Insight: a Praxis Immersion Programme

Do you feel out of touch with the reality on the ground?
Our world is definitely changing and at a very fast pace. So are the realities, challenges and conditions of the poor.
On the other hand, more and more development professionals find themselves “trapped” in their offices or urban environments. Meetings, reports, email and more; all lead us further away from the daily lives of the poor. The result is that the gap between what we perceive being poor people’s priorities and what these really are progressively increases, and with it the risk of us making flawed or harmful decisions.

Immersions: bridging the gap between policy and reality.

So, how to bridge this gap? How to formulate informed policies?

One very viable and cost-effective solution is going back to the poor. Talking with them while living with them, experiencing their reality for ourselves, and thus refreshing our understanding of the dynamics which trap them in poverty. In short, this is what an immersion programme is.

Insight, a Praxis Immersion Programme
At Praxis, we have shaped an immersion programme according to our vision and called it Insight.
In our view, an Insight shall be a spontaneous and genuine learning process in which outsiders and insiders can openly dialogue and understand each other’s perspectives.
This is why there is no fixed schedule. Each Insight is specifically designed in order to match participants’ expectations and hosts’ profile. However, some features are common:

• Partnership with local organisations that work with Praxis to facilitate the programme and provide translators;
• A pre-immersion orientation, to prepare immersees and ensure they get the most out of this experience;
• Living with a poor family for a minimum of 3 nights. Immersees are expected to take full part in the lives of their hosts, help them in their daily tasks and interact with them and the host community. A translator/facilitator assists visitors and guests in their mutual understanding, be it linguistic or cultural;
• A post-immersion debriefing, which takes immersees, translators as well as hosts through a reflection process, both individually and collectively.

Who can have an Insight?
Insight is a voluntary and open learning experience. However, it should be particularly imperative for those who can take critical decisions to eradicate poverty and promote an inclusive development.

To find out more about Immersions or book your tailored one, contact:
Praxis – Institute for Participatory Practices
C-75 South Extension
Ph: +91 11 41612349/50/51
Email: Sharmistha (sharmisthas (at) praxisindia.org) and Nilima(nilimam (at) praxisindia.org)