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Lesson 9:Philosophy and Principles of Extension Education

Principles of extension in brief

1. Extension is an organization to plan, execute and evaluate programmes with the people, and not for the people
2. It is an organization set up to teach people and to motivate them to action, not to dictate what people should do, not to render and supplies services
3. An extension worker is a catalyst, a change agent, who sets up learning situation for the people
4. What is done with the people is more important than what is done for the people
5. It is to help the people to help themselves
6. It is to teach people how to think but not what to think
7. It should help people to determine their own needs and the solutions to their problems
8. It should reach people where they are
9. Objectives should be flexible based on individual and social needs and should not be rigid and unchangeable
10. It is to change the people and not the subject matter
11. The extension worker should have technical knowledge, ability and enthusiasm to teach and reach people
12. Understanding of people and empathy for the people is essential
13. One should work in harmony with the culture of the people
14. It should encourage collective and voluntary participation of people