This 8-week online certificate introduces you to fundamental Asset-Based and Community-Led Development (ABCD) theories and principles. You will learn approaches to support communities to organize themselves to discover, connect and mobilize their strengths for change. In addition, you will be able to reflect on the outside institutions’ role in supporting community development projects to avoid dependency and foster sustainable community development projects.
DATES: February 1 to March 30, 2027
Registration closes January 25, 2027, or earlier if we reach the enrolment cap of 30 participants
Human-induced climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, reshaping how people live, work, and imagine the future. Its impacts are felt across all sectors of society, including water and food systems, housing, health and sanitation, employment, industry, finance, security, and migration. At the same time, climate action intersects with the priorities of many civil society actors—those advancing gender justice, upholding and honouring Indigenous rights and knowledge, and movements mobilizing around environmental protection, youth leadership, and a just transition for workers, among others.
In this context of overlapping crises and rapid change, there is a growing need to rethink how we understand the world, organize our societies, and relate to one another and the more-than-human. Across scales, communities are already building resilience in the face of these challenges—through powerful acts of resistance and collective mobilization, as well as the subtle, everyday practices that sustain life.
This course introduces foundational concepts and approaches for engaging in climate change and resilience-building work at the community level. It focuses on addressing injustice, rebuilding relationships, and exploring locally grounded solutions. Rooted in the understanding that all people and communities hold valuable knowledge, skills, and strengths, the course creates space for participants to share their own experiences – and those of their communities, where appropriate – while engaging with climate resilience in ways that are meaningful within their own contexts.
DATES: September 14 to November 6, 2026
Registration closes September 7, 2026, or earlier if we reach the enrolment cap of 40 participants
This 8-week online course is an introduction to peace and conflict while examining the nature, effectiveness, and challenges of grassroots peacebuilding.
Grassroots Peacebuilding focuses on the theory, models, and frameworks relevant to peacebuilding and conflict resolution which may be applied in post-conflict situations, humanitarian emergencies, and long- term peacebuilding and reconciliation initiatives. The course uses a wide range of materials in an interactive learning environment. You will be introduced to the latest theories, models, and skills in the context of the most current developments in peacebuilding theory and practice. This course allows for an inquiry of the way in which grassroots initiatives play a role in national peacebuilding practices. As a result, the course explores the tensions that arise between actors from national and international agencies.
We will also dissect the importance of conflict analysis prior to examining theoretical frameworks and practical initiatives of peacebuilding. The course offers you the opportunity to navigate between theory and practice. One-on-one academic support is provided upon request by participants. You are responsible to communicate with the facilitator for any course related
DATES: February 1 to March 30, 2027
Registration closes January 25, 2027, or earlier if we reach the enrolment cap of 30 participants
We hear about leadership all the time – in the contexts of our workplaces, governments, schools, and communities… but what is leadership really?
This course is intended to support young professionals in the early stages of their careers (less than 5 years) in the workforce as they explore what leadership means to them in the context of their work and future goals. It will offer participants the chance to grow their understanding of what leadership means, explore their own personal strengths as leaders, learn new skills, and begin to think through how they can apply their leadership in the workplace.
The facilitation style for this course is highly participatory, and prioritizes self-reflection and participant-driven learning. Course participants will be actively involved in shaping their own experience, and should not expect a more traditional lecture-based classroom.
DATES: October 19 to December 7, 2026
Registration closes October 12, 2026, or earlier if we reach the enrolment cap of 30 participants
Note: This course was developed by the Centre for Employment Innovation in partnership with the Government of Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration.
Even well-intentioned development initiatives can unintentionally fuel tension or exacerbate conflict, particularly in contexts with fragile governance, social divisions, or weak security structures.
This course equips participants with knowledge and practical tools needed to ensure their interventions contribute to peace rather than conflict -intentioned development initiatives that can unintentionally fuel tension or exacerbate conflict, particularly in contexts with fragile governance, social divisions, or weak security structures.
The course introduces practical approaches to conflict analysis, peace and conflict stakeholder mapping, and impact assessment. Participants will learn how to identify risks, strengthen positive outcomes, and adapt programs in complex and evolving environments.
The course is grounded in two foundational frameworks—Peace and Conflict Impact Assessment (PCIA) and Do No Harm (DNH)—and emphasizes real world application. By the end of the course, participants will be able to design, implement, and adapt development initiatives that are conflict sensitive, ethically responsible, and contextually informed -world application.
DATES: October 19 to December 11, 2026
Registration closes October 12, 2026, or earlier if we reach the enrolment cap of 30 participants
Email: stfxonline@stfx.ca
