THE PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

The People (Self-help) Development is a collective process in which people commit themselves to take action to create changes in their lives, communities and in society in order to meet the needs, and to find a solution at the grassroots of the problems.

The People Development Program implemented by Caritas Dalat aims to the sustainable livelihoods; regenerate and protect the environment and local resources; build solidarity and solidarity in the community; preserve and promote indigenous knowledge and traditional culture; participate in policy advocacy so that the rights of small farmers are recognized.

Caritas Da Lat has implemented the project since 2014 with 3 phases:

- Phase 1: From 2014 to 2015, including 6 indigenous minority communities

- Phase 2: from 2017 to 2019 including 12 indigenous minority communities

- Phase 3: from 2020 - now includes 17 indigenous minority communities, associations of people with disabilities in Lam Dong province and Caritas Da Lat network

Through the PLD program, people practice ecological agriculture and replicate it in the community. A CFGS assurance system is developed and operated to certify ecological products produced by people in the participating groups. Community groups or organizations are formed and/or reinforced, as part of a people-owned development process. Young people are involved in the changing process so that traditional cultural values ​​and community wisdom are preserved, promoted and continue to be passed to the next generation. In addition, the Caritas Da Lat network is strengthened at the district and parish levels to take action on climate change and Laudato Si'.

People (Self-help) development using an approach by participating of the community starting with what they have, who are they? The focus of the program is on continuous learning through study guide tours, sharing and working together. Urged by Caritas staff, the initiatives led by the community draw on their own local context, knowledge, resources, and culture. These actions step by step will build a future of peace, diversity and sustainability as the dream of the community.