Pre-requisites

None.

Co-requisites

None.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to:

• Describe the strengths and weaknesses of various approaches to assisting vulnerable communities

• Articulate how their theology and faith shapes their understanding of and responses to situations of poverty and injustice.

• Develop and implement strategies of poverty alleviation that are contextual, people-centred, inclusive and build climate change resilience.

• Demonstrate a well-developed understanding of the distinctive contribution faith-based Christian NGDOs can make to transformational development and of the complex ethical issues involved in partnering with donors and local communities.

Unit Description

This unit addresses the how of assisting vulnerable communities by exploring theories and practices of transformational development. The strengths and weaknesses of Non-Government Development Organisations (NGDOs)and Community Based Organisations (CBOs) responses to the needs of poor and vulnerable communities through community development initiatives will be assessed, with particular attention given to the role of Christian faith-based organisations, including churches and mission organisations. Learners will be assisted in developing a robust biblical framework for evaluating and implementing current and emerging approaches to transformational development such as participatory methodologies, asset-based strategies, systems thinking and localisation. The complex ethical issues relating to evangelism and development will be explored, and consideration will be given to critical issues such as inclusivity, disability, gender and other causes of exclusion, climate change resilience, and the challenges and opportunities of working in multi-faith environments.

Topics

• Critical issues of inclusivity associated with disability, gender, stigma and other causes of exclusion
• The rights of children; gender-based violence
• The complexities of partnership strategies and models
• Project cycle management
• The challenges and opportunities associated with working in multi-faith environments.

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Unit offerings

Face to face: Semester 1, 2028 (Every 3rd Year, Semester 1)

Please note

The Unit Offerings listed above are a guide only and the timetable for any year is the final authority. The College may vary offerings based on demand, regulatory requirements, continual improvement processes or other conditions.

This unit may be available in different modes of delivery i.e. online and face-to-face as listed above. The unit content will not differ between these modes of delivery. There will possibly be a difference in the schedule and/or the prescribed assessment tasks, however both will cover and assess the same content.