People participation

People Participation

People participation means involving community members in planning, implementing, and evaluating development programs that affect their lives. It ensures that the voices of the people are heard, their needs are addressed, and they take ownership of the process. This leads to better outcomes, accountability, and sustainability. Participation can take many forms—attending meetings, giving suggestions, forming committees, or contributing labor and resources. It empowers individuals, builds leadership, and strengthens democracy at the grassroots. In social work, people participation is essential to promote self-reliance and reduce dependency on external help. Active involvement of the community is the key to successful development.