HECOL 301 Needs and Capacities Assessment - Sinkunia Community Development Organization

Embarking on the HECOL 301 (Program Planning and Evaluation) journey, our group collaborated with the Edmonton non-profit organization Sinkunia Community Development Organization (abbreviated Sinkunia or SCDO) to assess their needs and capacities. The goal was to comprehensively understand Sinkunia's needs through a human ecological lens, aligning with my mission to support community organizations for holistic well-being and social equity through collaborative learning.

Our primary methods—online literature review, key informant interviews, and direct observations—were instrumental in collecting pertinent information about Sinkunia and its clients. We aimed to produce an assessment document contributing to the organization's well-being, reflecting my commitment to community support. Venturing into the community, albeit virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions, significantly shifted my learning journey. Despite the challenges, we engaged with the program coordinator at Sinkunia, gaining valuable insights. However, the inability to directly interact with Sinkunia's clients highlighted the constraints imposed by the pandemic.

My experience in program planning and evaluation directly ties into my broader aspirations in health promotion and education. My upcoming Winter 2024 practicum with Alberta Health Services, focusing on the Better Choices Better Health program in the Edmonton zone, is intricately linked to the skills developed in HECOL 301. Understanding the importance of considering clients, cultural context, and service gaps in program planning became evident as we delved into Sinkunia's needs and capacities.

While the grade we received for the needs and capacities assessment may not be a source of pride, it serves as a testament to the value of continuous learning through collaborative efforts. Although critical, our professor's feedback became valuable as we transitioned into the program planning phase. This reflective process aligns with my mission statement, emphasizing collaborative learning for holistic well-being and social equity. The challenges we faced during the assessment underscore the importance of adaptability and resilience in community-based work. As I progress toward my career aspirations in health promotion and education, the lessons learned in HECOL 301 will undoubtedly contribute to my ability to plan and evaluate programs effectively, fostering positive change at the individual, family, and community levels.