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

1.1.a. Introducing ABCD: Definitions
(Source: Ninnette Eliasov)
Session Title
Session Objectives
Duration of Session
Resources
Training Materials
Definitions
To come to a common understanding of Asset Based Community Driven
Development based on the local context
10 minutes
Flipchart
Markers
None
Introduction
This exercise will ensure that ABCD makes sense to people in their own context in light of their own lived
experiences as opposed to an idea that is introduced from the outside. It will also ensure that
participants start off with a common understanding of ABCD, which sets the tone for the rest of the
training.
Instructions
The facilitator can write ABCD vertically on a newsprint leaving space for definitions. Firstly ask the
group what is an ‘Asset.’ Generate ideas which are commonly understood. If there are mixed languages,
you can ask for a translation of the term and write this up too. Participants often immediately identify
the 5 types of assets or capital (social, natural, physical, financial and human), but there are often other
categories of assets like indigenous knowledge, spirituality etc. It is helpful to probe participants to
identify examples of these. Do the same for the word ‘Based’, then ‘Community’, ‘Driven’ and
‘Development’.
Example:
Asset: Something valuable that belongs to us and improves quality of life. It includes our strengths,
abilities, talents and gifts.
Based: Our foundation or home; it is the place we return to get strength and recharge.
Community: A group of people who have common interests – who share a sense of togetherness.
Community can be a geographic place or related to identity (e.g. a congregation at church)
Driven: An activity that is initiated and sustained over time by community members, not outside
institutions like government offices and NGOs
Development: A natural process of change, progression or evolution that is slow and complex.
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