3. Course Outline
COURSE 01 - Prevention of Alcohol & Drugs
1. Introduction
This Prevention of Alcohol & Drugs course is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to address the risks and impacts of substance abuse. You will learn about the societal implications of alcohol and drug use, explore strategies for reducing demand and resisting peer pressure, and examine supply-reduction tactics and national policies. The course also focuses on developing advocacy skills to support a drug-free community, empowering you to contribute to prevention efforts and promote healthier, safer environments.
2. Objectives
– Understand the risks, impacts, and societal implications of alcohol and drug abuse.
– Explore strategies for demand reduction and resistance to peer pressure (explore into alcohol expectations).
– Examine supply-reduction tactics and policies- NATA and the government national frameworks
– Develop skills for advocacy and support for a drug-free community.
| Module No | Topic | Duration |
| 01 | Understanding Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Demand and Supply Context) | |
| · Introduction to Substance Abuse | 1 week | |
| · Physical and Mental Health Impacts | 1 week | |
| 02 | Demand Reduction Strategies | |
| · Demand Reduction approaches | 1 week | |
| · Social Influences and Peer Pressure Management | 1 week | |
| 03 | Supply Reduction Strategies | |
| · Supply Reduction- Overview | 1 week | |
| · Regulation and Control Mechanisms | 1 week | |
| · Community-Based Demand and Supply Reduction Initiatives | 1 week | |
| 04 | Empowering Youth for Prevention | |
| · Advocacy and Youth Leadership | 1 week | |
| · Building a peer Support Network and Seeking Help | 1 week | |
| 05 | Action Project | |
| · Building a peer Support Network and Seeking Help | 2 weeks |
4. Teaching Panel
Sinhala medium:
1. Mr. Ravi Kandiah, Substance Use Control Consultant and Trainer, Board Member, FISD
2. Mr. Isuru Kanishka, Programme Officer, Alcohol, Drugs Prevention and Development, FISD
3. Mr. Arjuna Ranasingher, Research Officer, National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol
Tamil medium:
1. Mr. Ravi Kandiah, Substance Use Control Consultant and Trainer
2. Mr. M. S. M. Asmiyas, Director, Research Division, National Institute of Social Development
3. Mr. Thawarasa Tharshan, Lecturer, National Institute of Social Development
COURSE 02 - Child Rights & Child Protection
1. Introduction
This course offers an in-depth exploration of both child rights and child protection as recognized by international human rights law, with a particular focus on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). It aims to educate participants on the importance of understanding and upholding children’s rights, while also providing the tools and strategies necessary to ensure effective protection across various sectors, including education, health, and social welfare. Emphasizing practical, ground-level examples, the course highlights real-world challenges that children face, both globally and locally. Through case studies and practical exercises, participants will learn how to advocate for child rights and implement effective child protection measures in their communities.
2. Objectives
• To provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of both child rights and child protection as defined by international human rights law, with an emphasis on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
• To equip participants with the knowledge and practical tools necessary to advocate for child rights and ensure child protection.
• To provide an opportunity to learn real-world challenges children, face at both local and global levels, and
• To provide practical solutions and strategies to address these issues effectively.
• To foster the development of practical skills for creating child-friendly environments and systems.
• To motivates participants to become changemakers within their communities.
3. Course Outline
| Module No | Topic | Duration |
| 1 | Introduction to Child Rights and Child Protection | 1 week |
| 2 | UN Convention on the Rights of the Child | 1 week |
| 3 | Child Rights and Sustainable Development Goals | 1 week |
| 4 | Global Child Protection Systems and Frameworks | 1 week |
| 5 | Local Child Protection Systems and Frameworks | 1 week |
| 6 | Challenges in Implementing Child Rights in Sri Lanka | 1 week |
| 7 | Real-World Application – Case Studies and Best Practices | 2 weeks |
| 8 | How to be a Peer Supporter and Community Leader to protect and promote child rights | 1 week |
| 9 | Practical Fieldwork: Child Rights in Action | 2 weeks |
| 10 | Final Project and Presentations | 1 week |
4. Teaching Panel
Sinhala medium:
1. Dr. Champa Gunasekara, Chairperson, FISD
2. Ms. Ayeshmantha Jayasekara, Programme Manager, Child Rights Protection and Promotion, FISD
3. Ms. Amani Lunuwila, Child Protection Officer, National Child Protection Authority
Tamil medium teaching panel:
1.Mr. N. Baskaran, Senior Lecturer, Dept. of Sociology, University of Jaffna
2.Mrs. J. Gugathasan, Lecturer, Political Science, University of Jaffna
3. Mr. Ramasami Rajan, Senior probation Officer
4. Ms. F. Afra, Visiting Lecturer, University of Peradeniya
COURSE 03 - Climate & Gender Justice
1. Introduction
This short course on gender and climate justice addresses the disproportionate impacts of climate change on marginalized communities, particularly women and LGBTQ+ individuals. It highlights the intersection of gender, environmental issues, and socioeconomic disparities, emphasizing the need for inclusive climate policies. By educating participants on these inequalities, the course empowers them to integrate gender perspectives into advocacy and policy efforts, promoting equitable, sustainable solutions. It also fosters local resilience through collective action, inclusive decision-making, and knowledge-sharing, helping communities better tackle the challenges of climate change. Additionally, the course encourages networking among advocates and professionals, enhancing the potential for impactful, locally adapted solutions and driving systemic change for a more equitable and sustainable future.
This short course on gender and climate justice addresses the disproportionate impacts of climate change on marginalized communities, particularly women and LGBTQ+ individuals. It highlights the intersection of gender, environmental issues, and socioeconomic disparities, emphasizing the need for inclusive climate policies. By educating participants on these inequalities, the course empowers them to integrate gender perspectives into advocacy and policy efforts, promoting equitable, sustainable solutions. It also fosters local resilience through collective action, inclusive decision-making, and knowledge-sharing, helping communities better tackle the challenges of climate change. Additionally, the course encourages networking among advocates and professionals, enhancing the potential for impactful, locally adapted solutions and driving systemic change for a more equitable and sustainable future.
2. Objectives
• Understand the principles of gender and climate justice.
• Analyze the impact of climate change on different genders, particularly women.
• Explore policies and governance structures that integrate gender considerations in climate action.
• Identify community-based solutions that promote gender equity in climate resilience.
• Develop advocacy strategies for integrating gender justice into climate policy.
3. Course Outline
| Module No | Topic | Duration |
| 1 | Introduction to Gender and Climate Justice | 1 Week |
| 2 | The Impacts of Climate Change on Gender | 2 Weeks |
| 3 | Policy and Governance | 2 Weeks |
| 4 | Solutions and Strategies for Integration | 2 Weeks |
| 5 | Future Directions and Challenges | 2 Weeks |
| 6 | Capstone Project Preparation | 1 Week |
| 7 | Capstone Project Presentations | 1 Week |
| 8 | Reflection and Evaluation | 1 Week |
4. Teaching Panel
Sinhala medium:
1.Dr. Anusha Edirisinghe, Head, Dept. Of Criminology, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University.
2. Ms. Samitha Sugathimala, Program Director, FISD
3. Ms. Chathurika Jayalath, Programme Manager, Gender & Development, FISD
Tamil medium:
1. Prof. M. T. M. Mahees, University of Colombo
2. Ms. A. W. N. Naleefa, Senior Lecturer, Dept. of Sociology, Southeastern University of Sri Lanka
3. Ms. Luxshe Hariharan, Lecturer, Dept. of Sociology, University of Colombo
4. Ms. T. M. F. Wazeema, Knowledge Management Specialist – Gender, FISD
COURSE 04 - Community Empowerment & Development
1. Introduction
This Community Empowerment & Development course provides you with the knowledge and practical tools to become an effective agent of change in your community. You will explore the theories and practices of community development, learning strategies to empower individuals and groups to take collective action and create positive change. The course covers essential skills such as project management, fundraising, and advocacy, while addressing contemporary challenges faced by communities. By the end, you will be equipped with the skills to lead and support initiatives that build stronger, more resilient communities, ideal for those interested in the non-profit sector, community organizing, or social change advocacy.
2. Objectives
• Defining community empowerment, community development and its principles
• Understanding the key concepts and components in community empowerment
• Understanding how to mobilize local, regional, and national resources (e.g., funding, volunteers, and partnerships) to support community initiatives.
• Identify contemporary issues and challenges facing communities, and analyze the impacts of social, economic, and political factors on community development.
• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills and apply these skills to address complex community development challenges, such as poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability.
3. Course Outline
| Module No. | Topic | Duration |
| 1 | Community, culture & power | 1 Week |
| 2 | What is community development | 1 Week |
| 3 | Community mobilization & networking | 1 Week |
| 4 | Community assessment and analysis | 1 Week |
| 5 | Participatory approaches & techniques in community development | 2 Weeks |
| 6 | Planning & implementation of community development | 1 Week |
| 7 | Communication & advocacy | 1 Week |
| 8 | Social movement & community leadership | 1 Week |
| 9 | Case studies & best practices | 2 Weeks |
| 10 | Field exposure & presentation | 1 Week |
4. Teaching Panel
Sinhala medium teaching panel:
1. Ms. Samitha Sugathimala, Programme Director, FISD
2. Prof. MTM Mahees, University of Colombo
3. Ms. Shiromi Samraweera, Mobilisation and Campaign Manager, FISD
4. Ms. J. N. D. Jayathunga, Lecturer, Dept. of Geography, University of Colombo
5. Ms. Fathima Shanaz, Lecturer, Dept. of Communication and Creative Arts, University of Colombo
6. Ms. Niluka Bandara, Lecturer, NISD
Tamil medium teaching panel:
1. Prof. M. T. M. Mahees, University of Colombo
2. Mr. K. Nijamir, Head, Dept. of Geography, Southeastern University of Sri Lanka
3. Mr. K. Krishnaraj, Lecturer Dept. of Social Sciences, Eastern University
4. Mr. Kabilan Suntharamoorthy, Senior Lecturer in Planning and community Development, University of Jaffna
COURSE 05 - Gender Transformative Approaches to Empowerment
1. Introduction
Advancing Gender Equality has become critical in all areas of a just society to achieve peace, full human potential and sustainable development. Development practitioners have been constantly experimenting with approaches that reduce the inequalities among all genders and advance capabilities of human lives to lead dignified lives. Gender Transformative Empowerment paves the way in understanding deeply rooted issues that perpetuate gender inequality in any context. Through practical exercises, this course provides insights to perspective professionals to analyze society and design initiatives that could create a lasting impact.
2. Objectives
• To provide an understanding about basic concepts Gender and Empowerment and international and national frameworks in promoting gender equality.
• To equip participants with knowledge and tools to advocate for gender equality
• To provide a space for participants to collectively reflect the root-causes of real-world challenges that diminish gender equality through practical approaches.
• To develop skills of perspective professional in creating sustainable initiatives.
3. Course Outline
| Module No. | Topic | Duration |
| 01 | Introduction to Gender and Sexuality | 1 week |
| 02 | Introduction to feminisms and patriarchy | 1 week |
| 03 | Introduction to Women’s Rights and International Conventions on Gender Equality | 1 weeks |
| 04 | Gender transformative approaches to empowerment | 1 weeks |
| The Gender Continuum | ||
| Approaches to Empowerment | ||
| Social – ecological model | ||
| 05 | Approaches in Gender Analysis and gender mainstreaming in practice | 1 week |
| Intersectionality | ||
| Power Analysis | ||
| Diversity and Social Inclusion | ||
| 06 | National Frameworks in Enhancing Gender Equality in Sri Lanka | 1 week |
| GEWE Act | ||
| Women Empowerment Bill | ||
| Women’s Charter | ||
| NAP in Prevention of SGBV | ||
| 07 | Understanding Gender-based discrimination | 2 weeks (Movie-based discussions) |
| Domestic Violence | Provoked | |
| Early Child and Forced Marriages | The great Indian kitchen | |
| Homophobia and transphobia | Water | |
| Female Genital Mutilation | Fire | |
| Sexual Harassment in Public spaces | Desert Flower | |
| Gender and STEM | Hidden Figures | |
| Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights | Oh My God 2 | |
| 08 | Qualities of agents of change – Social Safeguarding | 1 week |
| Human Rights approach | ||
| Survivor-centered approach | ||
| Accountability | ||
| Culture of Care | ||
| Reflective leadership | ||
| 09 | Practical field work – Gender Transformative Empowerment in Action | 2 weeks |
| 10 | Final Project and Presentation | 1 week |
4. Teaching Panel
Sinhala medium:
1.Dr. Anusha Edirisinghe, Head, Dept. Of Criminology, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University.
2. Ms. Samitha Sugathimala, Program Director, FISD
3. Ms. Chathurika Jayalath, Programme Manager, Gender & Development, FISD
Tamil medium:
1. Ms. A. W. N. Naleefa, Senior Lecturer, Dept. of Sociology, Southeastern University of Sri Lanka
2. Ms. Luxshe Hariharan, Lecturer, Dept. of Sociology, University of Colombo
3. Ms. T. M. F. Wazeema, Documentation and Knowledge management Specialist, FISD
4. Ms. Farha Fulail, Gender Project Assistant