News Release Archive
EDUCATION/CULTURE--NEW PROGRAM PROMISES TO REVITALIZE COMMUNITIES ----------------------------------------------------------------- Community Economic Development (CED) organizations, government department staff and community boards will discover the tools needed to take control of the future of their communities through participation in a new Community Economic Development (CED) certificate program developed at the Nova Scotia Community College Truro Campus. "Drawing on the expertise of CED practitioners from across Nova Scotia, this program will offer training designed for Nova Scotian development," said Myrna Breen, community education and training officer and program developer. "Together, participants will explore the skills needed to make the most of their resources." Developed following a year-long comprehensive study and analysis of the strengths and needs of Nova Scotian communities, the program emphasizes the importance of working together, coalition building and adapting government services to local needs. A number of successful CED training programs have been reviewed and their strengths incorporated into a program tailor made for Nova Scotia communities. Combining theory with real-life experience, the program will place emphasis on a practical approach. "We've adapted portions of the internationally recognized program at the University of Missouri where over 800 community development workers have been trained," said Ms. Breen. "Participants will also benefit from opportunities to share their own ideas, successes and innovations." Service providers and volunteers from local organizations will have the unique opportunity to come together for a series of weekend seminars over eight months, beginning in October. Participants will explore ways to identify CED opportunities, board development, CED from a local and global perspective, community assessment, and leadership development. Participants will also benefit from access to one of the largest collections of community economic development resources in North America. This up-to-date information has been recently acquired as part of the new Community Economic Development Centre at the Truro Campus of the Nova Scotia Community College. Flexibility has been built into the CED certificate program to accommodate participants' busy schedules. Seven modules will be conducted at various locations around the province including the Truro Campus, the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre in Cornwallis, and the Nautical Institute in Port Hawkesbury. Module one will bring together all participants from across the province to one central location. Participants will then have their choice of times and locations to complete the remaining modules. For more information on the CED Certificate Program or to register contact Juan Tellez, Coordinator Community Economic Development Centre, 902-893-5371. -30- Contact: Myrna Breen 902-893-5343 trp August 15, 1996 - 1:10 p.m.