Reflect is a diverse & innovative approach to adult learning and social change, used by over 350 organisations in 60 countries. It has been used to tackle a wide range of issues, from peace & reconciliation in Burundi, to community forestry in Nepal and holding government accountable in El Salvador.

The Reflect approach links adult learning to empowerment, and therefore strengthens the voices of poor people in education decision-making at all levels. Having originated as an approach to adult literacy, Reflect is now a tool for strengthening people's capacity to communicate through whatever medium is most relevant to them.

Reflect creates a democratic space where people can analyse issues for themselves. It is a basis for mobilisation, which enables us to strengthen people's own organisations and capacity to advocate for themselves at all levels.

Although Reflect projects are diverse, they all focus on enabling people to articulate their views: the development of literacy and other communication skills is closely linked to the analysis of power relationships and the active engagement of people in wider processes of development and social change.

Groups develop their own learning materials by constructing maps, calendars, matrices, and diagrams or using drama, story-telling and songs to capture social, economic, cultural and political issues from their own environment.

While members of a Reflect circle learn the basics of literacy, they are also learning how to access information or demand services more effectively. Reflect circles often strengthen people's dignity and self-confidence, as well as having an impact on improving resource management, health practices, children's education, local community organisation and civic life.