Education Programs

Grassroots Peacebuilding 

This 8-week online course is an introduction to peace and conflict while examining the nature, effectiveness, and challenges of grassroots peacebuilding.

Grassroots Peacebuilding focuses on the theory, models, and frameworks relevant to peacebuilding and conflict resolution which may be applied in post-conflict situations, humanitarian emergencies, and long- term peacebuilding and reconciliation initiatives. The course uses a wide range of materials in an interactive learning environment. You will be introduced to the latest theories, models, and skills in the context of the most current developments in peacebuilding theory and practice. This course allows for an inquiry of the way in which grassroots initiatives play a role in national peacebuilding practices. As a result, the course explores the tensions that arise between actors from national and international agencies.

We will also dissect the importance of conflict analysis prior to examining theoretical frameworks and practical initiatives of peacebuilding. The course offers you the opportunity to navigate between theory and practice. One-on-one academic support is provided upon request by participants. You are responsible to communicate with the facilitator for any course related questions or concerns.

DATES
January 12 to March 9, 2026

Registration closes January 3, 2026, or earlier if we reach the enrolment cap of 30 participants.

FACILITATOR
Digafie Debalke

DURATION
8 Weeks

COURSE TYPE
Online

REGISTER
Who can register
This course is for change-makers of any age or sector questioning the relevance of projects and programs driven by external organizations and focused on communities’ needs and deficits. This includes community builders, government agencies, NGOs, universities, and grant-making organizations. You are a good candidate if you want to explore the value and challenges of bottom-up peacebuilding initiatives in post-conflict communities.
Personal benefits

At the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • identify key features and aspects of grassroots peacebuilding;
  • examine the challenges to grassroots peacebuilding;
  • evaluate the key links between grassroots peacebuilding;
  • analyze the effectiveness of grassroots peacebuilding through community initiatives (scenario learning). Participants are required to share their findings and analysis during a 20-minute presentation; and
  • evaluate grassroots peacebuilding – How do we know if our initiatives have peacebuilding or conflict generating impacts?
Time requirement

This is an 8-week course. Participants are expected to spend minimum of 8 hours a week reading, preparing, attending online classes, and completing assignments. A quiet environment with no background noise is suggested. While they are not mandatory, you are strongly encouraged to attend the live sessions. All instructional materials will be in English.

Fees

Coady Institute is committed to ensuring that practitioners and community members dedicated to community-led development worldwide have access to its courses. Thanks to the generous support of individual, institutional, and corporate donors, the tuition fee of $1,500 CAD has been reduced to $400 CAD plus HST.

Full bursaries are available for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit community members residing in Canada, as well as individuals residing in Nova Scotia from African Nova Scotian communities and Nova Scotians of African descent. To request a full bursary, please contact us at coadyadmit@stfx.ca.

If paying by credit card is not an option, please contact coadyfinance@stfx.ca to arrange an alternative payment method.

This course is online. You will need a computer, reliable internet access (high speed is recommended), speakers and microphone.

Print brochure