ABCD-Training-of-Trainers-Tools-July-2013

made assumptions that proved to be false. Processes that did not bring sustainable impacts may have
been externally driven or held by a small group with others on the fringe having less interest and
involvement, especially when resources ran out. There are always clear examples of ABCD processes
which are community driven and where people have used the assets and resources they have.
This is an opportunity to remind the group that ABCD is not new and is happening in communities all the
time. You can also reiterate that there are no experts in ABCD, that all have something to offer and
share as the presentations indicated. This activity is a good opening to also share a case study of an
ABCD process as another idea of a method which can be applied (without in any way undermining the
natural and organic way in which people are self-organizing).
3.10. Expert or Facilitator?
(Source: Coady Institute)
Session Title
Session Objectives
Duration of Session
Resources
Training Materials
Expert of Facilitator?
Compare and contrast behaviours of experts versus facilitators in
stimulating community-driven development
30 minutes
None
Expert and Facilitator role plays
Introduction
Facilitation skills are one of the most important factors in stimulating community-driven development.
Facilitators must be dynamic, motivational, know when to step in and know when to stand back and
understand that their contributions to the community development process may be more intangible
than visible. This role can run counter to the traditional way that development professionals have been
trained. This exercise will help participants distinguish the difference between facilitating communitydriven
change and change that is imposed by outside institutions or experts.
Instructions
Begin by dividing the participants into two groups for a role play. You will come to each group to explain
their role (without the other groups knowing anyone else’s role).
• Each group will have several minutes to prepare a role play based on a role that you will give
them. The two roles are:
1. an expert who comes in to tell the community what to do;
2. a facilitator that helps the community in coming up with their own idea.
• Each group should select one person from their small group to play the main role and the others
in the group will be the members of the community.
Have each group present their role play to the other participants. Once both groups have presented,
take some time to discuss what they say in the role plays. Emphasise the difference between
teaching/telling people what to do and think and facilitating a community group.