Introduction

The discourse around international aid and development is undergoing a critical transformation, with Decolonizing Aid and Inclusive Development emerging as a powerful framework for challenging historical power imbalances and fostering more equitable partnerships. This approach recognizes that traditional aid models often perpetuate colonial legacies, reinforce dependency, and overlook the agency and expertise of local communities in the Global South. It calls for a fundamental shift towards locally led initiatives, equitable resource distribution, respect for diverse knowledge systems, and dismantling systemic biases that hinder genuine progress. Without a deliberate and systemic commitment to decolonizing aid and embracing inclusive development, the sector risks perpetuating cycles of inequality, undermining local capacities, and failing to achieve truly transformative and sustainable change that is driven by and accountable to the communities it serves. This essential training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master Decolonizing Aid and Inclusive Development.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to empower development practitioners, humanitarian aid workers, policy makers, academics, and all individuals engaged in international cooperation with the theoretical understanding and practical tools necessary to critically examine existing aid paradigms and contribute to more just and inclusive development practices. Participants will gain a deep understanding of colonial legacies in development, explore various pathways to decolonization, learn about fostering genuine local leadership and ownership, and acquire skills in advocating for systemic change. The course will delve into topics such as power dynamics in partnerships, shifting funding models, epistemic justice, indigenous knowledge systems, intersectionality in development, and ethical collaboration. By mastering the principles and practical application of Decolonizing Aid and Inclusive Development, participants will be prepared to champion equitable partnerships, promote authentic local agency, and contribute meaningfully to a more just and sustainable global development future.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• International Development and Humanitarian Aid Practitioners
• Policy Makers and Government Officials in development agencies
• NGO Leaders and Senior Management
• Program Managers and Coordinators
• Researchers and Academics in development studies
• Fundraising and Partnership Officers
• Communications and Advocacy Professionals
• Local Civil Society Organization (CSO) Leaders and Staff
• Consultants working in the development sector
• Anyone interested in critical development theory and practice.

Objectives

• Understand the historical context and colonial legacies within international aid and development.
• Learn about the core principles and dimensions of decolonizing aid.
• Acquire skills in critically analyzing power dynamics in development partnerships.
• Comprehend techniques for fostering genuine local leadership and ownership in programming.
• Explore strategies for promoting equitable resource distribution and funding models.
• Understand the importance of valuing and integrating diverse knowledge systems.
• Gain insights into addressing systemic biases and promoting intersectionality in development.
• Develop a practical understanding of advocacy for systemic change towards inclusive development.

Course Content

Module 1: Historical Context and Colonial Legacies in Aid

• Tracing the origins of modern aid to colonial and post-colonial eras.
• Understanding concepts of dependency, paternalism, and the "White Savior" complex.
• How historical power imbalances continue to shape contemporary aid structures.
• The role of language and narratives in perpetuating colonial dynamics.
• Examining the North-South divide in development discourse.

Module 2: Core Principles of Decolonizing Aid

• Defining decolonizing aid: A paradigm shift, not just a set of tools.
• Key principles: solidarity, reciprocity, equity, humility, accountability to affected populations.
• Shifting power dynamics from donor-driven to locally led initiatives.
• Differentiating decolonization from localization.
• Recognizing the agency and resilience of communities in the Global South.

Module 3: Power Dynamics in Partnerships and Collaboration

• Analyzing explicit and implicit power imbalances in international-local partnerships.
• Understanding funding power, knowledge power, and representational power.
• Strategies for building equitable, trust-based partnerships.
• Co-creation and co-design of programs with local actors.
• Addressing ethical dilemmas in cross-cultural collaboration.

Module 4: Shifting Funding Models and Resource Mobilization

• Critiquing current aid funding structures: tied aid, projectized funding, short-term grants.
• Exploring alternative funding models: direct funding, pooled funds, untied aid.
• Advocating for flexible, predictable, and accessible funding for local organizations.
• Building local resource mobilization capacity.
• The role of philanthropy and impact investing in a decolonized aid landscape.

Module 5: Epistemic Justice and Knowledge Production

• Challenging the dominance of Western knowledge systems in development.
• Valuing and integrating indigenous knowledge, local expertise, and traditional practices.
• Decolonizing research methodologies: participatory approaches, ethical data governance.
• Promoting equitable knowledge exchange and learning.
• The role of Southern-led research and think tanks.

Module 6: Inclusive Development and Intersectional Approaches

• Understanding inclusive development: ensuring no one is left behind.
• Applying an intersectional lens to development challenges (gender, race, disability, class, etc.).
• Addressing systemic discrimination and marginalization.
• Empowering diverse voices and leadership within communities.
• Designing programs that are responsive to the varied needs and experiences of different groups.

Module 7: Organizational Culture and Internal Transformation

• Examining internal organizational structures, policies, and practices that perpetuate colonial dynamics.
• Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within aid organizations (staffing, leadership).
• Fostering critical self-reflection and unlearning colonial mindsets.
• Developing anti-racist and anti-discriminatory practices.
• Creating safe spaces for honest conversations about power and privilege.

Module 8: Advocacy for Systemic Change and Future Directions

• Strategies for advocating for policy and systemic changes in the aid architecture.
• Building alliances and movements for decolonizing aid.
• The role of international advocacy in amplifying local voices.
• Imagining alternative futures for global cooperation and development.
• Sustaining the momentum for decolonization beyond a discourse.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 5 working days before commencement of the training.