This assessment is designed to help you develop foundational knowledge of community development.

The key purpose of Community Development is to build strong communities based on equality, justice and mutual respect by enabling ordinary people to take part in working to address the issues that affect their lives and bring about positive change for their community. 

Drawing on the readings from the first few weeks, you are required to discuss:

§  What is community development?

§  Why is community development and community participation important?

§  What is the role of Community Development workers in the process?

Also: Choose and research one (1) of the principles of community development from the list below:


 

§  Provide an outline of your chosen principle.

§  Find a community development project that applies that principle. A project is not a strategy, framework or policy such as 'Close the Gap', it must be a project/program where community is engaged in activities to achieve agreed goals. Look for a small local project e.g. community garden, youth leadership, skill development, fund raising, advocacy, community based small businesses, homelessness, community based emergency support services, community cultural events and neighbourhood development plan etc. in a community, it can be anywhere in the world, however, a good idea would be to choose one from the area/country you belong to, this will promote and appreciate your own culture and assets.

Note: Students are required to provide at least one valid reference (preferably the project website) to the chosen project/program.

§  Briefly outline the project/program and describe how your chosen principle is demonstrated in the project/program.
For example, describe how people are empowered or how they are able to self-determine through this project/program.

Principles to choose from:

o   Capacity building

o   Self-determination

o   Social justice

o   Empowerment

o   Collective action

NOTE: If you wish to choose a principle that is not on the list, please speak with your lecturer or tutor.

The essay must reference books and resources from your readings and reference the 2 essential readings uploaded in the Moodle.