ABSTRACT
Asset-based community development strategy (ABCD) is a development that recognizes and builds upon the strengths and assets of individuals, associations, and institutions to address the felt needs of the local community. As the application of ABCD in an urban area of Africa, The Gedam Sefer Community Partnership (GSCP) was formed to improve the lives of poor families living in a slum neighborhood of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Five building blocks of ABCD from the literature are used to analyze and evaluate the 5-year formation and implementation of the GSCP. The article examines the process of engagement between community and university members, the difficulties encountered in attempting to implement ABCD through an international university-community partnership, and the formation of the community's own new association. To sustain hope and build community and organizational capacity, the practical and symbolic value of short-term development activities with immediately visible results are outlined. Findings are discussed in relation to engagement with the community; the use of communication to connect ideas, assets, and people; and ABCD from the inside out and bottom up.
