We thought this was pretty cool. Above is an interactive map created using Google Fusion Tables of the locations of Participants of Village Earth/CSU’s online Certificate Program in Sustainable Community-Based Development (SCBD). Each red dot represents one or more participants in 77 different countries. The SCBD Certificate Program is a non-credit practitioner-focused program consisting of 23 courses focused on the practical implementation of rights-based, community-driven development. Each course is 5-weeks and follows a seminar format with course-work being completed on the participant’s own schedule (and time-zone). Registration for the next session ends August 4th.
Winter I Session
GSLL 1501 – Approaches to Community Development
This course provides a framework for community development based on a participatory, bottom-up, multi-sector model. Various approaches have been used in community development with varying degrees of success. One approach that has consistently demonstrated effectiveness is the Village Earth model based on participatory practices.
Through personal and structural empowerment, the objectives of economic well-being, environmental sustainability, and socio-cultural vitalization can be met. By looking at an overview of the entire development process and using case studies, this course will prepare participants to work in the field of community development and illuminate how all of the development efforts fit together to support the overall goal of sustainability.
Upon completion of this course participants will be able to:
Compare different development approaches and evaluate their effectiveness.
Understand the basic principles that underlie sustainable development.
Incorporate participatory practices into community development activities
Design a development project based on the Village Earth model
Who should take this course? This course is suited for people who are interested in community development and work or plan to work in this field. This includes people working or volunteering at NGOs, NPOs, governmental organizations, without border organizations, or missionary organizations. In addition, people involved in funding community development projects benefit from this course.
