Community engagement report
Submitted for the partial fulfillment of the degree
Bachelor's of Business Administration
By
Manas Shah 2321228
Aditya Jolly 2321202
Under the supervision of
Dr Mallika Bk
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
CHRIST (DEEMED TO BE UNIVERSITY)
BENGALURU
OCTOBER 2023
Declaration
We, Manas Shah, Aditya Jolly declare that the Community Engagement Project
Report, submitted to CHRIST (Deemed to be University), in partial fulfilment of
the requirements for the award of the Degree of Bachelors of Business
Administration is a record of original and independent study undertaken by me
during the year 2023 under the supervision and guidance of Dr. Mallika Bk, Class
teacher of 1 BBA B, School of Business and Management.
We also declare that this dissertation has not been submitted for awarding any
degree, diploma, associateship, fellowship or another title to any other
Institution/University.
Manas Shah 2321228
Aditya Jolly 2321202
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the project submitted by Manas Shah titled Community
Engagement Project submitted to CHRIST (Deemed to be University), in partial
fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Bachelor of Business
Administration, is a record of original study undertaken by him/her, during the
period 2023 in the School of Business and Management at CHRIST (Deemed to be
University), Bangalore, under my supervision and guidance. The project has not
formed the basis for the award of any Degree, Diploma, Associateship, Fellowship
or another similar title of recognition to any other University.
Dr. Mallika Bk
Class Teacher
School of Business and Management
Dr Shrinivas K
Department Coordinator-School of Business and Management
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We, Manas Shah, Aditya Jolly would like to express our profound gratitude to all
those who have been instrumental in the preparation of this Community
Engagement Project Report. We wish to place our deep gratitude to our project
guide, Dr. Mallika Bk for guiding us through this project with valuable and timely
advice. We would like to thank our Vice Chancellor, Dr Fr. Benny Thomas –
Director, Yeshwanthpur Campus Dr Joby Thomas – Dean, Yeshwanthpur Campus
and Dr. Shrinivas K. - Department Coordinator, School of Business and
Management for their encouragement.
Last but not the least, we would like to thank my parents and friends for their
constant help and support.
Manas Shah 2321228
Aditya Jolly 2321202
Introduction
“Community Engagement is… the process of working collaboratively with and
through groups of people affiliated by geographic proximity, special interest, or
similar situations to address issues affecting the well-being of those people. It is a
powerful vehicle for bringing about environmental and behavioral changes that
will improve the health of the community and its members. It often involves
partnerships and coalitions that help mobilize resources and influence systems,
change relationships among partners, and serve as catalysts for changing policies,
programs, and practices.” ~ CDC, 1997
What is Community Engagement?
Community engagement is the practice of collaborating with and involving the
community to address problems that impact their well-being.
Principles of Community Engagement: -
Relationships
Reciprocity
Equity
Continuity
Openness to learning
Commitment to act
Community engagement is a blend of science and art. Science comes from
sociology, public policy, political science, cultural anthropology, organizational
development, psychology, social- psychology and other disciplines. The art comes
from the understanding, skill, and sensitivity used to apply and adapt the science in
ways that fit the community and the purposes of specific engagement efforts. The
term "community" is linked to "engagement," broadening the scope and changing
the emphasis from the person to the group. This has consequences for inclusivity,
ensuring that the diversity present in any community is taken into account. The
exposure and knowledge of issues are increased by community participation which
also gives communities the opportunity to influence decisions that have an impact
on their daily lives, communities, and towns, cities and neighborhoods.
Needs and Objectives of Community Engagement
Needs of Community Engagement: -
1. Facilitates better decision making - Community involvement provides you with
more knowledge and viewpoints, which may assist you in making decisions that
take the larger picture and the impact on all of your stakeholders into account.
2. Be Socially Responsible - You may increase your awareness of the social,
environmental, and economic variables at play and hopefully make a constructive
contribution by getting involved in the community.
3. Increase trust - Demonstrate greater honesty while speaking with community
members to foster trust.
Objectives of Community Engagement: -
1. Fostering inclusivity - Promoting inclusivity is making sure that everyone in the
community, regardless of their background, has the chance to participate in and
contribute to communal decisions and activities.
2. Building relationships - To build and deepen relationships of mutual respect,
trust, and goodwill both inside the community and with outside stakeholders.
3. Sustainable development - To work for the community's long-term
improvement, taking care of not only the urgent needs, but also making plans for
its development and resilience in the future.
4. Diversity of Approach - to ensure that engagement initiatives are sensitive to
and relevant to local culture and customs, and to recognize and respect the cultural
context of the community.
Creating inclusive, open, and empowered communities is what motivates
community participation. Making sure that everyone in the community can actively
take part in decision-making and problem-solving, it fulfils the needs for inclusion,
open communication, trust building, and empowerment. Fostering trust, improving
communication, giving citizens more control, and promoting sustainable
development are all goals of community participation. By meeting their immediate
needs, encouraging long-term growth, and making sure resources are utilized
wisely, it seeks to increase the resilience and wellbeing of communities.
CHRIST (Deemed to be University) SRP Policy
CHRIST (Deemed to be University) views research as the foundation of
intellectual progress and social development based on the key ideals of "pursuit of
excellence" and "social responsibility.”
The SRP aims to:
Create and enhance social policy.
Treating patients and transforming society.
Give your time and talents.
In the business world, the Social Responsibility Policy (SRP) is often referred to as
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). It is a moral obligation of every other
company to fulfil all their social responsibilities. Inclusion is emphasized in the
social responsibility policy of the university. The university strives to provide a
welcoming campus environment where diversity is celebrated, and everyone is
treated with respect and dignity. Egality of opportunity and social justice are
provided to all students, irrespective of their backgrounds. The college aims to
create a sustainable campus environment by implementing eco-friendly activities
including garbage reduction, energy conservation, and water conservation.
Additionally, it promotes environmental awareness and exhorts its staff and
students to live sustainably in all aspects of their lives.
Overall, the social responsibility policy of Christ Deemed to be University shows
the commitment to creating a campus community that is sustainable, inclusive, and
socially responsible as well as one that benefits society.
All of Christ University's students have the chance to participate in service learning
and community engagement through a variety of programs that are included into
their undergraduate and graduate degrees. The project's objectives are to make
students more aware of various social challenges and to help them understand their
involvement in resolving these difficulties. It aims to alter students' perceptions of
these social problems and make them aware of their part in assisting society in
resolving such problems. These initiatives support the university's mission of
"Excellence and Service."
Activities
1. Cleaning
We took an initiative to visit Vikas Janintha Trust NGO to undertake various
activities and our first activity was cleaning. We followed Modi Ji Swachh Bharat
Abhiyan and did cleaning of NGO owner main room by brooming it and
organizing the room. This was inspired by the idea of Sustainable Development
Goals. Me Manas Shah and my teammate Aditya Jolly spent 4 hours doing
cleaning activities like brooming and organizing the room.
Tree Planting
This was our second activity which was undertaken by us. In this activity we were
taken to the NGO backyard, and we planted many tree saplings under the guidance
of NGO owner. We spent a total of 3 hours planting tree saplings and through this
activity we learned many things. We learned that trees are important for
sustainable development and for our wellbeing. But people cut down trees for
building houses and various industrial purposes. We should encourage
afforestation by planting more trees which will improve the quality of our
environment.
Fund Raising
This was our third activity in which we undertook fund raising or donation for the
NGO. In this activity we visited various shops to collect some funds to donate to
the NGO. Fundraising is the main step for running and managing the decided and
expected programmers and activities of NGO. This was long lasting process which
took us a total of 6 hours to finish this activity. Through this activity we learned the
importance of fund raising which is:
It raises awareness and gives legitimacy to your organization.
It helps with the identification of gravest problems of the community.
It brings in volunteers.
It reinforces community outreach.
Teaching
In this activity we undertook teaching which was our final activity. We taught
children some basic things like English alphabets, numbers, Hindi basics. We also
explained to them the importance of education and how it affects individual
development. People who are educated are an important asset for the country's
welfare.
This activity took us a total of 3 hours and it was a great experience for children.
We also gave chocolates to children for listening to us patiently.
Learning Outcomes
Through the multifaceted objectives like cleaning, tree planting, fund raising and
teaching gave us valuable learning benefits. This useful lesson illustrates the idea
of sustainability by highlighting how choices like cleaning and tree planting may
foster personal environmental responsibility and contribute to a better future.
Participants gain teamwork and collaboration skills as well as an understanding of
the power of a collective effort during the park cleaning. It becomes evident that
there is good communication, teamwork, and shared objectives, which promotes a
sense of individual accountability for maintaining the cleanliness of the
community. Leadership abilities develop naturally when some people step into
leadership roles and learn to inspire and delegate.
Unexpected challenges encourage resilience and adaptation while helping to
improve problem-solving skills. Planning and carrying out tasks well, particularly
when there are few resources available, aids in developing time management,
scheduling, and resourcefulness.
In summary, these programs provide a full educational experience that emphasizes
environmental stewardship, civic engagement, and social responsibility, enhancing
the lives of participants and having a positive, long-lasting impact on the
community. As a result of these activities, everyone can look forward to a brighter
and sustainable future that emphasizes the interconnectedness of social
responsibility, community development, environmental awareness, and personal
progress.
