Development Education Centres

DEC resource library © NEAD

Photo © NEAD

Development Education Centres (DECs) are independent local centres that raise the profile of global issues and encourage positive local action for global change.

Each DEC defines its own areas of work in response to local needs and enquiries. Most work with schools, teachers and local authorities to enrich the curriculum. Many also work with youth and community groups, volunteers, universities and adult learners.

DECs aim to lighten the workload and increase the knowledge and understanding of those they support by providing:

  • learning programmes
  • training and workshops
  • resource libraries
  • talks and lessons
  • support and advice
  • teaching ideas.

DECs often have strong links with communities in the global South. They promote the idea that we are all part of an interdependent global society, and that we have a responsibility to contribute to the creation of a fairer, safer, healthier and more cohesive world.

The names of DECs vary. Some centres use the words 'global', 'sustainable', 'one world', or 'international' in their titles, but they all work towards the same development education goals.

There are 45 Development Education Centres across the UK - to find your nearest one use the regional map on the Find a member page.

The following publication can provide more information:

  • Goals for DECs (Free to download)
    Suggested guidelines for DECs aspire to.