Project Empower creates learning opportunities that allow people to analyse their own experience (their lived realities) in the context of the issues being addressed. The methodology we use is experiential, participatory and learner centred, drawing on the life experience of participants. Through guided processes of reflection participants are assisted to define their own solutions to the problems they are confronting.

Learning is developed around an analysis of power and power relations at a personal, interpersonal and societal level. These are contextualized by peoples’ own experience and their own understanding of the impact on their daily lives. We use the concept of power to help people understand their lived realities and try to use the idea of equal power, or power with, when we look at change.

Programmes are delivered through the establishment of learning groups of between 12 and 20 participants. These groups meet regularly for workshops, discussions and information sessions in support of their development, creating opportunity for informal networking and potential collaboration between participant organisations.

We see capacity building as a process. Therefore, interventions are long term and rely on establishing trust relationships with participants and the organisations they work within. Programme design and development is strongly influenced by our interaction with participants and we use purpose designed materials and processes. Mentoring and follow up support are integral to the training process.

Although Project Empower works with the issue of HIV and AIDS specifically, our programme work is integrated and examines the historical, social, economic, interpersonal and personal situations that drive the epidemics.