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Stories from the field archive
Welcome to the 'stories from the field' page. This page features real-world stories based on the experiences of development workers in the field. The stories highlight some of the challenges and lessons practitioners learn from using the theory and techniques of development in implementing projects in developing countries.MDG 7: Improving access to safe drinking water in Kiribati (March 2010)
UN-Water’s theme for World Water Day 2010 (22 March) is ‘Communicating Water Quality Challenges and Opportunities'. In keeping with this we’re sharing a story of improved water supply in Kiribati… (Australian Water Association: March 2010) More info >>
Elections and Good Governance in Asia-Pacific (February 2010)
Open, transparent elections that support democratic process are a critical element and foundation for good governance in the Asia Pacific region. (Australian Electoral Commission: January 2010) More info >>
Good Business for HIV/AIDS (December 2009)
Harnessing the private sector to address HIV/AIDS in Indonesia is no simple task, but as AYAD Daphnee Cook discovered, the outcomes are well worth the effort. (Daphnee Cook, AYAD: December 2009) More info >>
Earthquake in Sumatra (October 2009)
When an emergency hits, NGOs like Oxfam Australia provide people with the assistance they need to survive – clean water, sanitation facilities, food, health and nutrition advice and shelter. Kate Thwaites, Media Co-ordinator for Oxfam’s international projects and emergencies reports from Sumatra and shares her views from the field, and some early lessons learnt.
(Oxfam Australia: October 2009)
More info >>
Raising awareness through drama & participatory exercises (July 2009)
Drama or street theatre is a powerful method of social communication that promotes public information and discussion of specific issues or problems. Matt Fossey shares some tools to get your message heard, based on his experiences working as an Australian Youth Ambassador for Development (AYAD) for a local marine conservation NGO in Kimbe Bay, Papua New Guinea (PNG). More info >>
Think about your life! (June 2009)
ADG content partner The Burnet Institute is currently involved in a range of laboratory research and field programs that address many of PNG's critical health problems. One program is using a high-risk settings approach to address the HIV epidemic. (Burnet Institute: 2009) More info >>
Guardians of the electric reef (May 2009)
In Bali's idyllic north-west corner, a unique community-driven marine conservation project is using electricity to rapidly regrow damaged coral reef and restore local livelihoods. Might this technology and its profound success be a route to helping save the Earth's vital coral gardens? More info >>
Child protection: putting theory into practice (Jan 2009)
Nicole de Paauw shares her experience of conducting child protection training in Papua New Guinea (PNG). One of the most rewarding aspects of Training the Trainers was seeing the team take up the challenge to further embed awareness of child abuse in PNG. More info >>
Perceptions meet realities in the field (Nov 2008)
ITEM Media reveals one of the secrets to computer use in developing countries. More info >>
Landcare as a community builder (Sept 2008)
Women are emerging as leaders in landcare initiatives in remote areas of the Philippines. More info >>
Three pillars (July 2008)
Twenty-five women from the Makwanpur district, south of Nepal's Kathmandu, are learning how to run a small business so that they can provide more food for their family, send their children to school and lead a more independent life. More info >>
A youth-powered tsunami recovery (June 2008)
Villages in south-western Thailand are being led by an innovative student-driven learning program to recover their livelihoods after the 2004 tsunami and develop solution-finding skills to better manage their local natural resources. More info >>
The tsunami gardeners (April 2008)
Sri Lanka: More than 3 years after the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, local communities are exploring innovative ways to rebuild their livelihoods, regain their self sufficiency and rehabilitate coastal areas. More info >>
Culture, crops & climate forecasts (January 2008)
Australian and Indonesian scientists are working together to achieve better water-resource management practises in Lombok, Indonesia. But as Janet Lawrence writes, social, cultural and policy influences are likely to play a key role. More info >>
Learning by doing (November 2007)
Architect David Week tackles some vital questions in his culture-driven approach to development practice. More info >>
Tales from a Western Nomad (October 2007)
Learning from and adapting to a different culture can be confronting. Development practitioner Jorgen Jensen shares some insights. More info >>
Six steps to change (September 2007)
Building capacity in developing countries can be challenging. Read three accounts of methods in cross-cultural contexts.
More info >>
Reflections from Cambodia (July 2007)
Read Rowena McNaugthon's account of working with local farmers in Cambodia
More info >>
Seeds of Life in Timor-Leste (May 2007)
Rob Williams, an Australian rice researcher, shares his story of a program which aims to improve the yields of staple food crops in Timor Leste and improve food security for the poorest people in rural areas. More info >>
Is there a doctor in the house? (Feb 2007)
Shaun Flint talks about his work as an Acting Honorary Lecturer/Senior Registrar with the Fiji School of Medicine. More info >>
First aid in Aceh (October 2006)
Jodie Ranford is an Australian Red Cross Aid Worker currently working on a Community Based First Aid (CBFA) program in Aceh, Indonesia. In this article she shares her thoughts and experiences as a practitioner on this program. More info >>
Water, water everywhere... (July 2006)
Remote mountain villagers in Central North Vietnam are enjoying access to clean water for the first time. East Asia Program Coordinator Christine Gregory tells of the mammoth task to build water supply systems for these isolated communities. More info >>
Websites and boiled Mutton (June 2006)
Websites and boiled mutton...What do these two things have in common? Read Travis Harvey's account of working on ICT projects in Mongolia to find out! More info >>