Photo opportunity, 4pm, Friday November 1, staff common room, Gardyne Rd campus, University of Dundee.
The headquarters of an international organisation directed at promoting community development across the world will open its doors at the University of Dundee tomorrow, November 1.
Formerly based in New Zealand, the International Association of Community Development (IACD) has relocated to the University's Department of Community Education within the Gardyne Road campus.
Former Community Education lecturer Charlie McConnell, who is now a senior advisor to Scotland's minister for Social Justice and chair of IACD, 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 and 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 at the University said, "While the community development needs of Africa or Brazil 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."
Ian Ball, Charlie McConnell, faculty Dean Ron Elder and IACD President Professor Gary Craig will be amongst the guests at the official opening of the headquarters at the Gardyne Rd campus tomorrow.
Contact Ian Ball on 01382 464389
By Jane Smernicki, Press Officer 01382 344768 j.m.smernicki@dundee.ac.uk