In the present economic scenario, more and more outsourcing of the work in the development sector is being given to the private and voluntary sector. National and International organizations including the government, the corporate, the UN agencies etc. are seeking the help of the voluntary sector in the development process. The voluntary sector is coming forward at the global and local level to create space for equitable development of the society and to remove inequalities present in the societies.

Earlier it was only in areas of health, education and poverty reduction that we found the voluntary sector was involved in. But, now the voluntary sector is also found to be working in areas of participative governance, community mobilization for different objectives, relief operations during disasters, improving of livelihoods, natural resource management, environment protection etc. Furthermore, as the world is becoming more and more technology oriented and market driven, we find that in these basic areas also, the voluntary sector is becoming very competitive and skill oriented.

Furthermore, the scenario within the sector itself is changing. Earlier, the NGOs were a 'one man ' show- the founder or just one worker working professionally in the NGO, with the sole objective of getting one or two projects sanctioned and making a living out of those funds. "Sustainability" of the work or the organization was not the key issue. But, with globalization and a mass paradigm shift in the mindset of the people working in the developmental sector, these things have changed.

Therefore, we find that there is a requirement of specifically trained professionals/human resource who have developed management skills and have acquired experiences of managing programmes and operations which are being undertaken not just at local or regional levels but, also at the national and international level. Development of specific project management skills, communication skills, networking and liaisoning skills, advocacy skills etc. which are very much relevant to the NGO sector is the need of the hour.

I recommend all those who have applied for the course to take it up with confidence and aspire to fly high in Developmental Sectors.