Community Development Programme: A Unique Knowledge Sharing Centre
Community development is a professional discipline that focuses on promoting sustainable growth, providing equal opportunities, improving the law and order of society. Education is another major key towards empowering today’s youth and women specifically for a brighter and more stable future. Learn how to make positive changes in your neighborhood and surroundings through community development training.
What Do You Mean By Community Development?
- Community development is a program or a process where community members take collective actions to generate solutions for existing problems and also improve the living standard. Such collaborations often result in comprehensive development that includes economical, social, and cultural welfare. Community development training fosters a positive move towards bridging the gap between the people from a well-established background and people who fall in the backward section. In this scenario, leaders can take a proactive role in improving the living conditions of a particular community.
- Community developers usually include social workers, public authorities, voluntary individuals, and NGOs. These community development programs are either funded by the Government or by private organizations. The most important aspect is active participation from everyone which gives the initiative the desired drive and motivation. Without maximum participation and co-operation from local self-help groups, it is difficult to achieve success.
What Should Be The Approach For Community Development?
The main attributes of community development are:
Informal Education:
It involves direct interaction with the community members. It is far from the traditional and structured classroom environment. With this practice, people understand what needs to be done for the betterment of the community.
Organization Development:
In reality, the primary objective is to promote, sustain, and support the various organizations that look after various aspects of the community. While some invest their effort in educating the people, there are other organizations that impart knowledge of better agricultural prospects. Some also look after artisanal activities, engage in workshops, and show ways to increase their source of income.
Community Training:
Through community training and learning modules. The citizens can develop confidence, become aware of their surroundings. And have a better understanding of their rights, law, and order. Also, they develop the ability to solve their own problems, become more responsible, and take initiatives to protect the interest of the community.
Victas Foundation, an NGO is doing a commendable job in providing practical lessons in community development. Through community development short courses, this organization has been successful in educating not only its staff but also leaders from other communities to develop the skills required to bring about positive changes.