Inclusive Community Work for the Development of Projects in the Territory: A Comprehensive and Sustainable Approach

Abstract

For decades, interventions by governmental and non-governmental organizations have entered the territories seeking to address the needs of the most vulnerable populations. Thus, we have seen how in territories of the central highlands of our country, in provinces such as Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, and Tungurahua, or on the Manabí coast, El Oro and Santa Elena, the problems of people with disabilities, child malnutrition, or lack of access to services have led institutional interventions to prioritize these territories, but without results or indicators of improvement for the target population. The imposition of international or traditional models has led to solutions being proposed from a desk in the capital, without having coordinated with populations who understand their reality, identify their needs, and understand their culture and traditions. This community inclusion model is inspired by the Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) strategy, but broadens its approach to address all the needs of the population in a holistic and participatory manner. The model is based on key principles such as community empowerment, genuine participation, sustainability, intercultural respect, and coordination between stakeholders. Its objective is for communities themselves to be the protagonists of their own development.