Only Through Community: A Case Study of the St. Martin Approach - The Lens of Transforming Communities from the Inside Out

Abstract

In 1999, the St. Martin Catholic Social Apostolate in Kenya was founded with the mission of building a strong capacity among community members so as to empower and care for vulnerable groups of people in the community. In the implementation of its activities, the organization utilizes the St. Martin Approach. The aim of this paper is to present a case study of the St. Martin Approach as a model on which social transformation can be achieved in communities. The St. Martin Approach uniquely incorporates different participatory approaches to development initiatives so as to bring about change in the communities. The Approach as an envisioned model targets the abled members of the community who become volunteers in aiding those who are vulnerable in the community. The St. Martin Approach achieves community objectives through the people and as the community members are actively placed at the centre of the approach.

Effect of team diversity on team cohesion in faith-based organizations

“…The organization focuses on attaining sustainable development through empowering communities and enriching the lives of the needy and vulnerable in different communities in Kenya such as communities in Laikipia, Nyandarua and Baringo communities. Kalekye, Murage and Gachara (2019) highlight that a transformative model that focuses on transforming communities through collaborations with the community members, volunteers and other organizations and entities is used at St. Martin CSA. The organization targets the abled people in the communities to form a network of empowered volunteers who bring about the needed changes in the communities.…”

“…This dynamic makes the approach to team cohesion different in faith-based organizations from other organizations such as sports-based organizations. At St. Martin Catholic Social Apostolate, Kalekye et al (2019) highlight that the transformative model used creates complexities in the operational activities of the organization. These complexities transcend to team formation and cohesion.…”