With Karima Kadui and Dr. Louis Klein, 3 March 2022
Summary
This session introduced the “Tamkeen Approach,” a philosophy and practice of human development from Morocco. The discussion centered on the transition from “engineering” social change to “letting it grow” through deep human connection, shared understanding, and the “existentiality of love.”
Key Learnings
- The “Mirror” Concept: Tamkeen acts as a mirror that reflects a community’s own value and potential back to them, moving away from “top-down” developmental models that view communities as marginalized or lacking.
- From Lego Blocks to Gardens: Louis Klein contrasts the “project management” paradigm (assembling fixed “Lego blocks”) with the Tamkeen paradigm of “letting things grow” like a garden—a process that requires patience and a different kind of language.
- Epistemic Humility: The importance of entering a community “naked” (metaphorically), setting aside academic or professional frameworks to truly “feel” and witness the local reality.
- The Existentiality of Love: A central, albeit provocative, tenet of the approach is that love is not just a sentiment but a core existential requirement for human survival and systemic transformation.
- The “Me-We” Connection: Transformation doesn’t come from solitary reflection but from the “togetherness” of co-creating a safe, nourishing space ( Makan Makin ) where trust allows the soul to express itself.
Key Action Points
- Question Your Questions: Realize that the way we frame problems and solutions is often part of the system we are trying to change.
- Identify “Islands of Light”: In challenging or high-conflict situations (like schools or neighborhoods), pivot the focus of attention away from problems toward where the “light” (functional responding/love) is already present.
- Embrace Vulnerability: Build trust by opening the “door” even when stones are being thrown—both literally and metaphorically.
- Foster Metamorphic Niche: Create environments where small, organic changes can occur silently until they reach a tipping point of metamorphic transformation.
- Practice Active Mirroring: Help partners and communities see themselves not through their deficits, but through their inherent human potential.
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References
Speakers:
- Karima Kadui: Tamkeen Community Foundation for Human Development.
- Dr. Louis Klein: European School of Governance / International Federation of System Research.
Terminology:
- Makan Makin: A safe and nourishing place/space.
- Ma’rifa: The “house of recognizing” or deep knowledge.
- Bhakti: A term brought up in the chat/reflection referring to the yoga of love and devotion.
Poems:
- A.R. Ammons: “I found a weed that had a mirror in it…”
- The Three Birds: A metaphorical poem about observing one’s own observation (Second-order cybernetics).
Knowledge Base Categories: 1) Weaving Methods 2) Inner Work
