![Online Certificate Course on Community Development [25th October – 23rd November 2024]](https://justicegroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/community-development-logo.jpg){kind=logo}
Course Description
Community Development is a course that explores the theory and practice of building strong and sustainable communities. The course provides participants with an understanding of the importance of community development, and the strategies and tools needed to create positive change in communities.
Throughout the course, participants will explore the history and theories of community development, as well as contemporary issues and challenges facing communities today. They will examine the role of community organizers and development practitioners in promoting community development, and learn about effective strategies for community engagement and empowerment.
The course also covers practical skills such as project management, fundraising, and advocacy, which are critical for successful community development. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on projects and case studies, allowing them to apply theoretical concepts to real-world situations.
By the end of the course, participants will have developed a strong foundation in community development theory and practice, and will be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to lead and support community development initiatives. This course is ideal for anyone interested in working in the non-profit sector, community organizing, or social change advocacy.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the history and theories of community development, including key concepts such as social capital, collective efficacy, and empowerment.
- Identify contemporary issues and challenges facing communities, and analyze the impacts of social, economic, and political factors on community development.
- Develop practical skills for community development, including project management, fundraising, and advocacy, and apply these skills to real-world situations.
- Evaluate the role of community organizers and development practitioners in promoting community development, and identify effective strategies for community engagement and empowerment.
- Analyze the impact of cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity on community development, and identify strategies for promoting inclusive and equitable community development practices.
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and apply these skills to address complex community development challenges, such as poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability.
Target Audience
The target audience for the Community Development course includes individuals who are interested in working in the non-profit sector, community organizing, or social change advocacy. This may include students pursuing degrees in fields such as social work, public policy, sociology, or community development, as well as professionals working in community-based organizations, government agencies, or philanthropic foundations. The course is also ideal for individuals who are interested in community leadership, activism, and social justice, and who want to gain a deeper understanding of the principles and practices of community development.
Technical Requirement
To participate in this online course, participants will need a reliable internet connection and a computer, laptop, or mobile device. The course will be hosted on Global Human Rights Leadership Training Institute platform, which participants will access using their web browser. The platform is compatible with most modern web browsers, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari. Additional technology requirements will be communicated to participants in advance if necessary.
Award of the Certificates
Participants, who successfully complete all course requirements, including assignments and assessments, will be awarded a certificate of completion in Community Development (CD). The certificate will highlight the skills and knowledge gained in the course, providing valuable recognition of the participant’s achievements.
Course Fee
The course fee for is US$300. Limited partial scholarships are available for participants developing countries who demonstrate financial need. Details on the partial scholarship application process will be provided upon registration.
Duration/Time Commitment
This course on Community Development (CD) is designed to be flexible for busy professionals. The course has duration of 50 hours, which can be completed over a period of four (4) weeks. Participants will have access to the course materials and assignments 24/7 and can complete the coursework at their own pace. Additionally, there is a possibility of an extension if required. This flexibility allows participants to balance their work and personal commitments while still benefiting from the course.
Application Procedure
Interested participants can register for this course by filling out an online application form at https://justicegroup.org/submit-your-application-form/ or request an application form from email: applications@justicegroup.org. The application deadline is 23rd October 2024, while payment is due on 24th October 2024. Once accepted, participants will be provided with payment details, and payment must be made before the participant can start the course.
Further inquiries about the course may be sent to: applications@justicegroup.org OR global4learning@gmail.com.
Course Curriculum
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Course Overview
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Module 1: Introduction to Community Development
- Introduction
- Understanding Communitites
- Understanding Development
- Mobilisation
- Understanding the Concept of Community Development
- Key Elements of Community Development
- Community Development Process
- Engagement in Community Development Process
- Steps in Community Engagement
- Pitfalls in Community Engagement
- What Community Development is Not
- Strategies for Community Development
- Steps to Community Development
- Summary of key learning points
- Key takeaways
- Module 1 – Assignment
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Module 2: Participatory Tools for Community Development
- Introduction
- Historical Overview of the Participatory Approach
- Understanding Participatory Methodology
- Time Series Analysis
- Seasonal Calendars
- Daily Routines Variation
- Brainstorming
- Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA)
- Transect
- SWOT Analysis
- Social Mapping
- Participant Observation
- Focus Group Discussion
- Summary of key learning points
- Key takeaways
- Module 2 – Assignment
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Module 3: Volunteering in Community Development
- Introduction
- Community Volunteer
- Why Defining Volunteering is Important
- The Significance of Volunteering to Community Development
- The Value of a Strategic Framework for Community Development
- The Main Approaches to Volunteering
- The Role of Community Volunteer in Community Development
- Volunteer Rights and Responsibilities
- Summary of key learning points
- Key takeaways
- Module 3 – Assignment
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Module 4: Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills in Community Development
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Module 5: Community Mobilization for Action
- Introduction
- Understanding Community Mobilization
- The Need for a Community Mobilization Approach
- Tasks Involved in Mobilizing Communities
- Strategies for Community Mobilization
- Community Dialogue
- How to Organise and Conduct a Community Dialogue Session
- The Importance of Community Dialogue
- Rallies and Road Shows
- How to organisation a rally or road show
- Market Storms
- Summary of key learning points
- Key takeaways
- Module 5 – Assignment
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Module 6: Communication Strategies for Community Development
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Module 7: Participatory Monitoring & Evaluation of Community Mobilization Programmes
- Introduction
- Why monitoring and evaluation for community development
- Understanding participatory monitoring and evaluation
- The importance of participatory monitoring and evaluation in community development
- How to conduct participatory monitoring and evaluation
- Stages in the development and implementation of a PM&E process
- Community-level indicators in community development
- How to use community-level indicators
- Summary of key learning points
- Key takeaways
- Module 7 – Assignment
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Module 8: Community Organising and Development
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Module 9: Advocacy Skills in Community Development
- Introduction
- Understanding the concept of advocacy
- Types of advocacy activities in community development
- How to incorporate advocacy into community mobilization for development
- How to encourage advocacy
- The benefits of advocacy for community development
- Summary of key learning points
- Key takeaways
- Module 9 – Assignment
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Module 10: Community Action Planning
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Module 11: Resource Mobilization/Fundraising for Community Development
Instructors
