Formazione continuaLifelong Learning

Empowering Rural Communities. From Theory to Practice in Community Development

Tipologia:
Summer & Winter School
Area tematica:
Psicologia; Psicologia
Settore professionale:
Professioni psicologiche

Luogo:
Cremona

Da: 16/06/2025
A: 21/06/2025

Scadenza iscrizioni: 10/06/2025

Course Description:

Jointly organized by the European Rural Youth Observatory (EURYO) and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, this immersive summer school provides a rigorous and practice-oriented approach to rural community development. Designed for Students interested at all levels and qualifications, PhD students, early-career researchers, youth workers, and professionals, the program is structured around a core methodological framework that equips participants with the theories, methods, and practical tools needed to engage effectively in community-based work. The central fil rouge of the course is learning how to work within rural territories using a community-centered approach. Participants will gain hands-on training in participatory methodologies, enabling them to design, implement, and evaluate interventions tailored to local needs. The program integrates interactive workshops, expert-led thematic modules, and a field visit to a rural community in Cremona, Italy, where participants will critically observe successful initiatives and explore how theoretical concepts translate into practice. A distinguished panel of international experts will deliver thematic modules on core issues such as social inclusion, youth mobility, climate change justice, rural education, employment, and sustainability. This academic rigor is complemented by the involvement of the European Rural Youth Observatory, ensuring a high-level methodological and theoretical foundation, deeply embedded in contemporary European research and policy frameworks. Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate of attendance, demonstrating their advanced understanding of community-based methodologies, preparing them to apply these approaches in rural development settings.

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Destinatari

Target Group

This course is designed for individuals actively involved in community development, rural transformation, social work, education, policy-making, and research all over Europe. Specifically, the program is relevant for:

  • Students interested at all levels and qualifications
  • PhD students and early-career researchers focusing on rural development, social sciences, environmental studies, and community-based methodologies.
  • Youth workers and social practitioners engaged in participatory projects and rural inclusion initiatives.
  • NGO professionals, policy advisors, and civil society representatives working on rural development policies and interventions.
  • Educators and community trainers seeking to integrate participatory methodologies into their work with rural populations.
  • Local development officers and professionals in public administration responsible for implementing policies in rural areas.


Disciplinary Background

Participants may come from a variety of academic and professional disciplines, including but not limited to:

  • Social Sciences (Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Community Development)
  • Economics and Rural Development Studies
  • Environmental and Sustainability Studies
  • Political Science, Law, and Public Policy
  • Education and Pedagogy
  • Geography and Urban/Rural Planning
  • Agricultural and Ecological Sciences


Geographical Scope

The course welcomes participants from both national and international backgrounds, ensuring a diverse and global learning environment. 


Prerequisites

To ensure a productive learning experience, participants should meet the following criteria:


Knowledge of English (as all sessions, materials, and discussions will be conducted in English).

Vantaggi

Advantages

  • High Scientific Quality of the Faculty: Learn from internationally recognized experts and researchers specializing in rural development, participatory methodologies, and social innovation.
  • Immediate Applicability of Practical Tools: Gain hands-on experience with participatory action research (PAR) and other methodologies that can be directly applied to real-world community work.
  • Innovative Perspective on Rural Development: Explore cutting-edge approaches that integrate climate justice, youth mobility, and social inclusion to address contemporary rural challenges.
  • Interdisciplinary Approach: Benefit from insights across multiple fields, including social sciences, economics, education, environmental studies, and policy-making.
  • Networking and Professional Growth: Connect with an international network of scholars, practitioners, and policymakers working on rural community transformation.

Obiettivi

Course Objectives

  • Integrate Theory and Practice: Develop a solid understanding of community approach, participatory action research (PAR), and the bioecological model as applied to rural development.
  • Master Participatory Methods: Acquire skills in community-based methodologies, learning how to engage, mobilize, and empower communities effectively.
  • Analyze Key Rural Challenges: Gain insights into pressing issues such as social inclusion, climate resilience, education, labor markets, and sustainable rural economies.
  • Develop Context-Specific Approaches: Learn how to adapt interdisciplinary frameworks to design culturally and socially responsive community initiatives.
  • Expand Professional Networks: Connect with emerging scholars, practitioners, and international experts shaping the future of rural community development

Programma

Course Structure & Contents:

  • Theoretical Foundations: Exploration of key frameworks for understanding rural community development, focusing on social, economic, educational, and environmental dimensions.
  • Practical Training in Community-Based Methods: Hands-on workshops to develop skills in participatory research and intervention design, tailored to rural settings.
  • Key Thematic Modules: Sessions led by renowned international experts, covering social inclusion, education, rural employment, sustainability, and climate justice.
  • Case Studies & Best Practices: Examination of successful rural transformations from across Europe and beyond, illustrating effective community-led interventions.


Special Focus Areas

  • Community Engagement & Participatory Approaches: Learning how to work within rural communities, developing strategies for sustainable, community-led change.
  • Social Inclusion & Resilience: Addressing challenges of marginalization and fostering stronger, more cohesive rural communities.
  • Youth Mobility & Climate Change Justice: Exploring barriers to participation and promoting youth-driven sustainability efforts.
  • Education & Rural Learning Innovation: Examining access to education, digital learning, and lifelong learning opportunities in rural settings.
  • Employment and labor market in rural areas: Investigating rural labor markets, fostering local enterprise, and promoting sustainable economic growth.
  • Sustainability & Resilient Communities: Analyzing ecological, economic, and social practices that contribute to long-term rural sustainability.


By blending academic excellence, methodological rigor, and real-world insights, this summer school equips participants with the knowledge and skills to apply community-based methodologies effectively, shaping the future of rural development.


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Faculty

Iscrizioni

WHERE- WHEN - HOW TO REGISTER:

The school will take place from June 16 to June 21, 2025, at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Cremona (Italy) - Campus Santa Monica

The program includes a total of 40 hours of interactive training, combining lectures, thematic sessions, and participatory workshops.

  • Monday to Friday
  • Morning sessions: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Afternoon sessions: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday
  • Field trip: 5h to be defined


How to register:

Participants will be admitted in order of enrollment. If the minimum number is not reached, the school will be cancelled and the fee refunded.

To register, it is necessary to complete the ON LINE FORM and finalize payment at the time of registration.

Registration fee of Summer school: € 427,00 vat included.

Payment can be made by:

  • by credit card (VISA,MASTERCARD,AMERICAN EXPRESS, DINERS,UNIONPAY, JCB)
  • By bank transfer to the bank account indicated at the beginning of registration
  • The receipt of bank transfer is to be sent by email to formazione.permanente-pc@unicatt.it no later than 5 days after registration.
  • Registration will be confirmed and the receipt issued following payment.

The fee includes:

  • Course attendace and teaching material
  • Coffee break
  • Lunch
  • Certificate of attendance

Accomodation

  • Contact us by email for a complete list of partner hotels at discounted rates (Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore has a discount program with city center hotel)
  • Other housing options can be booked through regular booking websites and Airbnb.

427,00 Euro - vat included by June 10, 2025

Partner

  • EURYO - European Rural Youth Observatory

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Info e Contatti

For further information

Dott. Ellena Adriano Mauro

adrianomauro.ellena@unicatt.it

or

Dott.ssa Claudia Vacchelli

Formazione Permanente Piacenza- Cremona

Tel. 0523 599393

claudia.vacchelli@unicatt.it