Publisher's Synopsis
“The projects described in these fascinating chapters are not just sticking plasters for an injured world. These are practical, realistic responses to the need of others” – Professor Alexander McCall Smith This book describes a number of small scale grass roots help initiatives collected from different parts of the world with an emphasis on positive statements. There is no doubt that small community projects have found a niche in almost all societies. Enthusiastically supporting such activities, the volunteers want to ask: Are they doing any good? Or only good for our ego? To consider and combat the issue, Pandhu H. Van Dijk and Pakash C. Das invited a number of contributors, who have conducted small scale projects, to narrate their experiences, even their unsuccessful ones, so that the apparent causes of failure can be analysed and become clear. From Asia to South America, these real life stories cover projects on health, education, economic power in women and occasionally, unique projects that will help better communities’ social interaction. Small Steps will be suitable for students of aid relief as well as professionals and volunteers who work for or with charitable organisations. “This collection of observations on small scale projects is timely and helpful. The days of grandiose scheme, imposed by distant government on communities that may not really want it, are probably numbered. How much more effective is the realistic small-scale project tailored to the real needs of the community? How much more likely to achieve a satisfactory outcome are schemes of that sort?” – Professor Alexander McCall Smith Fascinating and factual, this collection offers an insight into the multicultural issues that are scattered around the globe. Live and varied are these communities and volunteers but the message on any of the projects remains the same. In this book ordinary men and ordinary women are showcased for the good they have done for their respective communities. Innovation, care and perseverance has allowed men and women to inspire a generation of people who are taking small steps towards a better community, a better life and a better human race.
