How To Write NYSC CDS Project Proposal

Community Development Service (CDS) is one of the four (4) Cardinal Programmes of 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.

Group CDS project by medical group alimosho LGA 2020

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. CDS allows Corps members to contribute positively in the development of their host communities.

There are two categories of CDS. They are group and individual CDS. There is a category which is not classified as part tof type of CDS. They are Collaborative (Special) CDS.

Collaborative (Special) CDS Project

The scheme partners with National and Non-Governmental organizations and other establishments to implement development programmes. The Scheme signs MOU with the partners, clearly stating each partner’s roles/responsibilities.

Read Also: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) And Answers On NYSC CDS

Corps members are usually involved as Volunteers on this programme. They usually go to the state's secretariat or specific location a day every week for meetings. A corp member that joins this group will not join group CDS. Their projects are organised and executed by the partner group. Corp members only participate.

Types of Collaborative CDS

1. Road Safety Group 

2. Reproductive Health & HIV.AIDs Group

3. Anti-Corruption (EFCC & ICPC) Group

4. Service Delivery Group (Attitudinal Change, Re-Branding)

5. MDGs

6. Medical and Health Services Group (Red Cross, Breast Without Spot, Polio Plus etc.)

7. Drug Free and Quality Control Group (NDLEA, NAFDAC, SON),

Group CDS Project

Corps members are expected to use one day in a week for group CDS activities. They are not expected to attend duties in their places of Primary assignment on CDS days. Such days are dedicated to the execution of projects and programmes that will improve the living conditions of their host communities.

There are various groups of CDS. Each group has a particular day in a week they meet. Corp members are not expected to go to their PPA on that day but others in the other CDS must go to their PPA.

In the group CDS meeting, discussion is focused on what is the major need of the community that is related to the group name.

Personal/Individual CDS Project

These are projects/programmes executed by individual corps members in their host communities based on Community felt-needs. Corps members are encouraged in addition to the group CDS to look out for areas where they could make an individual impact in the community. It could be construction projects like building of toilets, incinerators, bridges, classrooms, games facilities for schools etc or social/educational project such as establishment of ICT laboratory, school libraries, extra-mural classes, campaigns, charity work, vocational training for empowerment of unemployed youths etc.

Identification Of Projects Through Needs Assessment

The two basic techniques of carrying out needs assessment are:

1. By observation of challenges faced by the community (e.g. lack of potable water, medical facility, educational institution, link road or bridge) or prevalence of a common disease, illiteracy, non-basic skills, ignorance, drug abuse, etc.

2. By discussion with members of the community ranging from youths, market women, opinion leaders and elders through which several needs may be identified.

Programme/project Selection

Two important factors to guide the choice of projects are:

1.The SMART test of project management. This means that the project must be Specific (defined), Measurable (visible outcome when completed), Achievable (is it possible), Rewarding (benefits) and Time-bound (deadline for completion)

Read Also: All About NYSC Community Development Service (CDS)

2. The felt-needs of the community. A starving person is in desperate need of food. Giving him/her clothes to wear cannot help them at that material time. That is not his/her felt-need. A sick person needs medical attention. Giving him/her shoes to use makes no meaning. Similarly, carrying out a community development project that is not the felt-need of the community amounts to a futile and meaningless effort.

CDS Project Proposal Template

When the need has been identified, a proposal is sent to the local inspector for approval. Preparation of a viable proposal with the guidance of Local Government and Zonal Inspectors containing the following:-

Introduction: this is an opportunity to explain why the project is appropriate for the community than any other. Relevance of the project to the Community must be stated in the proposal. Sustainability and benefits of the project to the Community after the departure of the corps member must be stated. Projects to be executed by corps member(s) should not be in disputed areas and should be accessible to members of the host community.

Name of project: give the project a short captivating name. General rule of thumb when giving names is to use less than 70 word count with space.

Estimated cost of project: this is very important as it leaves no room for doubt if the project is to succeed. Too high, you may be a suspect who wants to cart away with donated funds. Too low, you lose the confidence they have in you if you have the knowledge of the project you want to embark on.

Source of funding: Funds should be sourced from the communities, individuals and organizations within the State of service. On no account should corps members fund CDS project with his/her allowance or money from parents/relatives.

Expected time of completion: All CDS projects must be completed within the service year.

Proposed date of commissioning: The work plan should be attached and it should contain the following: activities and time frame, period of report submission and documentation, etc.

Submission Of CDS Project Proposal And Report

1. A written proposal must be forwarded by the corps member addressed to the State Coordinator through the Local and Zonal Inspectors.

Read Also: Meaning Of Abbreviations And Terms Use In NYSC

2. Submission of bimonthly progress report with documentary/pictorial evidence

3. Submission of completion report to the NYSC State Secretariat 

4. Commissioning and handing over to the Community; and

5. Giving of feedback to persons that donated towards the execution of the project.

CDS Generic TimeLine

Month 1 • Orientation Camp 

Month 2 • Placement of CM on CDS groups and settling down of corps members

Month 3 • Development and submission of proposals 

Month 4 • Development and submission of proposals continued

Month 5 • Approvals of proposals and project commencement 

Month 6 • Supervision and monitoring of projects By relevant officers 

Month 7 • collation and submission of quarterly reports • Late submission of proposals and approvals 

Month 8 • Continuation of project execution and supervision by relevant officers • Late submission of proposals and approvals 

Month 9 • Continuation Of Project Execution And Supervision By Relevant Officers 

Month 10 • Final reports and inauguration of project 

Month 11 • Passing out