Assessment of a community: Promoting an equitable society through inclusion and empowerment

To adhere to the new developmental welfare policy of South Africa, the Department of Social Work at the Rand Afrikaans University (South Africa) in co-operation with the African Self-Help Association (ASHA), a non-profit organisation, conducted a needs assessment for Soweto among all the families connected with the 40 preschool crèches of ASHA. Findings from participatory action research indicated a need for four different programmes: programmes for preschool children; programmes to enhance community leadership; family enrichment programmes; and special delivery programmes regarding HIV/AIDS, disability, crime and violence, illiteracy, poverty alleviation and substance abuse. Through the principle of inclusion, people took ownership of these programmes, which in turn had an empowering effect on them.