Developing citizen leaders through action learning

Abstract

This is an account of a programme utilizing the application of action learning to the development of capacities of citizens. The Citizen Leadership for Democratic Governance is designed to equip citizens with the skills to get involved and handle the difficult tasks of governance in their communities in South Africa. After a history of apartheid there is recognition of the need to equip citizens to more effectively respond to the challenges of creating and sustaining democracy. The programme has proven to be highly successful in achieving the aims. The programme design involved an emphasis on reflection, experimental learning, problem solving and action through learning sets.

Notes

1. The Kettering Foundation is a research foundation that sponsors workshops and seminars that bring representatives from national and international organizations that are promoting citizen participation to share their experiences and research. The programmes of these organizations range from trainings, sustained dialogues on public policy, deliberative democracy and citizen leadership programmes.

2. Studieforbundet Vuxenskolan(SV) is one of the leading non-formal adult education associations in Sweden, and the largest in terms of territorial coverage with 25 000 study circle leaders. They have supported the development of study circles in South Africa.