In theory, democracies allow more space for civil society to promote diversity and cultural harmony. In the context of development, NGOs have closer links to grassroots communities than governments. Faith-based relief and development NGOs such as Muslim Aid are well placed to promote respect and tolerance towards other faiths and cultures. This understanding can act as a catalyst in facilitating meaningful dialogue based on cultural diversity and human rights for all.

It is crucial to understand that every cultural group has its own set of values which act as guidelines for human progression. Understanding the way in which various cultural groups function, think and live are prerequisites for understanding factors that either hinder or enhance the progress capacities of individuals and communities. Therefore viable development strategies and programmes that are designed to bring desirable social and economic change must have their roots in the cultures of the beneficiaries through which they acquire their unique characteristics.

As development initiatives attempt to bring change to the lives of different communities around the world, people are exposed to new ideas, skills, institutions and technologies, emphasising further the relationship between culture and development. Because diverse communities have different perceptions of individual and communal progression, employing local expertise and experiences can benefit the development process.

By focusing on the cultural dimension of development, the elimination of poverty can be assisted not only by providing material goods and services but by also giving people the opportunity and freedom of choice to enhance themselves. Therefore, people whose lives are changing are the main focus of development processes and any economic and social changes are made relevant to local values and traditions. Hence, it becomes vital to respect and promote all cultures for successful human progress and empowerment.

Above pictures: Muslim Aid has been working with diverse communities in need from different regions

One of the main tasks involved in implementing development programmes in different countries is to recognise and understand capacities of the various indigenous communities to improve their conditions. Implementation of development projects which are tailored to suit the demands and needs of the local communities require thorough study of the region and local knowledge in order to create an environment in which individuals can contribute towards their well being and also towards the welfare of their communities. Poverty should not only be viewed as lack of access to economic and social resources but also as lack of basic human rights, social status and dignity. It is therefore important to support all cultural groups to increase social justice and enhance the level of participation of marginalized groups in the development process.

Muslim Aid, an international faith based emergency relief and development organisation, tackles the root causes of poverty and works for social justice through diverse projects in areas of education and skills training, health and sanitation, shelter and construction, microfinance and livelihood. Development projects are implemented either directly by local Muslim Aid field offices or in collaboration with local charity organisations and other international NGOs. Designing and implementing development projects in different regions involves many unexpected challenges.

Muslim Aid believes that justice and social development, through the distribution of wealth, is possible by unleashing the inherent potential of people. Individual culture and development is an integral part of social advancement. We believe individuals acquire their sense of identity, their sense of self-esteem, world view and core values from the community in which they grow up and live. Characteristics and knowledge of individuals contribute to social development and can be acquired through freedom given to the communities to express their culture including language, faith, traditional practices and religious beliefs. Therefore, culture is integral to individual and community stability and sustainability as well as their understanding of work and capacity to make sense of the developed world. Muslim Aid tries to inspire good values in communities through culturally sensitive programmes.

Working with different cultural groups requires a great deal of flexibility, thorough understanding of gender structure, local institutions, customs and patience. Development programmes like Microfinance and Livelihood, can take different forms due to local circumstances. For instance, in one country a person might be trained as a carpet weaver due to market demands while in another country a green house is built for local farmers to best utilise their skills. Many projects are designed according to the gender relations and roles considered appropriate within the society. Business administration courses are offered to disadvantaged, disabled and adversely affected women in one region due to the labour market demand; on the other hand, women in another region are given domestic skills training so they can work from home due to security issues and social customs. In addition, it is vital to get local NGOs as well as beneficiaries to get involved in the need assessment process to formulate and customise strategies that would cater to the local needs. Halah al-Janabi, Desk Manager for the Middle East and Europe said, prior to implementing projects, consultation is carried out with local charities and beneficiaries. Beneficiaries are asked how Muslim Aid can best help them in changing their lives.

Above pictures: Widows in Iraq (left) were given sewing machines and a green house (right) was constructed for Bosnian farmers to make best use of their skills and become self-reliant

Muslim Aid’s approach has meant beneficiaries have been involved in the needs assessment and implementation stage of the process, playing a vital role in achieving set objectives for a programme.

The participatory rural appraisal approach taken by Muslim Aid involves the local communities in the exercise of assessing needs and planning projects. Through its ‘Reconstructing Homes, Rebuilding Lives’ programme implemented in northern Indonesia, local beneficiaries were involved in finding suitable building sites where their previous houses stood and took part in reconstruction process. Local contractors were employed and local people were trained to help revive local employment. The houses were constructed using local materials and built above ground level, supported by pillars to avoid any kind of storm or wetness. The design selected was traditional, with toilets and kitchens built outside the house to suit the local practice and customs. There is no doubt that providing beneficiaries with resources that complement their way of living and ideology is indispensable for bringing change and communal progression.

Above pictures: Local people of Bangladesh and India using their expertise in the construction process for communal improvement

When natural disaster occurs, it affects people from different religious and cultural backgrounds, often living side by side. It becomes essential to implement rehabilitation programmes which are non-discriminatory. Mossaraf Hossain, Country Desk Manager said "It is important to consider the difference in people’s belief systems. For example, we have distributed cow’s meat to Muslims during the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha at the same time we also provided Hindus living with Muslims in the same region with goats. Our initiative was really appreciated by the local people and it has changed the perception of Muslim NGOs amongst many Hindus".

Development programmes that respect cultural diversity not only work with various communities but aim at being a source for bringing different communities together and build better understanding with them. In 2007, Muslim Aid formalised a partnership with the US-based Methodist NGO, UMCOR (The United Methodist Committee on Relief), to provide assistance to the civilians caught up in fighting between government forces and separatist rebels in Sri Lanka. Muslim Aid, together with UMCOR, helped the local people in rebuilding their homes and starting their lives again in the town from which the conflict forced them to leave. The partnership between the Christian and Muslim development agencies served as an example to the people of different faith groups holding animosity against each other and helped in easing tension between them. The development projects implemented through the collaboration of UMCOR and Muslim Aid were a significant channel to foster community cohesion and better understanding amongst different faith groups. Such collaboration has inspired Muslim Aid to further build strong relationships with other faith based development agencies to promote equality and cooperation.

Above pictures: Muslim Aid works in partnership with different organisations such as UMCOR and DfID (Department for International Development) for the welfare of humanity

The main task of the development projects is to provide as many people as possible with opportunities and choices to become self-reliant and self sufficient. Muslim Aid strives to improve the prospects of diverse communities by assisting them in bringing desirable changes in their lives and advance their social status in the way they perceive development. There is still a long way to go and an immense amount of work left to formulate growth models for the developing countries that would integrate culture with social and economic development.

Above picture: Muslim aid along with its partner constructed houses in Indonesia after the 2003 tsunami according to the design and specification of local people

Above picture: Muslim Aid used indigenous cost effective materials to provide medical facilities in Sudan

Since Muslim Aid is continuously engaged in dealing with the challenges of poverty, inequality, injustice, unemployment and conflict in different cultural contexts, it aspires to employ the cultural resources to allow communities to involve themselves with ease, gain skills and develop self confidence. The invaluable experiences gained from working with various cultural groups reflects and constantly reminds us of the Quranic verses which reads, "we created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female. And made you into nations and tribes that ye may know each other". (Al Hujurat) [Al-Quran: 49:13]

Amal Amad, Muslim Aid