Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) And Answers On NYSC CDS

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Community Development Service (CDS) is one of the four (4) Cardinal Programmes of the national youth service corps (NYSC) in which corps members contribute positively to the development of their host communities throughout the period of national service. The NYSC community development programme is a year-round affair.

Through the CDS, members of the Service Corps work with the local communities to promote self-reliance by systematically prospecting and executing development projects and programme which impact positively on the socio-economic development of the host communities. There are two categories of CDS. They are group and individual CDs. There are various types of group CDS. Here are some common questions and answers concerning CDS.

Read Also: All about NYSC community development service (CDS)

Seven (7) Question And Answer On CDS

Question 1: Can a Corps member belong to more than one CDS group?

Answer: No. This is because every Corps member must be committed to his/her 

group and ensure full participation in their activities for maximum output.

Question 2: Can a Corps member choose a CDS group that he/she will be 

 assigned?

Answer: No. It is the responsibility of Local Government Inspector to assign Corps 

members as appropriate except in cases where the Corps member joined a specialised group on camp and has received some level of training for his/her assigned role.

Question 3: Should a Corps member’s individual CDS project commitment interfere with his/her primary assignment?

Answer: No. A Corps member’s individual CDS activities should be carried out during a Corps member’s spare time and must not affect his/her official responsibilities in the place of primary assignment and group CDS activities.

Question 4: Should I as a Corps member get approval before embarking on a personal CDS project?

Answer: Yes. To ensure proper documentation, guidance and supervision a proposal must be forwarded as stated in this handbook and approval received before embarking on project implementation.

Question 5: How often should I (Corps member) submit a report on a personal CDS project?

Answer: It is expected that Corps members carrying out personal CDS projects submit at least three(3) progress reports in line with the phases of project implementation. A completion report on the project must as well be submitted in addition to the three (3) progress reports stated above.

Question 6: Is it automatic that I must get an award once I carry out a personal CDS project?

Answer: No. The overarching objective of every CDS project is to contribute to the well being of the society, to leave a mark of honour and a legacy worthy of emulation behind. Therefore, carrying out CDS project does not translate to

winning an award and the scheme is not under compulsion to reward you for carrying out a community development project.

Question 7: As a Corps member, what are the likely benefits for me in carrying out CDS projects?

Answer: As a Corps member, the sense of self fulfilment that comes with adding value to the lives of people/communities cannot be estimated in monetary terms.

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Furthermore, the immense appreciation shown by communities as well as project beneficiaries coupled with the skill acquired in project management are of great value to committed Corps members who execute CDS projects in the course of the service year. However, the scheme also provides opportunity for Corps members, based on a procedure of selection, evaluation and verification of CDS projects, performance in the place of primary assignment, orientation course and winding up activities to give awards in the following areas:

i. State Coordinator’s Letter of Commendation

ii. Local Government Honours Award

iii. State Government Honours Award

iv. Presidential Honours Award