The Paung Ku model: encouraging change through learning

Abstract

It is well known within international development practice that the terms “capacity building” or “capacity development” are often used but infrequently (and inconsistently) defined; whether in funding applications, program strategies, staff training programmes, or field work. This article outlines the way in which one development organisation working in Burma/Myanmar wrestled with the issue of meaning, and practice, in relation to capacity development; it also reports on the resulting “Paung Ku model: encouraging change through learning.”

Dans le secteur des pratiques de développement international, on sait que les expressions « renforcement des capacités » ou « développement des capacités » sont fréquemment utilisées mais rarement définies, ou alors de manière incohérente, que ce soit dans les demandes de financement, les stratégies de programme, les programmes de formation du personnel ou les activités sur le terrain. Cet article présente la manière dont une organisation de développement active en Birmanie/au Myanmar a fait face à la question de la signification et de la pratique, en matière de développement des capacités ; il présente par ailleurs le modèle qui en a résulté : « Paung Ku model: encouraging change through learning » (Encourager les changements par l'apprentissage).

En el ámbito del desarrollo internacional, los términos «construcción de capacidades» o «desarrollo de capacidades» son utilizados con frecuencia; sin embargo, pocas veces (e inconsistentemente) sus acepciones son precisadas en las solicitudes de financiamiento, en las estrategias programáticas, en las capacitaciones del personal y en el trabajo de campo. El presente artículo analiza la manera en que una organización de desarrollo que trabaja en Birmania/Myanmar hizo frente al binomio significado-práctica y a su relación con el desarrollo de capacidades. Asimismo, da cuenta de los resultados de la aplicación del «Modelo Paung Ku: Fomentando el cambio a través del aprendizaje».

Keywords:

• Aid – Capacity development
• Civil society
• Methods
• South Asia

Notes on Contributors

Gillian Fletcher is based at the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health, and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia. She has undertaken consultancy work in Burma/Myanmar since 2002. During that time she has focused predominantly on development of critical thinking and reflective learning skills. Her PhD examined the gap between rhetoric and practice of HIV prevention work in Burma/Myanmar.

Kyaw Thu is currently the Director of Paung Ku, and has previously worked for the International HIV/AIDS Alliance and CARE Myanmar, among other organisations. He has a deep commitment to acknowledgement of pre-existing capacity and, with Fletcher, is co-author of Reflective Learning Guidelines for CARE Myanmar.

Kyaw Myint holds the position of Paung Ku Programme Coordinator. In this role, he undertakes a wide variety of tasks including regular field trips to support reflective learning sessions with Paung Ku field staff and volunteers. He is heavily involved in development of networks within civil society in Burma/Myanmar.

Pyae Phyo Maung is Paung Ku's Learning and Monitoring Coordinator. He and co-authors Naw Margueritta Mu Yeh Hpeh and Kyaw Myint are responsible for making the Paung Ku Model “live” in practice. Pyae Phyo Maung is also taking the lead in reviewing Paung Ku's reporting and monitoring and evaluation frameworks.

Naw Margueritta Mu Yeh Hpeh holds the position of Paung Ku Program Manager. Her many roles include assisting the Director in developing project strategies, taking the lead on promoting effective and efficient delivery of capacity building, networking, advocacy, and change activities; and primary budget-holding responsibility within Paung Ku.