New case studies reveal successful approaches to development

ARLINGTON, Va., April 9, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Case studies narrating effective community-led solutions to development challenges in seven countries have been released, Counterpart International announced. www.Counterpart.org.  

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110818/DC54764LOGO)

The eight case studies – which focus on Afghanistan, Armenia, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, India, Turkmenistan and Vietnam – highlight a mix of strategies and techniques from ecotourism to business education that enabled communities to take the lead in their own development. (Versions may be downloaded at http://www.counterpart.org/our-work/casestudies)

"As a catalyst for change, Counterpart's role in the development process is to ensure that individuals and organizations have the knowledge, resources and confidence to continuously improve their communities," says Counterpart President and CEO Joan Parker.

Each 650-word case study explains the challenges communities faced, shows how Counterpart worked with local organizations, governments and residents to address them and reveals the programs' final outcomes.

For example, a three-year national effort in Afghanistan took on momentous goals: To build the skills of local organizations so they could encourage marginalized groups (including women, youth and handicapped) to participate in the country's civic and electoral life. The challenges were equally daunting: Afghanistan's potential voting population at that time was 72 percent illiterate and 77 percent lived in rural, often remote areas.

More than 70 civil society organizations were recruited, trained and supported in order to meet these goals. Together, they reached more than 3.3 million people. An independent study at the end of the project revealed exceptionally positive results.

(To read this specific case study, please visit: http://www.counterpart.org/images/uploads/Face-to-Face%20Civic%20Education%20in%20Afghanistan%20Turns%20Citizens%20into%20Voters%20Case%20Study.pdf )

Meanwhile, two separate case studies on Guatemala explore how economically poor communities were able to leverage the richness of their surroundings and many of their artistic skills in order to improve the lives of residents.

"The common denominator in all of Counterpart's work is the way we engage communities and strengthen local organizations to manage and lead the development process," says Parker.

Additional case studies are scheduled for release this year.

About Counterpart International
Counterpart International is a global development organization that works in partnership to empower people, communities and institutions to drive and sustain their own development.

Counterpart is currently working in 23 countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso and Honduras.

For nearly 50 years, Counterpart has been working in partnership with communities in need to address complex problems related to economic development, food security, nutrition, health, humanitarian assistance and strengthening civil society.

For more information, visit: www.Counterpart.org

Media Contact:
Michael J. Zamba
Vice President, Communications & Partnerships
Counterpart International
2345 Crystal Drive, Suite 301
Arlington, VA 22202
Tel.: (571) 447-5786
www.Counterpart.org

SOURCE Counterpart International