Training coordinators

Last week was the week for our workshop to train our new Scripture Use/Literacy coordinators. We had been planning it for some time but it really sneaked up on us quickly with everything else that’s been going on. However, we were all just about ready. Though we have done many workshops in our time here this was the first of its kind so this necessitated us writing lots of lesson plans, Powerpoints and handouts from scratch.

There was a lot to take in for our newly appointed coordinators as well. For some of them it was the first time they had used a computer (well, apart from our assessment days to choose them!) so they went from learning how to switch it on to how to send emails with attachments in just a few short days. They also received training on issues such as planning, research, finance, and reporting as well as the fundamentals of Literacy and Scripture Use in our project!

Though we filled the heads of our workshop participants to bursting point all were enthusiastic and interactive and we were able to have good discussions about the way forward in our work. All were willing to learn and grateful for the training they received. This encourages us that these six guys will be what we need at the moment to take our work forward in a way that we haven’t been able to before.

Our new coordinators will be based in six of the 9 language areas we work in (we haven’t been able to appoint the others yet) in the main town in each area. They will be much better positioned than we are to find out about the needs of the area, spread the news of our work by meeting with pastors, education officers and everyday people, sell books, supervise the transition literacy and basic literacy teachers and do many many other tasks. There’s one thing for sure - they won’t be bored!

So we need to remember to keep thinking of these guys and keep supporting them. Some have moved back to their language area after living away from home and have consequently left friends if not family, all have changed jobs, many will be doing things that are new to them and all are a long way away from our help. We are really thankful for them.