The Commonwealth Secretariat has found that there is a need throughout the developing world for a book describing the setting up and operation of rural learning resource centres. On behalf of the Secretariat, and using her own practical experience, Shirley Giggey has drawn up this comprehensive training guide.She first provides a complete description of the best method for setting up a rural resource centre, right from the initial idea and planning (taking local circumstances into account), through to financial and staffing arrangements. She covers suitable designs for the buildings to be used and their interior layout, with much detailed advice.The practical, day-to-day running of the centre is dealt with clearly, simply and thoroughly. The need for methodical arrangements in acquiring and storing materials, and how (and even whether!) to lend them out are covered at length. Duplicating and other services are examined. Such matters as keeping of accounts, keeping records of the centre's activities, filing, stock-taking, insurance, maintenance and repair are amply explained. Samples of form letters and accounts pages are included. There is a list of organisations that provide useful materials.The main business of the centre – the gathering and selecting of materials and making them available – is given pride of place, but the many other possible services that can be offered are suggested and described. The effective use of resources is the aim throughout, an a fund-raising is shown to have a continuing importance. Suggestions are given on all relevant topics.This guide offers workable, solid, thorough advice and information for anyone in the developing countries who is either working in this field already or who wishes to do so.It is written for anyone living in or working with rural communities (community leaders, teachers, extension workers, women's group leaders, youth group leaders, etc.) and who feel their community could benefit from having informational and learning resources. It is written as clearly and simply as possible and uses examples from various parts of the world. There are ample illustrations and checklists.

Practical, sound advice on setting up and running rural community centres. This guide is written for anyone living in or working with rural communities (community leaders, teachers, extension workers, women's group leaders, youth group leaders, etc.) and who feel their community could benefit from having informational and learning resources. It is written clearly and simply, with examples from around the world, and includes illustrations and checklists.

Study covers Asia.

Community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) is an approach that offers multiple related benefits: securing rural livelihoods; ensuring careful conservation and management of biodiversity and other resources; and empowering communities to manage these resources sustainably. Recently, however, the CBNRM concept has attracted criticism for failing in its promise of delivering significant local improvements and conserving biodiversity in some contexts. This book identifies the flaws in its application, which often have been swept under the carpet by those involved in the initiatives. The authors analyse them, and propose remedies for specific circumstances based on the lessons learned from CBNRM experience in southern Africa over more than a decade. The result is essential reading for all researchers, observers and practitioners who have focused on CBNRM in sustainable development programmes as a means to overcome poverty and conserve ecosystems in various parts of the globe. It is a vital tool in improving their methods and performance. In addition, academics, students and policy-makers in natural resource management, resource economics, resource governance and rural development will find it a very valuable and instructive resource.

European co-operation has a special role in relation to youth. Both the Council of Europe and the European Community have developed specific initiatives to promote the interests of youth, and to place them in a European-wide context. These initiatives cover economic, social, educational and cultural matters. New opportunities have been created for youth exchanges and an increasingly important application of the EC Social Fund is concerned with youth issues. This volume has a wider focus than the others in this series in that it covers the initiatives of both the European Community and some of the work done by the Council of Europe. It explains how their youth policies have developed, the differences between them, it guides the reader as to its current programmes, and it also discusses proposals affecting the immediate future. This volume will be of special interest to the diverse audience concerned with youth policy: public administrators, educationalists, social and cultural bodies, youth representatives and young individuals.