A training program to enrich and enhance student’s civic engagement
CECi is the University Certificate in Civic Engagement created by ULB Engagée. It is a continuous training certificate worth 10 credits, it enables to :
- Make societal engagement
- Facilitate and enhance the academic value of your civic engagement within the field
- Develop a network in the voluntary sector
CECi is aimed at all young people in the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, student or not, and whether you are involved in an association or simply ready to take action for the common good.
CECi consists of 3 complementary dimensions:
- Online courses: they are based on concrete cases and a variety of audiovisual aids.
There are four modules:
– Communication
– Projet management
– Commitment and challenges of society
– How an association works
These modules can be taken in any order, before, during or after the volunteer placement (see part 2). The content of each module should be seen as an introduction to the subject, to support participants in their civic commitment. Their aim is to provide a theoretical complement to action in the field.
Please note that the online courses are only available in French. - Volunteer work internship: The CECi apprenticeship is based on a field placement with an assignment to complement the theoretical training. Having found an internship opportunity is therefore a prerequisite for any application for the certificate. The placement must be in a not-for-profit organisation and must last a minimum of 150 hours, which can be spread over a maximum of two years.
3. Participative workshops: Workshops are organised every month to encourage exchanges between students taking part in CECi, with the goal of creating a community of committed students and encouraging collaboration. They also help to maintain motivation and a positive dynamic within the group! These workshops combine developing and applying skills and knowledge, putting participants in touch with inspiring people and using collective intelligence. The methods and tools used to run the workshops are varied, so that participants can re-use them as part of their own commitment.
Please note that workshops are given in French.
What did the workshops for the 2023/2024 academic year focus on?
- Identifying challenges and managing uncomfortable situations
- Project management in the humanitarian sector
- Introduction to digital well-being
- Identifying skills acquired through voluntary work
- Advocacy work in the voluntary sector
- Inclusivity: creating an environment favourable to diversity
Validation of the certificate
The certificate is validated with the submission of a portfolio. It consists of a self-reflective analysis, an assessment by the course supervisor and 5 pieces of work. All of these are analysed by a panel of ULB academics on the basis of a grid, which focuses as much on the quality of the work presented as on the reflexivity and perspective taken by the participant on his or her learning.
what are the benefits?
- A course enabling participants to develop cross-disciplinary skills that can be added to their CVs.
- A flexible curriculum, with theoretical training starting on a date of the participant’s choice: everyone can progress at their own pace. The certificate can be completed within a maximum of 2 years.
- An internship opportunity within a non-profit organisation, which may be a ‘cercle d’étudiants’, office or student association (subject to validation by ULB Engagée).
Practical information
Applications will open again at the end of August 2024.
Do you want to take part in this training?
Applications will open in September. To be kept informed when CECi applications open, you can fill out this short form.
Location and dates: The courses are available exclusively online, and can be accessed at your own pace. Registrants will be given access to the content at the beginning of October 2024. The next application will open in February 2025.
Six or seven participatory workshops are planned per academic year: they generally take place face-to-face on the ULB campuses.
Places and prices: ULB Engagée generally offers around thirty places at a cost of €600 each, so participants don’t have to pay anything to take part in CECi.
NB : In order to take part, you will need to have found a voluntary work placement opportunity (minimum 150 hours): the name of your work placement organisation, the contact details of your work placement supervisor and your assignment will be requested in the form. ULB Engagée and TIME platform are there to help you if you need it.
Do you have any questions? Don’t hesitate to consult our FAQ (available in French) and/or contact us at engagement.citoyen@ulb.be or on 02 650 28 79.
With the support of
