Open and distance learning for basic education in South Asia: its potential for hard to reach children and children in conflict and disaster areas

This is the main report in a UNICEF funded project which explores the ways in which, across South Asia, various forms of open and distance learning could be developed to better meet the needs of marginalised children and those affected by natural disaster and by conflic

Responding to the urbanisation of Melanesia’s populations: a critical 21st century challenge

Rowan Callick’s (1993) deliberately provocative ‘doomsday scenario’ for an increasingly impoverished and marginalised Pacific by 2010 was primarily designed to challenge a prevailing tendency at the time towards complacency about medium-term prospects for a region where the great majority of the population remained ruralresident

Marginalised or enabled voices? 'User participation' in policy and practice

The idea of participation has been central to many policy developments in recent years. Both Conservative and Labour governments have used notions of participation and involvement in attempts to justify and implement their social policies. Yet, despite a plethora of initiatives and guidance around ‘participation’ emerging from all levels of government, and a substantial academic literature, there remains a major, and potentially damaging, lack of clarity over many aspects of participation, while the secret of achieving ‘real’ participation appears to continue to remain elusive

Developing rural tourism in South Africa: a case of women and technology in Kwazulu – natal

This paper contributes to a greater understanding of the linkages between women’s roles, responsibilities and the use of and access to technologies in marginalised rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The ways in which poor rural women conceptualise technologies and the ways in which they use their knowledge and skills to develop, modify and adapt the techniques and technical processes are examined in relation to developing rural tourism in the areas. Research was undertaken in four marginalised communities in KwaZulu-Natal: Adams Mission, Platt Estate, KwaXimba and Makomoreng. The study examined the relationships between rural women, and their technological knowledge with a view to developing rural tourism. Emphasis on the data collection was on gender sensitivity and the ability to capture the complexities of the rural women’s real life activities. The aim of this contribution is to contribute to a greater understanding in terms of the recognition of the linkages between women’s roles, responsibilities, knowledge and their participation in rural economic and tourism development with more emphasis and focus on their use of modern technologies and indigenous knowledge.rural tourism in South Africa, women’s roles, marginalised rural communities in KwaZulu

Use of Civil Society Organisations to Raise the Voice of the Poor in Agricultural Policy

This working paper examines how civil society organisations (CSOs) -- particularly those representing poor and marginalised rural people -- can inform and influence the processes of agricultural policy formulation and implementation. We summarise the role of different interest groups in shaping 'pro-poor' agricultural development and explain how poor people can gain 'voice' to express their views and shape policy processes in a meaningful way

Engaging marginalised and vulnerable families

This Policy Brief explores the evidence regarding improving access to services for marginalised and vulnerable families with young children, and how families can best be engaged and supported. Why is this issue important? While most families of young children are well supported socially and make good use of services, some do not (Carbone et al., 2004; Moran & Ghate, 2005; Winkworth et al., 2009, 2010). Children from families who have poor social supports and make limited or no use of community support services are at increased risk of poor health and developmental outcome