ABSTRACT
This essay presents a reflection on effective development work, using a conceptual framework based on the intersection of problems, solutions, and resources. It describes a small USAID-funded early childhood education activity implemented in Jordan in 2013–2014. The chapter proposes that the key elements of effective development work are (1) a clear articulation of the problem, through an iterative process; (2) finding an effective solution by building on local experience; and (3) marshalling resources by engaging counterparts in the intervention design. The chapter encourages development practitioners to be flexible and to use data continuously to refine their approaches.
