What are the most successful community-based education initiatives?

1 Community Learning Centers

Community learning centers (CLCs) are physical or virtual spaces that offer a range of learning opportunities and resources for community members, especially those who are marginalized, disadvantaged, or excluded from formal education systems. CLCs can provide access to basic literacy and numeracy, life skills, vocational training, health and environmental education, cultural and recreational activities, and social services. CLCs can also serve as hubs for community mobilization, participation, and empowerment. Some examples of successful CLCs are the Learning and Ecological Activities Foundation (LEAF) in Thailand, which promotes sustainable agriculture and environmental awareness among rural communities, and the Community Education Development Association (CEDA) in South Africa, which supports community-based early childhood development and adult education.

2 Service-Learning Projects

Service-learning projects are experiential learning activities that combine academic objectives with community service, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world problems and issues. Service-learning projects can enhance students' critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork abilities, as well as their sense of social responsibility and civic engagement. Service-learning projects can also benefit the community by addressing its needs and challenges, creating partnerships, and fostering mutual understanding and respect. Some examples of successful service-learning projects are the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) in Nepal, which engages young people in community development and social justice initiatives, and the Rural Education Action Program (REAP) in China, which involves students in improving rural education and health outcomes.

3 Community-Based Participatory Research

Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is a collaborative approach to research that involves community members as equal partners in the design, implementation, and dissemination of research projects that address community issues and priorities. CBPR can enhance the relevance, validity, and impact of research by incorporating the perspectives, experiences, and knowledge of the community. CBPR can also build the capacity, skills, and empowerment of community members, as well as foster trust, dialogue, and action among researchers and community stakeholders. Some examples of successful CBPR are the Detroit Community-Academic Urban Research Center (URC), which conducts research on urban health disparities and social determinants of health, and the Participatory Cultures Lab (PCL) in Canada, which conducts research on digital media and learning in diverse communities.

4 Community Media and Arts

Community media and arts are forms of communication and expression that are created by, for, and with the community, using various media platforms and artistic genres. Community media and arts can provide opportunities for learning, creativity, and empowerment for community members, especially those who are underrepresented, marginalized, or silenced in mainstream media and arts. Community media and arts can also raise awareness, challenge stereotypes, and promote social change on issues that affect the community. Some examples of successful community media and arts are the Voices of Youth (VOY) in Kenya, which trains young people in radio production and journalism on topics such as gender, health, and education, and the Community Arts Network (CAN) in Australia, which supports community arts projects that celebrate cultural diversity and social inclusion.

5 Community Networks and Platforms

Community networks and platforms are online or offline spaces that connect and support community members who share common interests, goals, or identities. Community networks and platforms can facilitate learning, collaboration, and innovation among community members, as well as provide access to information, resources, and opportunities. Community networks and platforms can also amplify the voice, visibility, and influence of the community on local, national, or global issues. Some examples of successful community networks and platforms are the Global Learning XPRIZE Community, which connects and empowers teams that develop open-source software solutions for children's learning in low-resource contexts, and the Community Tool Box (CTB), which provides online tools and resources for community development and social change.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?