Melbourne Book Launch - A Strengths-based Approach for International Development: Reframing Aid

The practice of international development continues to change as more is understood about what works. A shift from a deficit or problem-solving approach to a strengths-based approach is a significant reframing for international development. A strengths-based approach aims to reveal assets, strengths or what is working within an individual, group, community or organisation, then uses these strengths as a way to achieve change and preferred futures. This book sets out the thinking, practical action and evidence-base to inform a sector-wide transformation. For many, this is a radical or even revolutionary shift, but for others, the writing is already on the wall.

The theory and rich descriptions of how a strengths-based approach works, will give development workers, governments, researchers, policy makers and donors in the global north and south the confidence to continue or try new this approach to creating change. These fresh perspectives offer a much-needed alternative to the deficit-based/problem solving paradigm that dominates, but is no longer relevant to shared global efforts for social justice and environmental sustainability.

Please join us for this exciting launch event as we hear firsthand from authors, Keren Winterford, Deborah Rhodes and Christopher Dureau as they talk us through the strong theoretical and practical basis of a strengths-based approach.

‘This book is a breath of fresh-air to the trappings of international development.  The strengths-based approach challenges the status quo, and equalizes the power-imbalance. A must read!’

Setareki S. Macanawai, CEO, Pacific Disability Forum

A little bit about the authors:

Keren Winterford

Dr Keren Winterford is a Research Director at the Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney. Prior to this, Keren has worked in multiple capacities with managing contractors, civil society and as a private consultant. Keren has completed PhD research on practice and outcomes of a strengths-based approach. 

Deborah Rhodes

Deborah Rhodes is an international development practitioner, author, and trainer with 35 years of experience largely in Pacific and Asian countries, specialising in topics including working across cultures, capacity development, disability inclusion and strengths-based approaches.

Christopher Dureau

Chris Dureau is a social psychologist, community development facilitator and senior manager in humanitarian aid and international development. He has worked in a wide range of programs to improve front line service delivery in health, education, and democratisation with multi-lateral, bi-lateral and INGOs in over 40 countries of Sub-Sahara Africa, South-East Asia and the Pacific.