Courses

VSLA as Economic Empowerment through Local Church Groups

Date and time: Wednesday, June 10, 2026 | 09:00–11:30 CET
Location: Online via Zoom

CKU invites you to join a series of interactive online seminars designed to deepen understanding of practical approaches to diakonia. Each session will focus on specific tools and strategies that can strengthen diaconal work in churches and faith-based organizations, but also consider the challenges faced by partners in their diaconal work and the delicate balances that need addressing.

In this third session we will learn about how Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) organized by church groups can strengthen financial resilience and community development. We will explore practical strategies for organizing and sustaining savings groups within faith communities, drawing on lessons from real-world implementations. Discussions will cover governance, accountability, and how economic empowerment initiatives can strengthen both livelihoods and social cohesion.

Sign up here.

Deadline for registration: June 5, 2026 

Date and time: Wednesday, August 26, 2026 | 09:00–11:30 CET
Location: Online via Zoom

CKU invites you to join a series of interactive online seminars designed to deepen understanding of practical approaches to diakonia. Each session will focus on specific tools and strategies that can strengthen diaconal work in churches and faith-based organizations, but also consider the challenges faced by partners in their diaconal work and the delicate balances that need addressing.

In this forth session we will learn from experiences with different trauma healing approaches grounded in biblical principles. It introduces practical methods for supporting emotional and spiritual recovery, focusing on group dynamics and participatory techniques. We will also become familiar with using visuals particularly working with children. Participants will together reflect on how these strategies can be applied in diverse contexts to promote resilience and holistic well-being within faith-based frameworks.

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Deadline for registration: August 21, 2026 

Date and time: Tuesday, August 25, 9:00–10:30 AM
Location: Online via Zoom

The course on Grant Management will introduce grant holders to CKU’s Grant Management Guidelines and the procedures and requirements related to project management. The course will include two tracks – one on financial/administrative management, and one on a management theme related to project implementation. 

Programme for the event will be made available in the beginning of August 2026 at the latest. 

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Date and time: 9. september 2026, 9-12 CET. 
Location: Online via Zoom

Diaconal locally led development is the process of transferring ownership and decision-making to local communities by adapting projects to each unique context, focusing on empowering local communities and marginalized groups to define their own development priorities and solutions so that transformation emerges from within.  

This course will explore the opportunities and challenges of faith actors in facilitating locally led development. The course will assess how faith actors can use their unique ability to access and engage with local communities to ensure that interventions are contextually relevant, as well as their role as trusted intermediaries to facilitate inclusive platforms where local voices can be heard.  

The course will also look into how challenges of faith actors due to hierarchal structure, power imbalances and instrumentalization can counteract locally led development.  

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Diaconal locally led development 

Date and time: October 28, 2026, 9:00–12:00
Location: Online via Zoom

On October 28, 2026, from 09:00–12:00 CET, CKU will again host an online safeguarding seminar for CKU members and partners. This seminar addresses how cultural contexts influence conversations and actions around safeguarding. Together we will explore: 

• The role of cultural norms in shaping approaches to abuse prevention in church settings 

• How to build ownership in locally grounded safeguarding systems 

• How to develop a culturally resonant safeguarding system that aligns with universal protection principles 

• Practical strategies for fostering dialogue and trust within diverse communities 

The session will feature case presentations by partners, offering real-world examples and insights to guide discussion. Participants will engage in peer learning to develop safeguarding practices that respect local realities while ensuring accountability and protection. 

Sign up here.