Diploma in Peacebuilding & Social Entrepreneurship

Offered by : SAF Nepal & Lumbini Buddhist University

Eligibility:

Academic : Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
Experience : Prior experience in community development, social work, or related fields is preferred but not mandatory.
Motivation : Strong interest in peacebuilding, social justice, and sustainable development.
English Proficiency : Working knowledge in written and spoken English.

Course Objectives:

This program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to become effective peacebuilders and social entrepreneurs. By integrating Buddhist principles with peacebuilding and social entrepreneurship strategies, it establishes a unique framework for addressing societal challenges while promoting inner peace and external harmony. Consequently, it supports environmental sustainability, community development, and overall well-being. Participants will gain knowledge and skills in peacebuilding and conflict resolution, while also developing innovative thinking and problem-solving abilities to address social challenges. Additionally, this program offers a platform for networking and collaboration among peacebuilders and social entrepreneurs.

Course Structure:

This 40-credit diploma program will be delivered through a blended learning approach, combining classroom sessions, online learning modules, field placements, and independent study.

Core Courses (24 credits):

Understanding Peace and Peacebuilding : (4 credits)

 

• Plural and Diverse, Positive, Just and Quality Peace

• Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace

• Human rights, Social justice, and Peace.

• Peace education and multicultural literacy

• Buddhism and Global Peace

Peacebuilding in Practice: (4 credits)

 

• Conflict analysis and assessment.

• Conflict Management ,Conflict Resolution and Conflict Transformation

• Mediation and negotiation skills.

• UN Agenda of Peace and Sustainable Development Goals

• Case studies of successful peacebuilding initiatives

Social Entrepreneurship for Peacebuilding: (4 credits)

 

• Principles and practices of social entrepreneurship.

• Developing social business models.

• Identifying and addressing social needs through entrepreneurial solutions.

• Measuring social impact and sustainability.

• Ethical considerations in social entrepreneurship.

Buddhist Teaching and Social Entrepreneurship: (4 credits)

 

• Compassion in Buddhist teachings : Alleviating suffering, aligning with social entrepreneurs' goals of tackling societal challenges like poverty and inequality.

• Mindfulness in Decision-Making : to make ethical, sustainable, and inclusive decisions, balancing business success with societal well-being.

• Interconnectedness and Sustainability : To inspire entrepreneurs to adopt holistic, sustainable approaches.

• Detachment from Excessive Materialism : Prioritizing social good over profit maximization.

• Ethical Leadership : The Eightfold Path in Buddhism, particularly aspects like Right Action and Right Livelihood.

Research Methods for Peacebuilding & Social Entrepreneurship: (4 credits)

 

• Data collection and analysis methods.

• Research design and proposal writing.

• Ethical considerations in research.

• Analyzing and interpreting data for social impact.

• Digital Designs for Peacebuilding and Development

Leadership & Communication for Social Change: (4 credits)

 

• Leadership styles and their application to peacebuilding.

• Communication strategies for social change.

• Team building and collaboration.

• Advocacy and campaigning for social justice.

• Presentation and public speaking skills.

Elective Courses (16 credits):

Students will choose four elective courses (4 credits each) from the following:

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• Buddhist Philosophy & Practice for Peacebuilding

• Gender & Peacebuilding

• Environmental Peacebuilding

• Trauma Healing & Psychosocial Support

• Financial Management for Social Enterprises

• Digital Marketing for Social Impact

• Community Development & Empowerment

• International Humanitarian Law & Human Rights

Field Placement (4 credits):

Students will undertake a 4-month field placement with a relevant organization (NGO, social enterprise, government agency) working on peacebuilding or social development. This will provide practical experience and allow students to apply their learning in a real-world setting.

 

Independent Study & Project (4 credits):

Students will conduct independent research or develop a social enterprise project related to their area of interest. This will involve research, planning, implementation, and evaluation.

Assessment:

Assignments : Class assignments, case studies, presentations.
Exams : Mid-term and final examinations.
Field Placement Reports : Regular reports, final evaluation.
Project Reports : Project proposal, progress reports, final report.
Participation : Active participation in class discussions and group work.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

 

• Understand the theoretical and practical aspects of peacebuilding.

• Apply social entrepreneurship principles to address social challenges.

• Design and implement effective peacebuilding interventions.

• Conduct research and analyze data related to peacebuilding and social entrepreneurship.

• Develop and lead social enterprises that contribute to peace and development.

• Communicate effectively and advocate for social change.

• Work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

• Demonstrate ethical and responsible leadership in peacebuilding and social entrepreneurship.

*Note :

This is a sample course structure and may be subject to modifications based on the specific needs and resources of SAF Nepal and Lumbini Buddhist University.
The curriculum will be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the evolving needs of the peacebuilding and social entrepreneurship sectors.​