Program Duration: 2 Years (4 Semesters)
Awarding Institution: Banutu Business College
Program Level: Higher National Diploma (HND)
Program Purpose
The HND in Community Organizing and Planning program prepares students to be effective leaders, facilitators, and planners who can mobilize, empower, and coordinate communities for sustainable development. It equips learners with practical knowledge in community mobilization, participatory planning, advocacy, project management, and social policy implementation. This program aims to produce graduates capable of driving positive social change, building inclusive communities, promoting civic engagement, and designing sustainable community development programs. It contributes directly to The Gambia’s national development agenda and Africa’s vision for grassroots empowerment and social transformation.
Program Objectives
– Understand theories, principles, and practices of community organizing and planning.
– Apply participatory methods to mobilize and empower communities.
– Conduct community needs assessments and develop strategic development plans.
– Manage community-based projects and organizations effectively.
– Promote advocacy, human rights, and civic engagement at the local level.
– Facilitate partnerships among government, NGOs, and community stakeholders.
– Use data, technology, and research in planning and evaluation processes.
– Demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and communication skills in diverse communities.
– Analyze local governance structures and decentralization policies.
– Foster sustainable social and economic development through community participation.
Key Concepts To Be Learned
– Foundations of Community Development and Organizing
– Participatory Planning and Empowerment Approaches
– Social Research and Needs Assessment
– Local Governance and Decentralization
– Community Resource Mobilization
– Leadership and Advocacy in Community Work
– Gender, Equity, and Social Inclusion
– Project Management and Sustainability
– Conflict Resolution and Mediation
– Environmental and Urban Planning
– Nonprofit and NGO Administration
– Policy Analysis and Development
– Monitoring and Evaluation in Development Work
Program Structure (4 Semesters)
| Year | Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | COP 101 | Introduction to Community Development and Organizing | 3 |
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | COP 102 | Principles of Social Work and Human Services | 3 |
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | COP 103 | Leadership and Communication Skills | 3 |
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | COP 104 | Participatory Planning and Empowerment | 3 |
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | COP 105 | Introduction to Public Administration | 3 |
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | COP 106 | Computer Applications for Development Work | 2 |
| Year 1 | Semester 2 | COP 201 | Social Research and Community Needs Assessment | 3 |
| Year 1 | Semester 2 | COP 202 | Local Governance and Decentralization | 3 |
| Year 1 | Semester 2 | COP 203 | Community Resource Mobilization | 3 |
| Year 1 | Semester 2 | COP 204 | Gender, Equity, and Social Inclusion | 3 |
| Year 1 | Semester 2 | COP 205 | Conflict Resolution and Mediation | 3 |
| Year 1 | Semester 2 | COP 206 | Project Planning and Management | 3 |
| Year 2 | Semester 3 | COP 301 | Advocacy and Public Policy | 3 |
| Year 2 | Semester 3 | COP 302 | Nonprofit and NGO Administration | 3 |
| Year 2 | Semester 3 | COP 303 | Environmental and Urban Planning | 3 |
| Year 2 | Semester 3 | COP 304 | Monitoring and Evaluation in Development Work | 3 |
| Year 2 | Semester 3 | COP 305 | Field Practicum / Community Internship | 4 |
| Year 2 | Semester 4 | COP 401 | Strategic Community Planning | 3 |
| Year 2 | Semester 4 | COP 402 | Sustainable Development and Social Innovation | 3 |
| Year 2 | Semester 4 | COP 403 | Entrepreneurship and Community Enterprise Development | 3 |
| Year 2 | Semester 4 | COP 404 | Globalization and Development Policy | 3 |
| Year 2 | Semester 4 | COP 405 | Capstone Project / Research Thesis | 4 |
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program will be prepared for positions such as:
– Community Organizer / Mobilization Officer
– Community Development Planner
– Social Policy Analyst
– NGO / Nonprofit Program Officer
– Project Planning and Evaluation Specialist
– Local Government Development Officer
– Advocacy and Civic Engagement Coordinator
– Gender and Social Inclusion Advisor
– Sustainable Development Consultant
Progression Pathway
Graduates may proceed to a Bachelor’s Degree in Community Development, Public Administration, Sociology, or Urban and Regional Planning, or pursue professional certifications such as:
– Community Leadership and Development Certificate
– Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) Training
– Project Planning and Management Certification
– Social Policy and Advocacy Certificate