Learning and Services for Diverse Ethnic Groups

In poorly resourced communities, lacking in skilled doctors and workers, health care and community services fall into the hands of the partially or untrained person. Although it is often a key part of the urban worker's role, in remote communities, due to distance and a lack of infrastructure, workers can go years without participating in professional development.

Similarly, limited funding and time constraints affect provision of successful services and training to distant, isolated or sparsely populated centers. Visiting services are often perceived as impersonal, intermittent and superficial.

A key advantage of Cicada's programs is that they can be made accessible to anyone regardless of prior knowledge and literacy. In addition, programs are locally relevant and adaptable to meet the needs of individual participants and their community. Programs are ideal for dealing with challenging and sensitive issues.

For service providers, the model can be adopted to maintain a presence in remote communities between visits and encourage more open lines of communication between providers and end users.

Cicada transfers skills & knowledge to local communities and their service providers increasing soft infrastructure; establishing local, regional & global networks; providing mentoring opportunities and developing community well-being and empowerment.

Cicada.net.au is committed to making training accessible to those who are in the greatest need.