COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Building the capacity of our Communities

The Community Development Department at Amman Valley Enterprise has witnessed an increase in its activities over the last couple of years. This is partly due to new Government Programmes such as Communities First and Objective I, as well as the impact of more local developments in relation to the agenda to Modernise Local Government. In addition, there now exists an All Wales Umbrella Organisation for Community Development, which promotes a set of values and principles, which underpins the work and raises standards in good practice.

We recognize at AVE the many opportunities and challenges that lay ahead as a result of these current developments. We aim to continue to focus on the relationships between individuals and groups and the institutions that shape their everyday experiences.

We are constantly trying to foster a dynamic approach to our work, whilst striving to improve practice very often in trying situations, through adhering to a set of underlying principles and values. Our work is based on a commitment to equal opportunities between all those in the field to enable the sharing of skills, knowledge and experiences to bring about change, as identified within our communities.

In view of these strategic developments and changes on a local and national level, the issue of community development training needs to be addressed. AVE is taking the lead in piloting a Community Development Studies Course in partnership with Swansea University, which has been tailored to the current needs of all those working at different levels within communities. We are committed to further develop learning in this field with a range of appropriate agencies in order to support workers and enhance practice development.

The Communities First team for Pantyffynnon is housed at our new centre in Ammanford, and AVE as Lead Agents are pleased to be supporting this work. Funding from the Assembly’s Communities Facilities and Activities Programme has enabled us to further enhance our Community Development team. This is achieved through the current work undertaken to develop potential and capacity through increased lifelong learning opportunities and various community development activities.

Expectations are high and resources low. The constant campaigning for adequate funding and further resources continues. However, it is imperative that we continue to develop projects that are sustainable and initiatives that make a positive difference within our area, and further afield.