Training the IFSP Trainer

Train the Trainer on Social Mobilisation and Capacity Building was a five day training programme for 21 senior Field Officers of the Wanni German Agro Action Integrated Food Security Programme (IFSP) held in Anuradhapura from 24-28 May 2004. The programme aimed to improve the training skills and knowledge of senior Field Officers to:

-	Conduct their own training sessions for village-based mobilisers on techniques and strategies in social mobilisation and capacity building for the Community Based Organisations (CBO) in the IFSP focal villages
-	Foster behavioural change so both senior Field Officers and village-based Social Mobilisers develop programs and strategies aligned with the IFSP aims and objectives.

his practical training was conducted by Mr. Aliyar, Sewalanka National Training Coordinator and Mr. Newton, Director, Sewalanka Vavuniya District Office. The topics covered included:

-	Basics in social mobilisation.
-	haracteristics of a well functioning CBO and the importance of field officers to analyse, strengthen, empower, monitor and evaluate CBOs.
-	Identifying the needs of CBO capacity building utilising SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis.
-	Preparation and enhancement of quality training modules by standardised and improved existing training modules for village-based social mobilisers training.
-	Goal setting and planning the CBO activities with reference to IFSP aims and objectives.
-	Visualisation and presentation skills, including using body language to enhance their skills.
-	IFSP and nutrition.
-	A field trip to two CBOs in Vavuniya to give guided experience in implementing the techniques learnt.

The participants stated they found the training extremely useful as they could see the tangible benefits for their field work and future training sessions they will conduct.