methods of selecting ACP village

[Joe Ngamkhuchung]

For ACP to become a community practice, the community involvement is essential right from the start. Keeping this as an approach, “People in Need foundation” convened a meeting of the leaders of the proposed five ACP villages and had a detailed discussion on the process of ACP and its advantages for the villages.

The meeting held on 14th October 2009 was attended by sixteen leaders from 5 cluster villages around Molvom village of Nagaland and after thorough discussions unanimously resolved:
1.To work together for ACP and declared their five villages “to be ACP villages”.

2.To request ACP implementing NGO: “People in Need foundation” to open a sub-centre in Molvom village to effectively work with the villages.

3.To nominate 2 volunteers in each village to assist the ACP team.

The villages are Molvom, Bungsang, Maova, Khaibung and Sihrima. There are three ACP co-ordinators , assisted by 2 volunteers from each village, doing SALT visits, Dream building and facilitating village self assessment and making family visits. By March 2010 end, the team intends to expand ACP practice to total 10 villages. A challenging Dream indeed! But with the village Headmen leading the responses, no dream can be too big!

[Gaston]

Dear Joe,

It is good that the leaders take ownership from the beginning. I agree with Onesmus's point that stimulating horizontal transfer will be critical. Having regular 1-day (or even half-day) sessions to bring the different villages together will catalyse further responses. Attempt to let the communities document their own horizontal transfer. What did they transfer? Their dreams, inspiration, creative responses? When creating this opportunity for communities, great things can happen.

Good luck!
Gaston

[Bobby Zachariah]

Dear Fr. Joe,

The involvement of a cross section of villagers in acknowledging the community concerns (drugs, alcohol, HIV..) and the constant desire to learn from other communities was a key feature that we noticed in Molvom.

The remarkable humility of the village leaders who analysed the ongoing challenges they face trying to help the youth stay clean, despite the multiplicity of approaches they have tried, was an inspiration to the visitors as well. The willingness of the youth to work with the leadership of the village (despite the generation gap - which frustrates them) is a sign of progress.

Our team felt that these results would not have been possible, if your team had not been inclusive in the selection of the villages.

All the best. Keep facilitating the change and share the learning.

Bobby

[Onesmus Mutuku]

Joe,
In my own experience, you will be a witness for horizontal transfer 'from community to community'.

The reflection will most be;
We have the same concern!
How are they doing it here?
How can we transfer this to our own village?
Who can we invite to come accompany and support?
We were inspired and would want to share our progress for motivation!

Thanks

Onesmus