At the local level, it is the small-scale participatory development efforts that bring about concrete changes that enable people to develop and become empowered. This is development from the inside, sustained and expanded by the people themselves. The Department of Social Work at the University of South Africa (Unisa), has accepted a Rogerian (Carl Rogers) person-centred orientation to community work. The work and experience of community workers who follow this orientation have affirmed repeatedly that the value of development efforts lies in the experience of the process as much as in the achievement of concrete changes. This article reflects on the power of the process that unfolds as efforts are made to improve the life situation of communities. Two small-scale participatory development stories are told to illustrate the process: 1. The elderly at Mmotong wa Perekesi (Limpopo Province), or the people who reclaimed traditional craft skills to improve their lives. 2. Dorcas community service – a group of recipients of food parcels regain dignity, develop skills and become self-employed. Bibliogr., sum.
