Discover the VOI Approach

Our Approach

Learn about the VOI approach in detail, including its three phases and impact on the field

A systematic and scientific approach

VOI is a three-step community-based approach that consistently and effectively promotes development and social cohesion

VOI is a scientific, innovative, cost-effective, validated and award-winning approach that minimises tensions and violence, thus promoting development and enhancing social cohesion of local communities.

Developed at the University of Cambridge, VOI builds on decades of research on peacebuilding, emotions, social justice, identity and intergroup conflict theories.

The name “VOI” derives from John Rawls’ theory of justice and its notable concept, the “Veil of Ignorance.” The approach is designed around an exercise that builds on the idea of the Veil Of Ignorance, leading to two context-specific interventions for the benefit of all.

VOI is context-specific with local communities playing a key role in the decision-making process. What sets it apart is its ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice, offering a robust and validated approach that has delivered exceptional results on the ground.

Phase I: Baseline

Goals

⦁ familiarise participants and relevant stakeholders with the VOI project;
⦁ develop a survey based on community-sourced indicators;
⦁ create a baseline.

Key moment

The creation of a survey: in Phase I we create the M&E tool that allows us to analyse progress and impact with scientific rigour. To embed local ownership of real meaning from the outset, the indicators are generated through community consultations. Surveys are exclusive to each context and reflect local nuances while being intelligible externally to national and international actors.

Phase II: VOI Exercises

Goals

⦁ search for consensus between communities about what could improve the lives of all through the VOI exercises;
⦁ decide what socioeconomic interventions could be implemented, inspired by the results of the exercises.

Key moment

The VOI exercises: in focus groups, representatives of the opposing groups seek to find common ground through an innovative exercise that offsets differences and places everyone in the same initial position, searching for what could be beneficial for all.

As a sort of game, in the VOI exercises participants are asked to imagine that they do not know what specific group they would belong to (e.g. which village, which religion, …), inducing them to think for their entire community. The goal is to find consensus around two fundamental ideas that could improve the lives of all.

Phase III: Interventions

Goals

⦁ implementation of the socioeconomic interventions;
⦁ formalisation of local peace committees.

Key moment

The socioeconomic interventions: There are no pre-existing options for the interventions, as these are a result of decisions made by the communities in Phase II. Yet, communities are responsible for the joint implementation of the VOI interventions, which have to benefit both groups.

For more information, please visit: