• Deakin University

Introduction to Humanitarian Aid

Discover the history of humanitarian aid and the principles and values that underpin it.

26,198 enrolled on this course

Disaster relief parcel

Introduction to Humanitarian Aid

26,198 enrolled on this course

  • 2 weeks

  • 3 hours per week

  • Accreditation available

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Introductory level

Find out more about how to join this course

The CPD Certification Service

This course has been certified by the CPD Certification Service as conforming to continuing professional development principles. Find out more.

This course is part of the program The Humanitarian World, which is one of the building blocks that leads to a degree in Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Action. Find out more.

Explore guiding principles and approaches used by humanitarian teams.

Earthquake, flood, fire, famine, and conflict – we seem to be hearing more about these things every day, and watching as they impact communities all over the world. Fortunately, there are organisations trained and ready to assist communities affected by disasters.

On this course, you will explore the long history of humanitarianism, learning about the important principles and values that underpin it. You’ll also discover how humanitarianism works across the globe, understanding how responses to disasters are coordinated and learning more about the various bodies involved.

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Skip to 0 minutes and 6 seconds Natural and human-induced disasters, or increasingly, a combination of both, can strike populations with little or no warning and have potentially catastrophic results. Whether caused by the earthquake, famine, disease, extreme weather conditions, conflict, or a combination of these, disasters and displacement can have wide-ranging and devastating impacts on entire communities. I’m Associate Professor Phil Connors from Deakin University and the Centre for Humanitarian Leadership. According to the United Nations, the number of people requiring humanitarian assistance has doubled in the past decade.

Skip to 0 minutes and 43 seconds The need for clearly focused and coordinated approaches to disaster management is increasingly important, and addressing the worldwide demand for better preparation, response, and recovery from humanitarian disasters, Deakin University in partnership with Save the Children are pleased to offer you an opportunity to make a difference by participating in its free online course. Examine the codes of conduct associated with disaster management and how various humanitarian response teams come together to work with affected communities. Discover how operations are managed in complex emergencies and how to navigate the relationship between various stakeholders.

Skip to 1 minute and 22 seconds Whether you work in the humanitarian sector or simply have an interest in humanitarian issues, please join me in what promises to be a compelling and thought-provoking learning experience by enrolling in this free online course.

What topics will you cover?

  • The history of humanitarianism
  • The principles and values that underpin humanitarian action
  • Different actors and how the system works
  • Exploring if localisation is the future of humanitarian action

Who is this accredited by?

The CPD Certification Service
The CPD Certification Service:

The CPD Certification Service was established in 1996 and is the leading independent CPD accreditation institution operating across industry sectors to complement the CPD policies of professional and academic bodies.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Explore the history of humanitarianism
  • Identify the key principles and values associated with humanitarian action and management
  • Describe the role of the different actors and their relationship before, during and after a humanitarian response
  • Identify the future of humanitarian action and the role of localisation

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for those working in the humanitarian sector who want to further their understanding of the principles and values of humanitarianism.

It’s also suitable for those with an interest in activism, humanitarian issues, and leadership in the context of humanitarian aid and NGOs.

Who will you learn with?

Nazanin Zadeh-Cummings is a Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Humanitarian Leadership at Deakin University. Her research interests are North Korea, civil society, human rights, and disaster response.

Adriana is engaged in teaching, training and research in the field of Humanitarian Studies. She completed work in academia and the aid sector in Europe, Africa, Australia, the Pacific & Middle East.

Who developed the course?

Deakin University

Deakin University is one of Australia’s largest universities with more than 61,000 students and over 15,000 online.

  • Established

    1974
  • Location

    Melbourne, Australia
  • World ranking

    Top 280Source: QS World University Rankings 2021

Endorsers and supporters

endorsed by

save the children

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Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$39.99

For your first month. Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Tests to boost your learning
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$54/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Tests to boost your learning
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 28 Dec 2024

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 29 December 2024 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 29 December 2024 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

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This course is part of the program The Humanitarian World, which is one of the building blocks that leads to a degree in Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Action.

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