Nanzikambe approach

Nanzikambe’s approach to development is holistic, and any activity is viewed as being a part of the larger mechanisms of change.

Nanzikambe's approach is based on the principles of egalitarian ensemble practice, with an emphasis on groups organically discovering their identity, needs and knowledge. Nanzikambe's human rights work is based on an 'inside-out' approach, and is concerned with fostering confidence and knowledge from within, not enforcing ideas from the top down. 

“Dances, story-telling, mime and some rituals were effective tools through which specific values were imparted and the basis of behaviour in the society charted out”

Mlama, P Culture and Development: The Popular Theatre Approach in Africa.

All Nanzikambe’s development work places emphasis on indigenous forms of theatre and performance and attempts to maintain community ownership of ideas, forms and knowledge.

All training is based on the principals of creativity, and an understanding that behaviour change is not simply activated through individual rational choice, that identity is socially constructed and must therefore be collectively negotiated. Therefore, Nanzikambe development projects simultaneously focus on the individual, and the wider social context.

Most of Nanzikambe's work is based on an understanding of the inherent human need to tell stories and the view that cultural development is a key contributor to the maturity of democracy.