Background and History

About

Transformation Resource Center

Transformation Resource Centre (TRC) is an ecumenical resource Centre that advocates for justice, peace and participatory development. It was established in 1979 by Jimmy and Joan Steward. TRC owes its origin within the church. Its founders saw the organization as a community of caring people, rooted in the Christian faith. TRC’s socio-political focus was inspired by Paulo Freire’s ideas of liberation, social analysis, justice, leadership, community work, simple decision making, action planning, new forms of management and problem-solving mechanisms. These were captured in a manual for social analysis and community work called Training for Transformation from which TRC took its name, a veritable resource Centre for transformation.

TRC Scope

TRC uses a national focus due to the breadth and complexity of its programme content. While operationally the organization addresses specific project areas in the districts of Maseru, Mafeteng, Leribe, Botha Bothe, Mokhotlong, the impact and stimuli of the organization’s work is expected to be felt nationally. Regional and international connections keep the Centre firmly on the global development agenda.

TRC’s Strategy

As an advocacy and lobby organization, TRC prefers friendly, patient persuasion to robust, confrontationist militancy through dialogue, information, partnerships, community presence, research, publication, training, networking, lobbying, and advocacy. The main actors in advocacy are the recipients themselves. TRC empowers the poor and marginalized to lobby for their rights. TRC forges linkages and relationships to improve chances of receiving support. The Centre enhances the potential and capabilities of its clients in areas such as rural development, resource conservation, environment protection, human rights, good governance, and democracy.