Social cohesiveness is the crucial factor differentiating “slums of hope” from “slums of despair”. This is where community-based organizations (CBOs) and NGOs shine. Typical CBOs include community theatre and leisure groups; sports groups; residents’ associations or societies; savings and credit groups; childcare groups; minorities’ support groups; clubs; advocacy groups; and more. CBOs as interest associations have filled an institutional vacuum, providing basic services such as communal kitchens, milk for children, income-earning schemes and co-operatives.
Slums of hope
Volunteer health workers attending a home delivery (above) and weighing a baby (below), Mexico City © Mark Edwards/Hard Rain Picture Library
Sex education, Botswana © Mark Edwards/Hard Rain Picture Library
HIV-positive carer looks after a patient dying from AIDS, Ethiopia © Mark Edwards/Hard Rain Picture Library
