3.1 Approaches and Principles

CLD is a field of professional practice that enables people to identify their own individual and collective goals, to engage in learning and take action to bring about change for themselves and their communities. This approach is effective when working with individuals who are experiencing major barriers to learning, including dyslexia. It puts the individual in control of determining their learning.

CLD uses a range of formal and informal methods of learning and social development with individuals and groups in their communities. CLD programmes and activities are developed in dialogue with communities and participants, working particularly with those excluded from participation in the decisions and processes that shape their lives.

The values and principles of CLD are fundamental in ensuring the social justice outcomes of CLD. These values are:

• Self-determination
• Inclusion
• Empowerment
• Working collaboratively
• Promotion of learning as a lifelong activity

Through working in these ways, CLD extends the reach of democracy and widens its scope.