Amazing Tips on NYSC CDS

Community Development Service (CDS) is a fundamental program for all corps members, enabling them to make a positive impact in their host communities and leaving a legacy of honor and value. It fosters community development, empowers youth, and promotes national development.

OBJECTIVES OF NYSC CDS ARE:

• Enhancing Rural Community Life: Making a positive impact on the improvement of rural community life.
• Fostering Entrepreneurship: Cultivating the spirit of entrepreneurship among corps members.
• Youth Empowerment: Tackling the challenges of rural development and instilling in Nigerian youth qualities such as leadership, endurance, selflessness, community service, national pride, and creativity.
• Cultural Exposure: Introducing corps members to the rich traditions and customs of host communities.
• Promoting Local Innovation: Providing a platform for corps members to turn their ideas into tangible achievements, reducing reliance on foreign technology, and encouraging the use of local resources in project execution.
• Utilizing Talent: Harnessing the diverse talents and skills of corps members to drive positive change in rural communities.
• On-the-Job Training: Offering on-the-job training and practical experience for corps members.
• Complementary National Development: Contributing to national development efforts by teaching underprivileged populations basic self-help techniques through appropriate technology concepts promoted by NYSC.
• Dignity of Labor: Instilling in corps members a strong work ethic and a sense of pride in their labor.
• Government Support: Complementing the activities of government at all levels in the pursuit of national development.

CLASSIFICATION OF NYSC CDS

There are three types namely:

• Group Community Development Service (Group CDS): Corps members dedicate one day a week to group CDS activities, focusing on projects and programs that enhance the living conditions of host communities.
• Personal/Individual Community Development Service (Personal/Individual CDS): Individual corps members identify and address community needs through projects such as constructing facilities, offering educational support, or vocational training.
• Collaborative Community Development Service: NYSC partners with national and non-governmental organizations to implement development programs, with corps members often volunteering their services.

IDENTIFICATION OF PROJECTS THROUGH NEEDS ASSESSMENT

• Observation: Identifying challenges faced by the community, such as lack of essential services or common issues like disease, illiteracy, and drug abuse.
• Community Engagement: Engaging with community members, including youth, leaders, and elders, to identify various needs and priorities.

PROGRAMME/PROJECT SELECTION

• SMART Criteria: Projects must be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Rewarding, and Time-bound.
• Community-Centric: Projects must align with the felt-needs of the community to ensure their relevance and impact.

STEPS FOR EXECUTION OF CDS PROJECT

• Community Engagement: Interacting with community stakeholders to identify community needs.
• Funding: Identifying funding sources and creating a viable proposal with clear details.
• Approval: Gaining approval from NYSC and relevant authorities.
• Resource Mobilization: Collaborating with community members, government, and organizations to gather resources.
• Execution: Actively executing the project.
• Reporting: Providing regular progress reports with documentary evidence.
• Completion and Handover: Completing the project and handing it over to the community.
• Feedback: Providing feedback to project sponsors and donors.

CRITERIA FOR CONSIDERATION OF CDS PROJECT FOR APPROVAL

• Submission of a written proposal through the appropriate channels.
• Demonstrating the relevance of the project to the community.
• Ensuring sustainability and benefits for the community beyond the corps member’s service.
• Choosing project locations that are accessible and non-disputed.
• Sourcing funds from community, government, and stakeholders.
• Completing all CDS projects within the service year.

CDS GENERIC TIMELINE

Month 1: Orientation Camp

Month 2: Placement in CDS groups and settling down.

Month 3-5: Proposal development and submission.

Month 6: Project approvals and commencement.

Month 7: Supervision and monitoring of projects.

Month 8-9: Continuation of project execution and supervision.

Month 10: Final reports and project inauguration.

Month 11: Passing out.

COMMUNITY ENTRY

Identifying and engaging community gatekeepers, including traditional and religious leaders, youth and women leaders, opinion leaders, and other stakeholders.

ACTIVITIES OF COMMUNITY ENTRY

• Interacting with the host community to identify projects based on their needs.
• Building support for the project through advocacy and sensitization in collaboration with Local Government and Zonal Inspectors.
• Obtaining necessary consent from community leaders.
• Ensuring contact with relevant linkages for project execution.

STRATEGIES FOR MOBILIZING FUNDS AND MATERIALS

• Funding is a shared responsibility of the community, government, and stakeholders.
• Corps members should not use personal funds for CDS projects.
• Funds can be sourced from corporate organizations, NGOs, philanthropists, government agencies, and community members.
• Comprehensive financial tracking and accountability are essential.
• Mobilization of resources should involve community members and stakeholders.
• Providing feedback to project sponsors is important.

LINKAGES AND THEIR USEFULNESS

Linkages include governmental and non-governmental organizations that support CDS programs.

These linkages provide local support and resources for corps members’ CDS activities.

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