Normanton Community Learning Project
Our first community project
Delegates at the celebration of community learning in June 2008
This programme of activities was designed to identify, meet and empower groups to learn more about community development in the hope that they would then go on to set up and manage their own community projects, apply for funding and potentially consider studying on a course at the University. It was headed by Gersh Subhra, Director of the Centre for Community Development and Regeneration at the University.
This unique partnership developed over a two-year period between the University of Derby, Derby City Council, Derby City Partnership and a range of community based agencies in Normanton, funded by Derby City Partnership and through the European Regional Development Fund.
A unique sort of degree
We launched the first phase of the two-year project in September 2006. This saw 11 residents sign up to study for a two-year foundation degree at the University in community studies.
They were encouraged to 'fund' their study, by setting up a range of community activities. A further nine residents enrolled on the course in September 2007.
The second phase of the project aimed to help people from families and community groups with a poor track record of attending university, giving them the opportunity of taking part in community development activities.
Training in the community
Community development training classes for young Asian men, a group for black and ethnic minority women, and a group for refugees were set up. They involved members of the community of all ages working closely in partnership with agencies in Normanton and using different types of learning, such as setting the group a range of challenges, creating community montages and applying for funding through the Youth Opportunities Fund.
What was achieved
The results of the Project were:
- 20 students of all ages from a wide range of communities studying on courses and actively volunteering in the area;
- more than 300 people taking part in a range of community activities organised through the scheme
- networks strengthened between different community groups working in the area.
