6-14
Often it is easy to observe (even from photos or films) whether community
participation is controlled by those on top or by the poor.
Look at the two photos below and ask yourself:
• Who is taking the lead?
• In what ways does that person look similar to or different from the rest of the
people?
• Are the poor taking part actively or passively? (Are they working, having
discussions, or just listening?)
• How do the building materials used for the project compare with those used for
the people’s homes?
In an Iranian village, a health worker gives instructions on
how to cover a well to protect water” from contamination.
Families do weekend work in a low-cost housing reconstruction
project at Sakerty, on the fringe of Guatemala City.