National Democratic Institute for International Affairs in Bangladesh

Study circles are a mechanism of practicing democracy at an interpersonal personal level as well as a process of solving local problems through local initiatives. A study circles starts with a series of discussions by 8-12 people from different sections of the community. The discussions focus on an issue of local interest and are moderated by a trained neutral facilitator. Each discussion session lasts about 2 hours and each study circle takes 2-5 discussion sessions to complete. A guide book is used to provide information about the topic at hand and to help the participants structure their discussions.

At the end of the last session the participants formulate recommendations and outline an action plan to resolve the problem. Finally, the participants form an action committee, prepare a detailed action plan, and implement the recommendations.

From its inception in 2003, the NDI study circle program has sponsored more than 92 study circles, with 1164 participants, of which 24% were female. Discussion topics have included adolescent health, transparency and accountability in primary education, and alternative dispute resolution. The NDI study circle program is funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).