Program Code: LGL
Program description: This program comprises four courses, namely: Local, Municipal and Regional Government, Community Development, Local Government Leadership and Introduction to Transformational Leadership. This program targets mayors, deputy mayors and others in management/leadership in the local government sector and community development NGOs and is designed to enhance their leadership capabilities so that they can become more effective. Very often leadership challenges in local governments and community development NGOs impede program development and implementation which in turn adversely affect their developmental thrust. The resulting setback manifests itself in various forms which affect citizens’ quality of life.
Duration: 32 instruction hours – 4 courses at 8 hours per course.
Instructors: Dr. Vedawattie Ram, Dr. Tesha Thompson
LGS 100 Local, Municipal and Regional Government
Course description: People live in cities, towns and villages and are beneficiaries of the services provided through these tiers of government. These sub-national bodies are governed, in most cases, by elected councils and function to fulfill clearly defined mandates. While the systems and structures may vary from one country to another, the basic mandate is to deliver services to citizens and to facilitate local development. A primary focus and emphasis of this program is to provide participants with functional understanding of the underlying concepts and practices that govern local government systems, structures, and operations.
Duration: 8 hours
Learning outcomes: At the end of this course, participants will be:
- familiar with fundamental concepts, principles, theories. and models relating to local government and local governance.
- able to analyze local government systems and structures and their associated characteristics.
- aware of the laws, regulations and policies governing the local government sector in their respective jurisdictions.
- aware of the main responsibilities of the mayor, administrator, council and councilors.
- equipped with applicable knowledge and skills to function in a professional manner in their respective local government entities.
LGS 102 Community Development
Course description: Local development, and by extension community development, is one of the primary responsibilities of local government. Community development activities often vary in magnitude and scope but must be designed to enhance the quality of life of citizens. Through this course, participants will be exposed to principles, practices, and processes that guide effective community development initiatives and apply these to real life situations in their respective local government jurisdictions.
Course duration: 8 hours
Learning outcomes: At the end of this course, participants will be:
- aware of community development principles, practices, and processes.
- able to conduct community consultations.
- able to conduct a community mapping exercise.
- able to draft an outline of a community development plan.
LGL 100 Local Government Leadership
Course description: “A leader is one who knows the way, shows the way and goes the way” – John Maxwell. Within this paradigm, this course is intended to build leadership capabilities by exposing participants to the various facets of leadership. It will provide opportunities for participants to analyze their personal leadership style and that of their managers and would enable them to distinguish between a leader and a manager.
Course duration: 8 hours
Learning outcomes: At the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- strengthen their leadership capabilities.
- recognize leadership strengths and shortcomings in their local government body or community development NGO.
- demonstrate effective leadership.
- differentiate between a leader and a manager in their respective local government bodies or community development NGOs.
LGL 101 Introduction to Transformational Leadership
Course description: One of the primary roles of local government and community development NGOs is to facilitate local development evidenced by the enhancement of the quality of life of citizens. Community transformation is therefore a significant function of local governments and requires capable and competent transformational leaders. This course focuses on critical elements of transformational leadership that would be of immense benefit to the participants. Participants will be taught foundational concepts of transformational leadership and will be provided with opportunities to apply these to practical situations.
Course duration: 8 hours
Learning outcomes: At the end of this course, participants will be:
- familiar with the value and benefits of transformational change.
- able to identify the characteristics of transformational leaders.
- aware of the process of effecting transformational change.
- able to apply the process of transformational change to any given situation.
- able to identify challenges to transformational change and craft appropriate solutions.