Training of ToT in Eastern Europe
The international curriculum for trainers of trainers (ToT) is one of the core tools of the GFARC, developed with the support of the Canadian Red Cross with a distance collaborator Ms Joanna Muise.
The primary purpose of the curriculum is to create global standards and to make trainer development accessible to all National Societies, increasing operating capacity and building resilience in local communities.
Every year, the Master Educators of the GFARC conduct training in different parts of the world. After a large break due to travel restrictions, this summer, two sessions took place in Europe: one in Montenegro for the Balkan National Societies and the other one in Lithuania.
Bearing in mind the importance of the ToT training, the GFARC is delighted to resume on-site training with it !
Balkan region
The Montenegro Red Cross hosted a training at the end of June which gathered 13 trainers from five National Societies: three participants from each National Society of Montenegro, Serbia, Albania and North Macedonia, and one participant from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The training was facilitated by Master Educators Dr Jeffrey Pellegrino and Auwal Muhammad.
The training was successful, with an effective preparation that ensured a productive learning environment. Indeed, for the smooth running of the course, the trainees were selected prior to the training based on their ability to build the capacity of new and existing trainers in their respective National Societies. After selecting well-experienced candidates, the facilitation team hosted a remote introductory session to clarify the expectations and objectives, and answer possible questions from the participants. During the process, the participants were involved and enriched the training by sharing experiences and practices of their NS.
The preparation of the training should include an adequate selection of candidates, who themselves have to come prepared with a full written lesson plan as a model for the future dedicated assignments, that includes specific activities from their National Society for a better context adaptation. Indeed, the NS are from the same region and may have a lot of similarity of context, but still require different methodologies and procedures in First Aid education and regulations. The facilitators and trainers noted that all language, history, and current contexts all contributed to a lively discussion.
The training was a success and met the prior expectations with twelve participants out of thirteen who passed according to the criteria defined in the ToT program. Now, they can spread the good practices they learnt !
Lithuanian Red Cross
The Lithuanian Red Cross First Aid Programme Team is currently strengthening the first aid training methodology and working to ease the access to first aid and life-saving skills for the whole population, including the most vulnerable groups.
Therefore, the National Society hosted its own ToT training in partnership with the Global First Aid Reference Centre, to support a steady establishment of a first aid development system.
The training took place at the end of July. It targeted seven experienced candidates, from different parts of the country, to contribute to a stronger capacity building in all regions, and allow a wider spread of first aid skills at the end.
The facilitation team complied with the importance of assessing precisely the experience of the participants prior to the meeting in order to adjust the programme and the methodology of the Tot training and allow an effective and rewarding learning experience. To have an optimal training session it is necessary to tailor the training to the participant culture, which included in this case translation from French to Lithuanian.
The Tot course was a success. The prior selection of experienced and skilled candidates allowed for a smooth flow during the training sessions, with a high involvement that enriched the sessions, despite the cultural differences. It was indeed observed that having participants from different parts of Lithuania with different experiences created the possibility to learn from each other.
The training received a positive feedback; the trainees were satisfied with the content and engaging methods of the Master trainer, the logistics and the organisation of the sessions:
Ilona, one of the participants said “The training week was intense. We had an opportunity to learn about different pedagogical methods and apply them in practise ourselves. For me as a professional, the knowledge that I obtained will be helpful not only in developing first aid trainers, but also preparing for first aid courses.“
Irma, another participant: “I am highly satisfied with the training. Personally, it has brought improvement not only in my professional practice, but also contributed to my personal growth.“
