CFD FUNCTIONS

FUNCTIONS OF CFD

The Centre for Development (CfD) functions in close association with universities, colleges and research organizations, anti-poverty groups, environmental and climate change action groups, social-economy organizations, social enterprises, civic society organizations, socio-cultural bodies, and creative social-mindset individuals (academics and researchers) as networked in both Scotland and other countries – all who together constitute “The CfD Community”.

With the involvement of volunteers (young people), it undertakes small action research on diverse socio-economic development issues such as reduction of deprivation and poverty, equality and diversity in community engagement, youth economic opportunities, healthy living, improving bio-diversity via community actions, etc.

It regularly organizes workshops, seminars and conferences for community (especially youth) awareness of diverse issues of socio-economic importance. It organizes Youth Brainstorming Sessions on entrepreneurship, especially on social business enterprise ideas. It sponsors Students’ Essay Competitions on entrepreneurial project ideas - publicized and mobilized through students’ unions at universities and colleges in Scotland.

The Centre organizes and values sessions on South Asian Diaspora Communities’ creativities by showcasing youth talents, entrepreneurial achievements, and charity works, as well their roles in democratic governance of the host countries of origin.  

It invites and gathers stories and articles on exciting creative and innovative ideas, and disseminates through periodic publications – newsletters, websites. In order to actively assist young people develop new skills towards employability and entrepreneurship, it recruits, trains and engages them as Volunteers for small grassroots community research and environment action projects. The Centre organizes ‘book fairs’, ‘mina bazaar’-style fundraising events and mini exhibitions on arts and culture.

The Centre’s activities are aimed at benefitting all people in community, regardless of race, religion, gender and age. The Centre encourages people with disabilities and unemployed to participate in its programs free of cost; also attracts students and young people at concessionary rates. Of course, ensuring participation from the disadvantaged section of the population remains a priority.