2026 CDS Annual Conference

This leadership program, a collaboration between the University Department of Community Development and ___ University in Kenya, strengthened both human capital (skills and knowledge) and social capital (relationships and connections) for trainers in both countries and the rural leaders who participated in the program. The process involved adapting and co-designing leadership curricula, learning with a core team of faculty, staff and volunteer trainers, and implementing a train-the-trainer model for the Kenyan team as they trained the first cohort of community members. Through peer-learning, trainers and participants strengthened their skills, networks and confidence to harness collaborative energy to navigate challenges and opportunities together.