To enhance the understanding of the biblical concept of diakonia and its connection to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and asset-based approaches to development work, Digni, in collaboration with VID Specialized University, recently conducted a course on these topics.
The course, which began at the end of January, included seven online workshops and culminated in a successful three-day workshop in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, last week. From 5th to 7th of March 2025, the workshop brought together twenty-five project staff members and leaders from partner organisations within the Digni fellowship, representing six countries in Africa: Kenya, Liberia, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Madagascar and Mali.
At the heart of Digni’s identity lies the commitment to diakonia as a Christian social practice, motivated by faith to improve the life conditions of people. This mission aligns closely with the global SDG agenda, particularly the principle of “leave no one behind.” In addition to rights-based approach, Digni’s Strategic Action Plan (2023-2028) emphasizes the importance of diaconal approaches and asset-based community development in achieving just and inclusive development for marginalized communities.
The course provided a valuable platform for participants to gain essential knowledge about diakonia, its biblical basis, and its connection to development work. It also explored the intersections between diakonia and the SDG agenda, highlighting how these two frameworks can mutually reinforce each other. Additionally, participants explored the differences between needs-based, rights-based and asset-based theories, and delved into theories, methods and practices of on asset-based community development (ABCD) with emphasis on the Use Your Talents way of thinking.
Rev. Prof. Dr. Stephanie Dietrich, the course instructor from VID Specialized University, inspired great enthusiasm among the participants, who received certificates for successfully completing the course on the final day. The online workshops provided a comprehensive understanding of diakonia and its practical applications. The practical assignment allowed participants to contextualize their learning and apply their skills in real-world scenarios. The three-day physical gathering in Addis Ababa was a standout feature, emphasizing interactive and inclusive learning. The course facilitated exchanges among participants, fostering a rich environment for joint learning and networking.
The Norwegian Mission Society’s office in Ethiopia efficiently managed the logistics, ensuring a smooth and well-organised event. Meanwhile, Lisa Winther, who is responsible for capacity development initiatives within the Digni fellowship, diligently followed up with participants, ensuring their well-being throughout the course.
As the workshop concluded, participants expressed their enthusiasm and satisfaction with the knowledge and skills they had acquired especially in asset-mapping. Here are some of the feedback we received from the participants:
“I have learned the importance of involving the local community and project participants and their resources from the very beginning to create ownership and sustainability. If the local community has not participated in the design of the project, they will not have ownership.”
“I didn’t know that we were working with diakonia. Now, I understand we are working on diakonia directly.” Estefanos Shiferaw, project coordinator, Ethiopia
“I am proud to be part of this training. … The asset mapping was a very important training for me. In the past we regarded only money as assets, but there are a lot of assets in the community that we interlink in the project. It is fortunate for me that we are in the designing of the second phase of the project. This is an opportunity for me to consider using asset mapping in the community and interlink all the resources that exist in the communities with the project. I think that this all will help me understand the community, design a project that is locally owned and sustainably managed by the community. Because if we do an asset mapping and include it in the designing the project, the community will own and sustain it.” Estefanos Shiferaw, project coordinator, Ethiopia
“This was a very inspiring course for me, and I needed it very much. For example, the asset mapping – this is my first time doing it. I find it very interesting and very useful. By doing the mapping it is possible to use even the smallest assets that are taken for granted in the communities. It is possible to bring them up and think of things that can be done from those existing assets. During the process of doing the asset mapping, I realised that there were many opportunities there that we did not know about. I am eager to go back and share the knowledge.” Belarmina Graca, project leader, Mozambique
A final online gathering will be held just before Easter. Then, participants and their leaders will meet online to reflect on the course outcomes and discuss future use of the knowledge gained in their own organisation.
