the rust belt of the Witwatersrand, where communities around disused mines decay into crime and drug habits, this approach has created jobs, built communities and brought hope. 

People in poverty or conflict do not need hand-outs, methods given from above, remote researchers theorizing about their problems. They need an attentive ear, a helpful hand, a sense of responsibility.