Supporter information - documents

Practical Action uses technology to challenge poverty in developing countries.

Our strength is our approach. We find out what people are doing and help them to do it better. Through technology and with your support we enable poor communities to build on their skills and knowledge to produce sustainable and practical solutions - transforming their lives forever and protecting the world around them.

By doing this each year together we help around a million people break out of the cycle of poverty ... for good.

The Supporter Services Unit has a selection of information materials that can give you a general overview of the organisation to more specific areas of our programme work.

People living in poverty aren’t waiting for change to happen - they’re getting on with it themselves. So if you would like to find out more about Practical Action's work and how we are helping communities lift themselves out of poverty have a look at our resources.

Information leaflets

Energy Lack of modern energy is having a huge impact on the livelihoods of millions of people living in developing countries. This leaflet shows how we are helping poor people in developing countries access basic services like electricity and water.		Introduction A brief snapshot of how smart thinking and simple technologies are helping to transform the lives of some of the world's poorest people. By working together with people and their communities we find out what they are doing and help them do it better.
New Technologies New technologies such as 'podcasting' are allowing isolated communities to receive and share information simpy and easily, providing access to vital information that will help improve their livelihoods.		Reducing Vulnerability An introduction of how we are working with communities living in environments that are prone to hazards such as floods, landslides and drought that destroy livelihoods and leave people destitute.
Transport Read how we are helping communities construct roads, and install gravity ropeways to enable remote communities get their produce down the mountainous roads to local markets quickly.		Urban Poverty Lack of clean water, inadequate sanitation and no proper infrastructure are becoming common place in many urban slums. Working with poor people and local authorities we are helping to improve the basic needs of urban communities.
Waste Management Millions of people in the developing world rely on waste collection to earn a living. We are helping poor communities improve their collection methods to increase their income and help the environment.		Water More than a billion people do not have access to safe water. Read how we are continuing to look at new initiatives to meet the water needs of poor communities in the developing world.
Improving access to services leaflet Lack of access to services can be both a cause and a consequence of poverty. Read how we are working alongside poor communities the world over, to improve access to essential services.		Focus on Peru A brief introduction to our work in Peru. It provides a snapshot of the problems communities in Peru face and how we are helping them overcome them.
Transforming lives A guide for organisations seeking funding for development projects, suggests publications on grant making agencies and offers suggestions for preparing a project proposal.		Changing lives This leaflet is for people considering a career in development by offering guidance to university courses, sources of funding, and voluntary opportunities.