International Institute of Rural Reconstruction

The International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR) works with the rural poor in developing countries to improve their lives by building on their unique assets and strengths. IIRR achieves this through field research, training, publications and field programs with poor communities and in partnership with other development organizations.

Rural reconstruction is a development strategy first advanced by the Mass Education and Rural Reconstruction Movement founded by Dr. Y.C. James Yen in China in 1923. The strategy is sustainable, integrated and people-centered.

In 1960, Dr. Yen organized IIRR as a research and training institute in rural reconstruction for development workers in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Today, the Institute operates from its campus at the Yen Center in the Philippines, from regional centers in Africa and Latin America and from a country office in Ethiopia.

The IIRR program embodies the principles of rural reconstruction in its three components - the Learning Community, Education & Training, and Publication & Communication.

In the Learning Community Program, IIRR works with community leaders and members in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of integrated development programs. The joint effort includes the definition of the needs of a community, identification of indigenous knowledge and good local practices, introduction of practical low-cost technologies, encouragement of self-help and promotion of community development and mutual assistance.

In the Education and Training Program, the Institute offers training courses and customized study programs to development workers. Training combines formal study, seminars and practical field experience. The Institute has trained more than 12,000 development practitioners from Asia, Africa and Latin America in the principles, practice and knowledge of rural reconstruction. Participants often take more than one IIRR training course.

In the Publication and Communication Program, IIRR documents and disseminates field-based experience. The Institute has produced over 50 publications during the last decade on topics as diverse as aquaculture and maternal and child health. In IIRR "writeshops", experts and community members work together to write a manual documenting good practices on a development issue. A "writeshop" often engages community leaders, government officials and planners, NGO personnel and scholars in this common effort. IIRR does not copyright its publications.

For more information click here: http://www.iirr.org

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