It’s been a long hot and very dry summer in South Dakota. Despite temperatures reaching over 100 degrees F and no rain, we grew some wonderful produce in our garden. Onions, parsley, collard greens and eggplants were bountiful while other choice veggies have been in sufficient supply but could have been better. Our main focus however, has been our light straw clay, home/office project. Construction began on June 15 and has been going non stop since then. A number of short visits from large groups made the project possible. While at times we have struggled just to keep things going with one to three of us, the days when we had groups of 5,10 and even up to 35 people (for 4 days) kept the pace manageable. One of the hard things about a project like this is to match up labor with critical points in construction. One phase is dependent on the next being completed. This week for example we are pressed to finish packing the walls with straw and clay so that when help arrives on Monday (Sept 17) we can start installing the roof!
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.
