HomeEducation and trainingCoursesIntroduction to Humanitarian Aid

Explore guiding principles and approaches used by humanitarian teams.

Whether you’re new to the sector or preparing to apply for one of CHL’s programs, this free two-week course is a practical place to start.

In this online course offered via Future Learn, explore the long history of humanitarianism and learn about the important principles 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.

This course is offered on Future Learn in English, Ukrainian and Polish languages.

This course has been translated from English with the support of Save the Children Australia.

Course delivery and learning experience

100% online delivery via the Future Learn platform.

Course duration

Three hours online study per week for two weeks.

About the course

What topics are covered?

  • 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 we teach

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 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.

What’s next?

This course is a great starting point. Many participants go on to apply for CHL’s Crisis Leadership Program, which builds directly on what you’ll cover here: Crisis Leadership Program