The headquarters of an international organisation directed at promoting community development across the world has just opened its doors in the department of community education, Gardyne Road campus.
Previously based in New Zealand, the International Association of Community Development (IACD) relocated to the University thanks in part to former University community education lecturer Charlie McConnell.
Charlie, who is now a senior advisor to Scotland's minister for social justice, was instrumental in bringing the IACD to Dundee as the University department is renowned in Scotland for its expertise in the field of community development regeneration. The headquarters are responsible for co-ordinating research, seminars and case-studies for its 1500 members across the world.
Ian Ball, head of community education said, "While the community development needs of Africa may be very different to those of Scotland, it is valuable to have an international network since it allows each country to place their own community development needs in context. Furthermore, the specific needs of different communities may be diverse, but the basic philosophy - empowering people to help themselves - remains the same everywhere. It is a real feather in the cap for the University and for community education in Scotland to be welcoming the IACD's headquarters to Dundee."