Kutayib

6.1. Community engagement

Session Objectives

By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the importance of community engagement and participants’ roles within it.

  • Identify barriers to engagement and explore practical ways to overcome them.

  • Recognize different levels of community participation and reflect on effective engagement strategies.

  • Plan and commit to concrete actions to contribute positively to the community.

  • Reflect on personal contributions and responsibilities toward community development.

Duration

02h 05min

Group size

Set by facilitator

Materials needed

Colored sticky notes, flipcharts, pens

Session Description 

This session helps participants explore their role in community engagement, identify barriers and solutions, and understand different levels of participation. It concludes with personal action pledges and shared reflections.

Duration: 15min

Group size: All together

  • Each participant shares two facts about their communities and one wish.

Objectives: Build rapport among participants. Foster personal connection to the community and surface initial ideas about engagement.

Duration: 25min

Group size: Groups

Materials needed: Colored sticky notes, flipcharts, pens

  • Each team draws a map of their region. - The facilitator/trainer gives 3 colored sticky notes:

    • green = life

    • yellow = work or study

    • pink = activities.

  • Participants place notes on the map to indicate where they live, work, or volunteer.

  • Discuss patterns, similarities, and gaps in engagement.

Objectives: Visualize participants’ local environments, identify opportunities for engagement and understand personal connections to the community.

Duration: 20min

Group size: Group

Materials needed: Flipchart, papers, pens

  • Facilitator provides cards listing common obstacles to community engagement .

  • Each group selects a card and brainstorms ways to overcome the barrier.

  • Groups present solutions to plenary for discussion and feedback.

Objectives: Develop problem-solving skills for community challenges. Encourage creativity and collaborative thinking to overcome obstacles.

Duration: 25min

Group size: Groups

Materials needed: Flipcharts, Ladder example, markers

  • Facilitator draws a ladder on a flipchart with rungs:

    Inform → consult → involve → collaborate → empower

  • Participants place sticky notes with examples of engagement activities under each rung.

  • Discuss roles, responsibilities, and possibilities for deeper engagement.

Objectives: Understand different levels of community engagement. Reflect on personal and collective roles in promoting meaningful participation.

Duration: 20min

Group size: Individual

Materials needed: Markers, pledge wall (flipchart)

  • Each participant writes one concrete action they will take to engage their community in the next month.

  • Post actions on the pledge wall.

  • Optionally, share aloud with peers for accountability.

Objectives: Promote commitment to real-world action. Encourage ownership and accountability in community engagement efforts.

Duration: 20min

Group size: All together

  • Ask guiding questions:

    • What did you learn about your role in community engagement?

    • Which barrier or challenge surprised you?

    • What is your key takeaway for immediate action?

  • Encourage participants to share insights and reflections.

Objectives: Encourage creative, visual expression, and contextualise the needs.