The "Let the people speak" model : an analysis of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches' development education approach (1994-2004)

Abstract

This thesis concerns the "Let the People Speak" approach to development of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC). It evaluates the extent to which this approach can be considered to be legitimate Christian approach to development, that takes seriously the contemporary concerns of development theory and practice. In doing this, the thesis first lays down a theological framework for development drawn from the theologians Hans Kung, Jurgen Moltmann, Jose Miguez Bonino, and Desmond Tutu, and the educationalist Paulo Freire. This framework argues that human dignity and humanization should be the goal of Christian engagement in social transformation and development, and that this is achieved by paying attention to three themes: the agency of the poor, their assets, and an appreciative approach by outsiders.