Stage 1: Scholarship

In Stage 1 of the life of a P=ENTS community builder, known as Scholarship, the community builder focuses on acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills to become an accredited P=ENTS Missionary. This stage lays the foundation for their journey as a community builder and prepares them for the challenges and responsibilities that lie ahead. The primary objective of this stage is to gain a deep and thorough theoretical understanding of the P=ENTS methodology, including its values, pillars, tenets, principles, documentation, processes and community applications.

To progress from stage 1 to stage 2 (Mission), the Scholar needs to successfully complete the requirements of the Scholarship stage, demonstrating their comprehension and mastery of the P=ENTS methodology. This involves undergoing a formal training program, self-learning and studying relevant literature and resources.

During the Scholarship stage, the Scholar delves into various aspects of the P=ENTS methodology:

Understanding the Values

The Scholar explores the core values that underpin the P=ENTS community building approach: truth, beauty, goodness. They grasp the importance of these values and their practical implications in community development.

Exploring the Pillars, Tenets and Principles

The Scholar familiarises themselves with the 4 pillars, 12 principles and 40 tenets of the P=ENTS methodology. They learn about the fundamental building blocks of community building, which are education, narrative, transparency and structure. Through case studies and real-world examples, they gain insights into how these pillars and tenets can be effectively applied in different community contexts, and how they should refer to the 12 principles in situations where they are unsure how to proceed.

Studying the Documentation

The Scholar thoroughly reviews the official P=ENTS documentation, which includes manuals, guidelines, frameworks and templates. They become well-versed in the documentation that serves as a roadmap for implementing P=ENTS values, pillars, tenets and principles. This includes understanding how to adapt and customize the documentation to suit the unique needs and characteristics of different communities.

Mastering the Processes

The Scholar becomes proficient in the various processes involved in community building using the P=ENTS methodology. They learn about the various phases, tasks and activities that contribute to the successful establishment, growth and sustainability of communities. This includes acquiring knowledge on community assessment, stakeholder mapping, partnership development, resource mobilisation, conflict resolution and evaluation.

By the end of the Scholarship stage, the Scholar has demonstrated a deep understanding of the P=ENTS methodology and its application. They have acquired the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to begin working with communities in a real-world context. This successful completion marks the transition to stage 2, Mission, where the Scholar will put their acquired knowledge into practice, actively engaging with a community and applying the principles and processes of P=ENTS to initiate positive change and development.