The primary goal of development is humanization. The poor, through centuries of oppression and exploitation, have been dehumanized. The major task of development is to give back to them their true human image and dignity. Humanization is (man’s) person’s first vocation; even though it is being constantly negated though injustice, exploitation and violence by oppressors. But, at the same time, it is affirmed whenever the oppressed yearn for their freedom and for justice and when they struggle to recover their lost humanity… This humanity can not be compartmentalized by the problems or activities… In development person is to be regarded not as an economic entity or even as apolitical entity, but as a total human person, living in community with other human persons.” (Desmond A D’Abreo, Development Worker to Activist - page 117)

Dear friends and Partners in Development and the associates of Dr. Desmond A D’Abreo,

Greetings from ARREDS Trust, a memorial and an initiative to continue Dr. Desmond D’Abreo’s spirit and values. Dr. Desmond D’Abreo was a person who lived and worked tirelessly for a value-based and spiritual-based development. Many of us had the opportunity to work and live with him for many years. I am sure all those who had this opportunity to listen to and read his works have been inspired to take up the mission and strategy he always practiced. Though it was challenge then, now after having continued his values, many of us realise that he had been a visionary who foresaw that NGOs and social activists need to focus the programmes and actions towards creating a just and human society.

In order to consolidate the initiatives and actions that each one of Desmond’s friends are involved with presently, ARREDS Trust is trying to bring together them all to have a regular sharing and taking our experiences to a wider level to realize the dreams of Desmond - Development with Spirituality.

ARREDS Trust - Dr. Desmond D’Abreo Center is a network of persons and development actors in diverse institutions and individuals who are committed to social transformation. Many of the founding members have been in the development field for more than four decades and they have the requisite expertise in various disciplines. This network by its very nature is an open one.

The idea to form a Center existed in an informal way amongst a number of persons who had lived with and got inspired by Dr. Desmond, but it did not take off in a concrete way. Hence, this initiative by ARREDS Trust to launch a formal programme of dialogue of persons and institutions and initiatives once in a year to share their experiences and take them forward to a wider circle by way of publications and newsletters. ARREDS Trust is involved in:

01. Development Consultancy Services, Study, appraisals and evaluation of programmes
02. Bringing out publications on Development Alternatives
03. Conducting Training to various levels of NGO staff and NGO leaders
04. Taking up campaigns on Dalit land rights, Women Rights and child rights
05. Conducting Issue based seminar, workshops viz. Water and livelihood Rights, environment and ecology
06. Trainings on Panchayat Raj to all the stakeholders.
07. Research and documentation.
08. Assisting University students in their research
09. Theater training viz. playback theatre and street theatre
10. Vocational Training - Alternative employment generation programme
11. Organizational Development programmes.

The task ahead of us now is to create a human economy: the dynamics of development at the service of every person and the whole person, that is, forms of development focused on the human person in all his or her dimensions, including the spiritual. Hence the time is now for collective action of commitment and perseverance. This initiative is therefore intended to create a space for reflection and sharing and initiating alternatives so that a fuller and total human person is realized in our development programmes and processes.

ARREDS Trust requested for written contributions from persons who had known and worked with and inspired by Desmond D’Abreo on the theme, “Initiatives in realizing the real development with person as the center and the challenges to sustain.” And, this book is the outcome of their sharing.

ARREDS Trust hopes that this small booklet would give an idea about the convictions and values D’Abreo lived and fought for.

Yours in solidarity

L. A. Samy
Managing Trustee, ARREDS.

ARREDS Trust
Dr. Desmond A D’Abreo Center
Karur- Trichy Main Road, Veerarakkiam Post, Karur district.
Ph.: +91 4324 250618, Fax: +91 4324 250617.
E.mail: aredsind@gmail.com