Project Summary
Innovative practical action learning sets are well established and proven methodologies in the UK. They enable practitioners and activists to explore a range of tools and techniques how they complement their own specific requirements and, through analysis and testing, assess transferability - ultimately informing good practice. The reason for this proposal is to provide a unique opportunity to transfer this innovative approach across the EU, specifically targeting new and accession states who historically have a low level of understanding and participation in these types of approaches and methodologies Through this we wish, across the EU, to build the competencies into the non formal and informal vocational training and development of regeneration, planning and community development practitioners and activists - thereby supporting the growing sustainable communities’ agenda. To achieve this overall aim we have designed a series of interrelated objectives:-
- Identify a core set a set of transferable tools and techniques customised to the need of individual states
- Promote tools and techniques through a transnational “training the trainers” process, to 45 practitioners and through them cascade and test to 350 other practitioners
- Translate tools and technique in to local language
- Produce a web site for dissemination and accessibility of partners
- Produce effective case study analysis, learning sets, good practice guide, technology transfer, conceptual consultations, testing methodologies.
- Develop and promote ICT learning materials through an interactive e-learning web site
- Develop a network of trainers to cascade learning opportunities, enhance vocational skills competencies, teach effective techniques and improve confidence for those professionals and activists working with these communities
The proposal is led by OAKE. Our aim is to enable local people to play a full and active part in planning and implementing effective regeneration and longer-term service provision in their own neighbourhoods. We have a number of existing vocational training products that use highly participative, visual tools and techniques. PALS encompasses the key skills and principles of the most widely used and well proven community planning and interactive consultation techniques in use in the UK today. Regeneration professionals and community activists throughout the U.K. have successfully used our wide portfolio of vocational skills development and training courses for many years.