Our Vision & Philosophy
​Our philosophy as an organization is derived from the participatory research methodology and critical pedagogy used by our Board President, Dr. Christina Morgan, during her PhD research which was itself based on the work of Paolo Freire and other critical scholars of education and development.
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Participatory research is an innovative approach toward global change that relies on engaging people in their own development through in-depth participatory research and critical discourse to understand what is needed and wanted by the people in each community. For UP, participatory research allows us the opportunity to learn from the communities we work with in Uganda, and to rely on their lived experiences and intimate knowledge of what is needed to develop their communities.
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For the UP, participatory research is a cornerstone of our work. Prior to initiating any project we do extensive research into what is needed and wanted by the community. Projects are often initiated by the beneficiaries themselves and, in partnership with UP, they participate throughout the entire process from development of a plan, to execution, to evaluation of the program. ​​
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Without this principal of participation and partnership many of our projects would fall short. Ultimately, we aim to empower people and reduce the concept of dependence and helplessness. What we have seen is that as the people who are receiving help become empowered, they realize their potential to take control of their own situations and to take action to impact others positively.
What is Participatory Action Research?
Participatory Action Research (PAR) is a collaborative research approach that actively involves participants in the research process. Unlike traditional research methods that often position researchers as external observers, PAR integrates community members as co-researchers who contribute to every stage of the research, from identifying issues and developing research questions to collecting data and analyzing results. This methodology prioritizes the lived experiences and insights of participants, aiming to produce knowledge that is not only relevant and practical but also empowers those directly affected by the research.
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The primary goal of PAR is to address social issues and bring about positive change by fostering a partnership between researchers and community members. This approach is rooted in principles of democratic participation and social justice, ensuring that research outcomes reflect the needs and aspirations of the community rather than imposing external perspectives. By focusing on collaborative problem-solving and actionable outcomes, PAR seeks to bridge the gap between theory and practice, ultimately enhancing the capacity of communities to address their own challenges and improve their well-being.​​​
PAR as an Approach to Development
Participatory Action Research (PAR) has become a significant method within international development practices due to its focus on local engagement and empowerment. In the context of development, PAR involves collaborating with community members to identify their needs, develop solutions, and implement strategies that address local issues. This approach is particularly effective in international development as it aligns with principles of inclusivity and empowerment, allowing communities to have a direct role in shaping interventions that affect their lives. By integrating the perspectives and knowledge of local stakeholders, PAR helps ensure that development initiatives are culturally appropriate and contextually relevant, enhancing their effectiveness and sustainability.
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Furthermore, PAR in international development promotes a cycle of continuous learning and adaptation. Through iterative cycles of planning, action, observation, and reflection, PAR facilitates ongoing dialogue between researchers, development practitioners, and community members. This iterative process allows for real-time adjustments based on feedback and emerging needs, leading to more dynamic and responsive development practices. By actively involving those who are most affected by development projects, PAR helps build local capacities and fosters a sense of ownership and agency among participants, which is crucial for the long-term success and impact of development efforts.
