To ensure the longevity of the field, AS-SBC collaborated with academic institutions to develop a Short Professional Course in SBC Basics. This isn’t just a workshop; it’s a formal curriculum linked to continuing education requirements. The society conducted “Mentorship Clinics” focused on technical skills like Theories of Change, M&E frameworks, and Rapid Community Engagement processes.
The course content is being integrated into the public health programs of three major African universities and is recognized as a qualifying credential for several international NGO recruitment processes. A goal has been set for 200 practitioners to complete the full certification by 2028, with the first cohort of 45 students already enrolled in the 2025 pilot phase.
This has professionalized the “SBC practitioner” title, moving it from a general communication role to a specialized behavioral science discipline. It provides a clear career path for new graduates and ensures a high standard of practice across all member organizations.