Schoolchildren in class in Aleta Wondo, Ethiopia.
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more about
Positive Deviance
and
Donna has co-authored a manual on community-based information systems, which provides guidance into measuring impact of community programs.CBIO andresources.
View of the hills in Aleta Wondo, Sidama, Ethiopia
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© 2006-2009 Common River
Design byGreen
Temple Design
Program
Positive Deviance Approach:
In every community, there are individuals whose unique (“deviant”) behaviors create better (“positive”) results than their neighbor with the exact same resources. Common River’s Mission is to amplify these methods for full community success.
Through the positive deviance approach we assist the community to discover those behaviors that are working effectively today among some and share them with the others. It is naturally sustainable and culturally appropriate since the solution lies within the community.
COMMON RIVER addresses integrated community development from the inside out, using the "positive deviance" model that identifies what is working for the few and brings those practices to the majority that struggle. This effective approach applies to all aspects of community: from business development, education, health care, micro-finance, entrepreneurship, and environmental infrastructure. It empowers each community member to fully maximize the available natural resources, turning poverty to prosperity.