The Åbo Akademi University administrates training courses for Habitability facilitators with the start from the spring 2021. Habitability is a concept to measure and develop the attractiveness of an island. The process creates new ideas and practical possibilities, and it sets the stage of change. Being habitable is existential for an island to attract a resident population in a sustainable way.

The first pilot course starts in April 2021, it will be a distance course held in English. The outcome of this course is an up to date image of the habitability of a small island: facts, strong and weak aspects, perceived and possible perspectives. How can this image and knowledge be used to find common grounds for vital development?

SMILO will participate with the island of Gorée as experts during the session on April 20^th.

Schedule

The course consists of five parts with online sessions of three hours each. In between, the participants study on their own (literature, assignments, and individual feedback).

April 6 – The Change Processes.

April 20 – The Habitability Index.

May 4 –The Serious Creativity.

May 18 – The Action Plan.

June 4 – Evaluation and general feedback.

Practical details

Participant Criteria: For the selection of participants, a short motivation text (approx. 1 000–2 000 characters) including a preliminary description of the case island (included in the application form).

Costs: A course fee of 150€ per person applies for all participants.

Credits: A complete fulfilment of the course will generate a diploma/certificate.

Registration: Deadline for course registration is March 21, 2021. Click here for the registration form.

More information: discover the video made by the organisors for the SMILO Network, click here

and to go to the official website, click here.