Poverty Elimination

Family Development Programme

The Family Development Programme (FDP) is the ‘flagship’ programme of the Poverty Elimination agenda and is being implemented by all 22 National Councils globally. It is a social and economic inclusion programme designed specifically to support disadvantaged families in the Jamat, improve their quality of life, and enable them to participate fully in society.

FDP is based on robust research, previous pilot programs, and best practices compiled from organisations working on poverty alleviation efforts globally. 

The overarching objective of the FDP is for families to have an improved quality of life, hope for the future, and resiliency to continue their positive trajectory. This goal clearly articulates that escaping poverty goes beyond purely increasing income and requires support at various levels and across multiple dimensions. 

A set of guiding principles informs and is infused throughout the work of the FDP. Key amongst these principles is the Jamat helping the Jamat, based upon social responsibility. 

  • Jamat Helping Jamat: The strength of the approach is based upon the social responsibility and collective action of the community to support our brothers and sisters.

  • Practice Empathy & Promote Dignity: Treat families as partners, not passive recipients. Act in a caring, respectful fashion. Acknowledge individual differences, the right to self-determination, and ensure opportunity to address one’s own needs. Be aware of power dynamics.

  • Be Proactive & Responsive: Be poverty scouts and proactively reach out to identify families that may require support. Take the best decision possible, even when faced with imperfect information. Recognize the importance of mentors as a vehicle for change. 

  • Take a Holistic View: Poverty is multi-dimensional; always take into account an integrated view of a family’s situation. 

  • Maintain Integrity & Confidentiality: Be honest, trustworthy, and act ethically. Ensure strict confidentiality & discretion at all times to earn the trust of families and respect boundaries. 

  • Use of Resources: Don’t “penny-pinch” but spend smartly. Treat finance as a tool - not as a solution, punishment or reward. 

  • Build Capacity & Competence: Build families capacity to act independently and “pay it forward.” Strive to increase one’s own professional knowledge and skills and apply them in practice. Contribute to the knowledge base. 

  • Advocate for Social Justice: Identify & challenge injustices such as discrimination, oppression, unequal access to information, services, and resources.