A New FREE Faith Community Development Course for 19-25 year olds

Young, Free & Faithful? New course launched for future faith workers
On Wednesday 17th September 2008, St Philip’s Centre launched a new course to
enable young people to develop careers in the faith sector.
Leicester has been selected as one of only six cities in England to deliver
the free Faith Community Development Programme which is supported by the
National Institute for Adults in Continuing Education (NIACE) and funded by the
Department for Communities and Local Government. The course has been
accredited by the National Open College Network.

The course covers a wide range of topics including how to organise and manage
projects, tips on working with children and vulnerable adults and understanding the
importance of diversity, faiths and leadership. One of the highlights of the
programme is that five different places of worship will host the classes.

St Philip’s Centre is looking for students, workers or volunteers who have an interest
in the faith sector and would like to get more involved. The course is open to anyone
and both De Montfort University and Leicester College are working with St Philip’s
Centre to encourage young people to sign up.

The launch will took place at Leicester College’s Freshers’ Fair on Wednesday 17th
September 2008. Those unable to make the launch, can contact the St Philip’s Centre directly to
register.

Riaz Ravat, Faith Training Development Manager at the St Philip’s Centre said, “So
many times we hear about the superb work young people do in our communities to
help build bridges and tackle problems. This course is an exciting opportunity for
them to strengthen their career prospects by learning about community work and
how they can make a difference. I would also strongly encourage people who have
never been involved in community work before but would like to get active, to
contact us”.

Derek Owens-Rawle, NIACE Development Officer for Faith Community
Development, said, “Last year we ran a number of Faith Leaders pilot courses. The
feedback we received showed that people really enjoyed being involved in the
stimulating discussions and from learning from other faith leaders, workers and
volunteers. NIACE through its partner organisations decided therefore that an
accredited course would be a worthwhile exercise to undertake and we welcome St
Philip’s Centre’s involvement”.
To take part all you need to do is to complete a short online skills test at:
http://www.move-on.org.uk/testyourskills.asp
Following the successful completion of this, you then need to contact Riaz Ravat at
the St Philip’s Centre to request an application form:
riaz.ravat@stphilipscentre.co.uk or telephone 0116 2733459. See the link at the foot of the page.