National Certificate: Community Development

83392 | NQF LEVEL 05 – CREDITS 147

Purpose of the Qualification
This qualification is designed to empower people who are already working, or who intend to work, in any setting relevant to community development. It provides learners with the competencies which they need to act as change agents and so add value in the practice of community development. Learners acquiring this qualification will develop the knowledge and skills to operate effectively in the community development environment, in support of individuals and organisations (both emerging and existing) in achieving their community development goals and objectives. Learners will be enabled to establish and maintain partnerships through active networking and lobbying. Learners will gain the competencies needed to identify community needs while working with communities and households, to identify and plan community projects for social change, to improve the quality of life of communities in an integrated and sustainable manner and to mobilise resources.

Learners accredited with this Qualification will be able to:

• Demonstrate critical understanding of community development theories, approaches, principles and processes that can be applied within various community development contexts.
• Conduct community-based research to inform community development interventions.
• Examine and apply the relevant legal and regulatory framework to facilitate sustainable and integrative community development.
• Explore and co-ordinate networks and partnerships, with due regard to diversity, in pursuit of meeting community requirements in an ethical manner.
• Plan, design and manage a community intervention.
• Select and apply appropriate leadership and/or management styles/models for the purpose of promoting community well-being.

Rationale

Community Development is multidisciplinary in nature. It plays an integral part in promoting social inclusion and coherence for communities by empowering them to find sustainable solutions to their challenges.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Learners are assumed to be competent in:

• Communication at NQF Level 4.
• Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4.