Abstract
The Bernard van Leer Foundation differs from most other Foundations in that it conducts an integrated program of action-oriented and research studies in some twentyfive countries. Its goal is that of enabling children at a disadvantage "nevertheless to realise their human potential" and much of its work is concerned with educational programs for children of preschool and school age. More recently there have been extensions into older groups and the concept of "integrated education for development" has arisen greatly widening the earlier "compensatory education" notion. Projects are developed by consultation between HQ and the field and are conducted by local staff. They aim to be innovative, capable of generalisation and respectful of local values and culture.
The problems and possibilities of such work are discussed from the viewpoint of evaluation and the contribution which can be made to the behavioural sciences notably to comparative child development.
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