Only Through Community: A Case Study of the St. Martin Approach - The Lens of Transforming Communities from the Inside Out

Abstract

In 1999, the St. Martin Catholic Social Apostolate in Kenya was founded with the mission of building a strong capacity among community members so as to empower and care for vulnerable groups of people in the community. In the implementation of its activities, the organization utilizes the St. Martin Approach. The aim of this paper is to present a case study of the St. Martin Approach as a model on which social transformation can be achieved in communities. The St. Martin Approach uniquely incorporates different participatory approaches to development initiatives so as to bring about change in the communities. The Approach as an envisioned model targets the abled members of the community who become volunteers in aiding those who are vulnerable in the community. The St. Martin Approach achieves community objectives through the people and as the community members are actively placed at the centre of the approach.

Keywords: Development, Participation, Social Transformation, St. Martin Approach

DOI: 10.7176/IAGS/77-04

Publication date: November 30^th 2019