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After nearly 28 years, The Communication Initiative (The CI) Global is entering a new chapter. Following a period of transition, the global website has been transferred to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa, where it will be administered by the Social and Behaviour Change Communication Division. Wits' commitment to social change and justice makes it a trusted steward for The CI's legacy and future.
 
Co-founder Victoria Martin is pleased to see this work continue under Wits' leadership. Victoria knows that co-founder Warren Feek (1953–2024) would have felt deep pride in The CI Global's Africa-led direction.
 
We honour the team and partners who sustained The CI for decades. Meanwhile, La Iniciativa de Comunicación (CILA) continues independently at cila.comminitcila.com and is linked with The CI Global site.
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Practical Action Technology Support

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Practical Action (formerly called Intermediate Technology Development Group) is a non-governmental organisation that provides people is developing countries with intermediate-level technological support to help them achieve secure livelihoods. This group functions under the premise that appropriate technology is more sustainable than larger industry for improving peoples lives. By working with people, this organisation helps them decide what technologies they need, and show them how to make items for themselves.
Communication Strategies

This organisation relies on a range of activities to reach people in Bangladesh, Kenya, Nepal, Peru, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Zimbabwe. These include research, technology development, field testing, training, technical assistance and advocacy. An enquiry service with extensive networking allows for international knowledge sharing, and print support materials (over 300 titles) supplement their technology and development goals.

Development Issues

Technological development, food production and processing, disaster mitigation, energy and transport.

Key Points

This group also works to change international politics and policies, to suggest appropriate alternatives, and advise effects of policies. Practical Action aims to give people the support they require to address their needs, whether it be in starting a new business, learning how to conserve firewood, or easing heavy burdens of carrying items. They also provide the information required to improve upon methods and the influence they need to show others how to copy their successes.

Partners

Support provided by private donors and The Peace Development Fund, The Funding Exchange, The US/Mexico Fund for Culture, The Angeles Arrien Foundation for Cross-Cultural Education and Research, Downtown Community TV, Museum of Modern Art/NYC, Vanguard Public Foundation, and the Virginia Wellington Cabot Foundation.

Sources

Developments - The International Development Magazine. "Small is Beautiful" Issue 1, First Quarter 1998. Department for International Development (DFID). Page 21.