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Training of trainers (ToT) on inclusive training methods, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Leave No One Behind (LNOB) and inclusive governance in Mali. Organized by VNG International through the Sustainable Development through improved Local Governance (SDLG) program and The Hague Academy for Local Governance (THA).
The SDLG program, as part of the implementation of capacity-building plans for the four partner inter-municipalities, has called on the expertise of THA to train the trainers who will subsequently provide training and coaching to the inter-municipalities on adult learning methods, the SDG’s, inclusive governance and sustainable local development.
The aim of this training workshop was to equip the inter-municipalities concerned with local skills that will subsequently be used by SDLG to provide training in the SDGs, inclusive local governance and development.
The training took place from 26 September to 5 October 2023 at the Hôtel Sofitel in Bamako, Mali, in two stages:
- the 1st session took place from 26 to 29 September, during which the trainers were instructed in inclusive training methods,
- the second session took place from 02 to 05 October, during which they received training in the SDGs, the LNOB and inclusive governance.
On this occasion, the SDLG mobilized 25 experts, consisting out of experts from the four targeted intermunicipalities, the Association of Malian Municipalities (AMM), the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, the General Directorate of Territorial Administration and from the General Directorate of Territorial Collectivities. The remainder came from the program’s network of national experts. There was a a 32% female participation rate.
The training was co-facilitated by Nicolas Haezebrouck, Senior Trainer & Program Manager at THA, and Gaoussou Sene, senior expert in inter-community cooperation for the SDLG program in Mali.
Participants learned about training methods and techniques and the role of trainers. Several activities were on the program. The workshop began with a lecture that was given to participants in the theoretical framework of the training to give them new information and test their level of knowledge and skills.
On the following days, the practical framework provided an opportunity for learners to carry out exercises adapted to the training, and to take part in role-playing games that they might have to face in real life. They were also trained in group and team training methods and coaching techniques. All these activities helped to deliver valuable training to the participants, who expressed their satisfaction.
Future trainers expressed their satisfaction
At the end of the course, the participants expressed their satisfaction with the approach, techniques and content of the topics covered over the two weeks. The training culminated in the presentation and validation of an action plan for implementing the knowledge acquired by each intermunicipality. They were supported in this by experts from the SDLG network and the two departments of the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization mentioned above.
"This training has given me the tools and knowledge I need to become a more effective trainer," said one participant. "I really appreciated the quality of the training and the competence of the trainers," said another participant.
The desired impact of training
As part of its strategy to make the most of local skills, between November and December 2023 the SDLG program is organizing training sessions for elected representatives and civil society players on the SDGs, LNOB inclusive governance and sustainable development. The trainers will be selected by the beneficiaries of the training. The trainers, now better trained, should be able to design and run more effective training sessions, which will improve the skills of participants in the various training sessions. This training is an initiative that will contribute to the development of inter-communities and Mali.