Principles of Community Development

Course Assessment

Understanding community development issues and needs

Creative art form (group)

Instructions:

In your groups discuss some community issues and needs. Groups will use creative methods such as a
role play, poetry, video presentation, drawing/painting, song, dance and other creative art forms to
illustrate an understanding of the community development issues. A mixture of creative forms can be
used to ensure that all areas are covered. Groups should discuss at least 2 issues in the presentation
and at least 2 solutions.

This presentation will be done in class next week July 6, 2021. In addition to your presentation each
group should submit a paper 1-5 pages long, size 12 font and double spaced.

Grading Scheme/ Rubric

Presentation

(5-10 minutes per group)

First of all, presentations should be exciting. Creative art forms such as song and role play bring into
focus a side of community development that is critical- CREATIVITY. Remember, though scientific, this
discipline in its truest sense is an Art.

The MOCAS scheme will be used to grade the presentations:

Mechanics- 1 point

Correct and effective use of English; grammar, expression, accurate referencing (where necessary) etc.
Organization- 1 point

Did the presentation flow? Well organized paper and presentation that shows logical seamless
arguments.

Content- 4 points

Introduction shows a sound grasp of the assignment brief and provides a clear outline of the scope of
the presentation; key issues are stated in a concise manner and provide a framework for discussing the
issues.

Develops logical argument and clearly marshals the relevant ideas.

Students must interpret the issue and discuss it. They should demonstrate a comprehensive
understanding of the issues identified.

Analysis- 2 points

Students should discuss the two issues clearly- identifying cause and effect. Examine different scenarios
and solutions related to the issue while referencing how these issues impact communities and
individuals within community.

Style and creativity- 2 points

Effective use of creative form that presents the community development issues presented in the
introduction. The execution and delivery showed originality, resourcefulness, ingenuity and
inventiveness. Was the presentation eye catching, did it capture attention from beginning to end?
 Background to the initiatives

This paper will explore the causes and effects of social issues that are affecting the community

Green Grass ( pseudonym used). This paper focuses on the realization of the seriousness of the

cited problems within this community and solutions and or suggestions, geared to alleviate these

current social problem/issues. According to Gil (1992), A community is considered a place or

space having people or organisms with a common interest. Ife. (2013), suggests that persons

build their very own groups both virtually and physically with others sharing the very same

interest as they do . This according to Ife. (2013), can be easily seen within the religious

paradigm. Religious meetings are held with members having similar conviction or value

systems.The members of this community are not residential members within a single space, they

merely share a common interest, value systems and Morals. This paper this paper explores a

particular community located in Jamaica. It highlights areas needing development and or

improvements and suggests insightful ideas which may realize this idea as practical or reality, in

short aims achieved.

According to the latest economic assessment of Jamaica, Jamaica is considered a middle income

country with potential for growth if its sources are managed prudently, Le Franc (1994) and Gil

(1992). Several initiatives have been placed on the table aiming to improve Jamaica’s economic

transition on the global market. Regardless of many efforts by successive governments, several

social issues seems to be serious concern. These social issues include, but is not limited to

unemployment, teenage pregnancy and also crime. Surprisingly, these social issues exist both

within the urban areas as well as the rural communities.

This community development initiative focuses on a community located within the suburban

region of St. Catherine Jamaica. According to Fulcher and Scot (2006), a suburban community is

located between rural as well as urban communities. The community of Green Grass (pseudonym

used), currently faces a dilemma. Several families within the Green Grass ( pseudonym used)

community constituents include include members holding menial means of employment along

with transportation workers, some amount of civil servant employees, hundreds of unemployed

youths and teenage mothers. According to Bank ( 2004), unemployed youths indicates a dismal

future for future generations. As a result of the high rate unemployment criminality creeps in, as

members of the community struggle to meet the demands of challenge to meet their daily needs.

Several additional challenges are seen as a result of the swirling depths of poverty within the

community of Green Grass ( pseudonym used). Several young girls are engaged in sexual acts

which results in pregnancies, and teenage mothers. Mothers secretly set up their daughters to be

prostituted for monies so as to maintain their families. Contraceptives are seen as vice and are not

used by teenagers actively engaged in sexual relationships. To many families, having a child at a

very young age, to some extent help to gain respect within the community. The use of

contraceptives is not on the forefront of many teenager’s mind, as they seek to etched out a way to

survive Watson, (2011).

In addition to this dilemma, the community of Green Grass ( pseudonym used) is blacklisted by

employers. Community members find it very difficult gain employment once they include their

address on the job application sheet. With the growing rate of crime within this community,

coupled with many females dropping out of school being pregnant and boys engage criminal

gangs, the community of Green Grass (pseudonym used), faces a dim future. The situation

worsens with current virtual teaching and learning experiences currently being facilitated as a
result of Covid 19 pandemic. This paper explores alternatives for children within the community,

as educational institutions seek to improve educational experiences for students. Helping those

deprived of the often times disregarded teaching and learning experiences , due to lack of

resources.

The level of community children being deprived of education is alarmingly high. It is our belief

that this cannot be good for neither the community nor the society on a whole. For many children

within this community (based on informal survey conducted), the lack of devices and connection to

the internet is a sore problem. To a great extent this renders these students unemployable and

whenever they are exposed to opportunities. For sure poverty will creep into being.

According to Fulcher and Scot (2006) .Poverty is usually inescapable once Many parents are

struggling to feed, cloth and shelter themselves and their children. The provision of community

member’s the basic needs are lacking. How can we help the situation? Community

development is a process where community members come together to take collective action and

generate solutions to common problems. Community wellbeing (economic, social,

environmental and cultural) often evolves from this type of collective action being taken at a

grassroots level.

Understanding community development issues and needs

According to Fulcher and Scot, J (2006), a social problem is an issue within the society that makes it

difficult for people to achieve their full potential. Poverty, unemployment, crime, lack of education and

poor health are examples of social problems. Social problems are the general factors that affect

resident life and how they react to certain situations. Green Grass ( pseudonym used). is facing a
myriad of social issues that have an effect on the community. While we have witnessed

numerous interventions aimed at addressing these social issues, we have yet to stem many of

these issues from the root. The residents from Green Grass ( pseudonym used) currently lives in

poverty and, as a result, are more exposed to health issues, more vulnerable to exploitation, have

reduced access to adequate water and sanitation facilities and are more likely to be exposed to

violent discipline.

In our opinion, the most prevalent social issues that are affecting Green Grass ( pseudonym

used),based on our community engagement, informal needs assessment survey and the feedback

that was received from community members during our focus group meeting , are unemployment

and missed educational opportunities.

The most pronounced problem within this community right now is unemployment. Many young

persons( recently graduated from secondary schools) are unemployed. Unemployment is defined

as the state of an individual looking for a paying job but not able to find one. Unemployment is

one of the causes of social problems. It leads to the frustrations, lowered self worth, stress,

depression, aggression to name a few additional personal as well as social issues, individuals

may face within this community. The inability of anyone to sustain his or her basic needs and

wants may result in criminal activities including child abuse. These issues impacts both

community members and community development

In addition to the above mentoned social issue of unemployment which results in an increase in

unemployment, comes missed educational Lack of education is one of the causes of severalsocial

problem associated with the community of Green Grass ( pseudonym used). As a result of many
young persons not considering the value of education, many are absent from scheduled daily

classes. While some attend classes both face toface and virtually others are seen on the corners

gambling, and smoking with peers and in the market districts pedaling goods for their parents.

The most pronounced excuse echoed by adults regarding children not attending school is that

they have limited monies to facilitate child’s regular attendance at school. Some share that they

the parent are unable secure devices needed for online classes or may have a device but have no

access to the internet.

Indeed it’s a fact that inadequate educational opportunities, will in fact result in limited academic

achievement. As a result of this reality, many young persons within this community are deemed

unemployable. Many of whom have even failed to failed complete secondary schooling. Due to

lack of education and parental guidance, people do not take care of themselves because they are

less educated about topics such as family planning and proper hygiene.

Solutions/Recommendations for Social Problems in Green Grass ( pseudonym used).

The solutions to social problems can be found in the problem itself. Social problems refer to any

undesirable condition that is opposed in society. It is a barrier to development and progress.

Finally, how to find the solution to social problems is an element that is common to all social

problems. There is no generally accepted way, social problems can be solved. Some solutions

can be very complex, while others appear straight forward.

The solution to the two identified social issues within the community of Green Grass (

pseudonym used), can take a multipronged approach. Solutions will requires discipline by the

entire society, in this instance the community of Green Grass ( pseudonym used). In dealing with
the problem of youth unemployment, the issue of crime, violence and gangs are reduced.

Criminality usually originates amongst those whom are un attached , having no direction,

training, guidance education.Prevention of teenage pregnancy can also decrease the

unemployment level. Therefore family planning, sex education and positive values and attitude

should be taught in schools. Education of our children should not begin at schools but at home.

The solution of the social problem is to be found in the problem itself. The major approaches and

appropriate solutions to most of the social problems are:

 Mass meeting and public awareness programmes should be organized. These include

real heart to heart discussions with those persons considered most at risk. Have these

persons suggest or share their interest and desire in making themselves productive

members of their community.

 Initiate a skills training program geared at refocusing the energy of those persons

considered unproductive within the community. Use the H.E.A.R.T Trust NSTA, as a

catalyst agency to spur the interest of persons into being productive independent

members of the community.

 Enlighten current young people not employed about the importance of financial

independence. Having workshops and seminars which highlights the likely prospects of

persons not having a focus on financial independence. Have the seminar and or workshop

involve members of the security force sharing stories of young people caught up on the

wrong side of the fence of societal law. Encourage young persons within the community
 to attach themselves to volunteer groups example 4h club, Key Club and Police youth

Clubs in an effort to practice self sacrifice and humility through volunteerism.

 Self defense course for the girls can be very helpful.

 Inspire members of the community to be a self inspired creative independent

entrepreneur. This should allow members of the community struggling to find a place of

employment to be their own boss. Example with the aids of Jamaica Social Investment

fund seek to organize proposals which is geared at allowing each individual to be the

owner of their very own business. Barbers, beautitians, nail technicians, stylist etc after

completing formal training through the H.E.A.R.T. Trust NSTA, is able to register and

own their very own brand or business. This effort should foster great independence

amongst members of the community and may even foster some level of employment with

the growth of each individual business

 The community suffers from the reality of 100’s of young persons dropping out of school

each year. In an effort to decrease future issues of unskilled and unlearnt individuals

wanting to enter the workforce. With the aid of the Ministry of education, institute with

the guidance of the community leaders, an evening school program free of charge. With

this program, participants are able to sit external exams they missed out on during their

formative years at secondary schools and in-turn become employable.

 In addition to the above mentioned educational based initiative, family life education

seminars and workshops could be held. These seminars and workshops would be geared

at informing participants re: family planning and sexual transmission disease.. These

sessions should be down free of charge, involving members from the nearby community
 clinic and the Ministry of health. In addition, presentations from the Child Care and

Protection Agency ( CCPA).

Role of local organizations in social reforms

Local organizations plays an important role in social reform. We can see that governmental and

non-governmental organizations are involved in the activities of social reform. There are various

organizations of local level such as police Youth club, key youth club, 4- H Club, neighbourhood

watch, senior citizen club to name and so on. The local bodies like Social Development

Commission, The Jamaica Social Investment Fund (FSIF) is well known government social

thrust aimed at social reform in Jamaica. This fund has sponsored several initiatives aimed at

social development within several communities. With proper planning, the Jamaica Social

Investment Fund would not hesitate to guide any initiate geared improve the social status of the

community. They sponsor initiative both financially and throughout the initial planning and

execution of projects.

In conclusion, community problems are local issues that can be solved by engaging the people in

their very own space. Community problems can be manage by communities themselves. They

rarely need external intimate management. With support from Non- Governmental agencies

along with social initiatives from the government improvements can be seen throughout

communities once in a similar position as Green Grass ( pseudonym used). Communities like

Green Grass ( pseudonym used), however requires technical assistance in providing a well

structured series of support for both the poor and the unemployed within the community.

Community development education and training thus needs to be based on the principles of

community development work. What applies to practice is very much related to what should be
the imparted knowledge and how it should be done. Thus participatory approaches to learning,

that is embedded in everyday life experiences and empowering workers to empower others are

some useful strategies that an educational institution could foster in program development and

delivery, Gil (1992) and Ife (2013) .

 References

Ife, J. (2013). Community development in an uncertain world: Vision, analysis and

practice. New York, USA: Cambridge University Press.

Purcell, R. (2012). Community development and everyday life. Community

Development Journal, 47(2), 266-281.

Retrieved from: https://www.socialworkfootprints.org/special-articles/understanding-

community-and-community-development

Gil, David. 1992 Unravelling Social Policy Schenkman Books Inc. Rochester, United States

Henry-Lee, Aldrie 2004. Social Protection and Poverty Reduction in the Caribbean: Examining

Policy and Practice.

Le Franc. E (1994) Consequences of Structural Adjustment: A Review of the Jamaican

Experience. Canoe Press, University of the West Indies.

Dennis, N and Erdos, N (1993) Families without fatherhood, Institute for the study of civil
society, London

Downes, D & Rock, P (1995) Understanding Deviance, Oxford University Press, New-York

Fulcher, J & Scot, J (2006) Sociology, Third Edition, Oxford University Press, Oxford

Levin, J, Innis, K, Carroll, W & Bourne, R (2000) Social Problems, causes, consequences,
Interventions, Second Edition, Oxford University Press, new-York

Maxwell, S and Kenway, P (2001) The Challenge of Ending rural poverty, Oxford University
Press, Oxford
 HIBBERT, K. (2015, January 4). Doctors blame lack of resources for poor health care.
Retrieved from Jamaica Observer: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Hospital-
woes_18175063

Mcintosh, D. (2018, May 27). Expect Further Decline in Poverty Rate – PIOJ. Retrieved from
Jamaica Information Service: https://jis.gov.jm/expect-further-decline-in-poverty-rate-pioj/

Jamaica Information Service. (2018, May 1). Unemployment at record low 9.6. Retrieved from
Jamaica Observer:
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/Unemployment_at_record_low_9.6