Story:Andy Stockton
Photo:Anwar Sulliman
A group of adult learners from Burngreave and Page Hall recently collected their certificates for completing the Introduction to Community Development and Health (ICDH) course.
The ICDH course has run in different parts of Sheffield for over 12 years, a number of times in Burngreave. This year their Annual Award Ceremony was on the 27th July and learners from all over the city, as well as volunteers from the Expert Patients Programme, gathered to have their efforts recognised.
The course ran from February to June 2011 and was well attended by learners from North East Sheffield. It was collaboratively delivered between NHS Sheffield’s CD&H Programme, the Yemeni Advice Centre, Health Workers from Parson Cross and other partner organisations, enabling members of different communities to work together in a way that doesn’t usually happen.
Nine learners submitted portfolios for accreditation with the Open College Network, but the discussions and exchange between different cultures and communities was the most striking outcome of this unique and special group learning experience. As a tutor on the course, I saw a real bond of mutual respect develop within the group.
Local mum Waheeda Younis (pictured with the Deputy Lord Mayor accompanied by her children), said of the course:
“ICDH was like exploring the heart of the community. We were all adults and students from different backgrounds under one roof, exploring how each community lived.”
I’d like to thank everyone who helped to make the course such a success, the local partners and funders, the staff at the Yemeni Advice Centre and especially the learners, who all showed great dedication and commitment to complete it.