Diploma in Development Leadership

July 30 - December 8, 2012 (Note: New Date)
July 22 - December 1, 2013

The rapidly changing global environment is having a profound impact on the way people and communities organize and mobilize to create a better world for themselves and for future generations. Today's development leaders and their organizations must be prepared to respond creatively to this dynamic context.

Building on a long tradition of promoting community-driven development and social leadership through its educational programs and global learning partners, the Coady Institute's approach to development is grounded in a commitment to "a full and abundant life for all" (M.M. Coady).

The Coady International Institute's 19-week Diploma in Development Leadership provides a framework for just and sustainable development based on a participatory, bottom up, holistic approach. Its overall purpose is to strengthen the capacity of development leaders to effectively motivate and support people in the development of their communities and societies.

Objectives

Specifically, the program aims to:

• Enhance knowledge of innovative practices, contemporary issues and trends in development at the micro, meso and macro levels;
• Explore conceptual linkages between participation, good governance and social change;
• Provide space for personal reflection on the underlying values and philosophies of development and transformative leadership;
• Strengthen capacity to manage development organizations, programs and projects in a sustainable and participatory manner;
• Strengthen capacity to plan, monitor and evaluate community-driven development initiatives;
• Strengthen capacity to nurture a culture of peace and non-violence;
• Enhance practical skills in a broad range of participatory methodologies and tools for community capacity building;
• Develop capacity to act collectively through knowledge sharing, networking and multi-stakeholder processes to achieve greater impact at national and global levels;
• Develop practical competencies in self-directed research and learning, as well as inquiry processes for social learning at the organizational and community level;
• Engage participants in the generation and dissemination of new and emerging knowledge;
• Strengthen commitment to social justice.

More about the Diploma program

• Who should attend?
• Admission requirements
• Program Structure
• Methodology
• How to apply
• Teaching team
• Where the program is offered
• Resources
• Fees

Who Should Attend?

This innovative program is designed for experienced mid to senior level development practitioners working with civil society organizations and social movements, as well as private sector and government departments that work in partnership with communities, internationally or in Canada. Preferred candidates work with national and international non-government organizations, co-operative networks and other community-based organizations, women's groups, indigenous people's organizations, faith-based organizations, and relevant government departments.

Admission Requirements

Participants should meet the following requirements:

• At least five years of relevant professional experience, preferably related to participatory development
• Mid to senior level position with an organization working in development
• University degree (preferred) and/or other relevant education
• Competence in English (minimum TOEFL 550)

Program Structure

The Diploma Program highlights innovative approaches to community-driven development from around the world. All participants are required to take a combination of mandatory courses, elective courses, co-op inquiry seminars and specializations. Participants may also choose to complete an independent study on a topic of their choosing. Space is also provided to candidates who qualify to complete the three-week orientation for the Master of Adult Education, community development stream, offered by the university's Department of Adult Education in collaboration with the Coady Institute. The flexible nature of the Diploma Program enables participants to tailor their learning to address their individual and organizational needs.

Specializations enable participants to deepen their learning and develop skills in particular aspects of development work in a variety of ways. The Coady Institute offers eight three-week specializations during the Diploma. These are:

• Advocacy and Citizen Engagement
• Community-Based Conflict Transformation and Peacebuilding
• Community-Based Microfinance
• Livelihoods and Markets
• Mobilizing Assets for Community-Driven Development
• Organizational Learning and Change
• Community-Based Natural Resource Management
• Facilitation and Training Approaches for Community Change

There are also openings in the above specializations for candidates not enrolled in the full Diploma Program who wish to earn a certificate.

As members of the St. Francis Xavier University community, participants will have opportunities to share their experiences with faculty and undergraduate students on campus, as well as people working in community development locally. Participants graduate at the university's Fall Convocation ceremony in December. The university awards up to 30 credits for the successful completion of the Diploma Program which is the equivalent of one undergraduate year.

Methodology

The program uses experiential, interactive methods which bridge theory and practice to create a stimulating environment for learning. A collaborative learning relationship is fostered among facilitators and participants which recognizes the rich and diverse experience in the group. Participants are encouraged to reflect on their own experience throughout the program and to take responsibility for their own learning.

How To Apply

Forms can be found here.

Application forms should be directed to the:

Admissions Office
Coady International Institute
St. Francis Xavier University
PO Box 5000
Antigonish, NS, Canada
B2G 2W5
Phone: 902.867.3953       Fax: 902.867.3907
Email: coadyadmit@stfx.ca

Teaching Team

Coady staff members are professional development practitioners and educators with extensive field experience in Asia, Africa, North America and Latin America. The teaching staff are skilled facilitators who use participatory adult education methods to draw out the insights and experiences of learners, while at the same time introducing new ideas and approaches to societal change.

Where the Program is Offered

The Coady's educational programs are offered at the Institute's facilities on the historic campus of St. Francis Xavier University. The campus is nestled in the heart of Eastern Canada's scenic coastal town of Antigonish, Nova Scotia. With a population of 5,000, Antigonish boasts a diverse heritage, rich in Scottish, Irish, Aboriginal, French and African-Canadian ancestry.

Resources

The Coady Institute offers its participants access to:

• A library specializing in adult education and community-based development literature
• Comfortable residences
• All university facilities, including computer labs, athletic facilities, campus library and dining hall
• Many on-campus activities including guest lecture series, socials, intramurals, theatre and music

Fees

Program costs are quoted in Canadian dollars and are subject to revision. 

The Coady offers a range of full and partial scholarships. Special efforts are made to enable women and aboriginal peoples to attend. Candidates are fully responsible for covering the cost of their own travel.

For more information, please check out our FAQ page.