Community Participation QQI Level 3

Who is this course for?
This course, leading to a Minor Award in Level 3 Community Participation, is for anyone aged 16-25 living in the Greater Dublin area. Young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds are particularly welcome.

Why should I take this course?
Creating positive change starts in your local community. Our mission at ECO-UNESCO is to empower young people to create positive change to improve communities and protect our planet.
This course will develop your skills and confidence in teamwork, cooperation, and community action.

When can I start this course?
The next intake of this course will begin in the week of 28 September 2026.

What will I learn?
On successful completion of this course, learners will be able to:  

Define the term community
Describe a range of community and voluntary activities
Describe the characteristics of a local community
Compile a list of community and voluntary organisations in a named locality
Describe the activities of local community and voluntary organisations
Prepare an action plan for participation in a community project including contact information about the organization, location at which the work is to be carried out, estimation of the time required and scheduling details and any special requirements for the project
Participate consistently in a short community project
Apply appropriate health, safety and personal hygiene procedures during participation in the project
Maintain a daily record while participating in the community project including tasks undertaken, resources, facilities and equipment used, adaptations to the planned schedule and achievements of the project
Compile a report on participation in the project including key aspects of the organization, duration, location, nature and extent of the project, and achievements of the project
Reflect critically on participation in the community project including personal learning, successes and areas for improvement
Reflect on the impact of the project on the community or organization for which it was carried out and other projects that would benefit the organization or local community.

What will I do?
Participants in this course will: 

Participate in group discussions and peer learning sessions
Plan, deliver, and reflect on a community action project in their own community

How will this course be delivered?
The course will be delivered in-person at ECO-UNESCO’s office at 9 Burgh Quay, Dublin.

There will be one two-hour session a week for twelve weeks, as well as time spent in your local community to deliver your action project.

Independent work will also need to be completed.

How will this course be assessed?
Portfolio of work: 100%

Throughout the course, your tutors will keep track of the contributions that you have made to class discussions and tasks. These will be used to provide evidence for your completion of the course learning outcomes.

The planning, delivery, and reflection on the community action project will play an important role in this portfolio of work.

What do I need to be accepted into this course?
You must be able to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and competence associated with Level 2 on the National Framework of Qualifications
You must have a competent level of spoken and written English
You must have a PPS number
Applications must include a brief statement explaining why you would like to take part in this course.

Fees: 

€250 per learner. Fee concession is available, please contact ECO-UNESCO for more information.

​Community Participation 
Award Type: Minor
Awarding Body: QQI
Code: 3N2908
NFQ Level: 3
Credit Value: 10  
Duration: One 2/hour session weekly for 12 weeks, with time for community involvement. 

Course start date: September 28, 2026

Applications due: September 21, 2026 to be considered for this course