In the rapidly changing context, we, the development workers need to continuously review our knowledge, information and ideas about the context and thereby to plan for more strategic move. The VOs/NGOs on one hand need to be provided with information about these changes, and other organisations on the other hand need to share their ideologies and experiences for continuous mutual learning and capacitation. The actions of the NGOs also need to be congruent with the context and for that purpose, the concept and process of participatory approach need to be internalised thoroughly. The grassroots organisations, which are going through the process, also require knowledgeable facilitation support from time to time.

An important step towards empowering our people is to capacitate them, to enhance their skill, knowledge and analytical faculties so that they may critically examine and question the dominant development forces and mobilise their strength and resources towards transforming their present society to a sustainable one. As such, Development Education need be disseminated at all levels, from the development workers to the grass-root level people from the members of the civil society to the intelligentsia and policy makers. In view of this it has been proposed to conduct a series of training workshops on important concept and issues relating to alternative sustainable development. Emphases on human potential development and organisational development especially of the people's institutions have been given. A number of workshops and in-house capacitation sessions have also been contemplated to develop concept and skill of the workers of SPAR and of other network organisations. Capacitation of the people and of the development sector would ultimately strengthen and consolidate people's initiative and struggle. Advocacy and lobbying on critical issues will help to create pressure groups in favour of pro-people activities. Hence considering all such issues relevant to development activities, SPAR organises trainings/workshops on processes, concepts and issues to capacitate the participants in playing a more effective role in development sector.

OBJECTIVES OF DEVELOPMENT EDUCATION

To enable the development actors to facilitate the participatory process of planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of developmental activities at different levels.

To enhance the knowledge and information level of development actors with regard to various aspects of women empowerment, facilitation skill, organisation development/management, people’s organisation and self help groups, local self-governance system, globalisation and its impact on people etc.

To empower the participants so that they can effectively disseminate the acquired knowledge and information at people’s level. 

PROCESS / METHODOLOGY 

All the development education programmes facilitated by SPAR will be participatory in nature with due respect to knowledge, skill and experience of the participants. SPAR believes that participatory character of such educational programme gives more opportunities for internalisation of the spirit and hence enhances the capacity of the participants.

Different types of methods will be used during trainings/workshops according to the requirement like group discussion, assignment, exercise, dialogue, extempore, simulation, role play, case study, open floor discussion, story etc. to make the programme more effective.

Application And Admission

Applicants must be nominated by the authority employing them. Send completed application forms to SPAR, Kolkata office. Closing date for the application is 15th February 2003 for the 2003 applicants.