Quote from the film:
"There's not a lot of will to examine our own record. There's almost a sense that if people have good motives, it' s unfair to also ask them to be effective or to be self-critical. There's a tendency therefore to confuse good intentions with good results. And that promotes a sense of not really examining what we are achieving - it's enough that we be committed rather than we be effective."
Designed to be used as a tool to encourage discussion on the effectiveness of official development assistance, "Dialogue on International Development" comes complete with a thirty-six page Users' Guide.
The film poses these five fundamental questions:
Can development be effective in the absence of social justice ?
Is there a relationship between the scale of a project and its effectiveness?
Who is accountable to whom in effective international development?
How can effective development education and fundraising be compatible?
What role does evaluation play in effective international development?
Reviews:
"... this film elaborates on several criteria deemed essential for ensuring effective development projects. An absorbing film that will stimulate those concerned about the quality and outcome of projects that aid the developing world."
Landers Film and Video Review
"An impressive and sincere effort in arriving at a comprehensive, yet workable definition of development ....The presentation is to the point, clear and flowing and invites attention."
American Library Association
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Users Guide)
- Film's Participants and Acknowledgments
- Introduction
- About the Film
- About this Users Guide
- How to use the Film and Users Guide
- Suggested Presentation Formats
- Unit Presentation Suggestions
- Can development be effective in the absence of social justice ?
- Is there a relationship between the scale of a project and its effectiveness?
- Who is accountable to whom in effective international development?
- How can effective development education and fundraising be compatible?
- What role does evaluation play in effective international development?
- Overview of Canadian ODA
- Overview of American ODA
- Glossary
- Other Resources
- Resource People and Opportunities in International Development
- Film Credits