AMURT & AMURTEL held a Participatory Humanitarian Program Manager Training at the College of Noehumanist Studies, Gurukul’s Sweden campus, from June 7 – 30. The training consisted of an introduction to humanitarian frameworks and 3 competency-based modules focused on the management of projects, finances, and people. The program was modeled after the internationally recognized BioForce Institute training methodology, and was adapted to include the AMURT & AMURTEL philosophy and field experiences, as well as key Participatory Learning & Action tools and principles. The training modules were designed to enhance the Quality and Accountability of humanitarian programs, through the use of simulation, group work, case studies, role-plays, and practical tools and exercises.
The participants included representatives from Scandinavia, West Africa, North America and South East Asia. Besides accomplished field coordinators there were also 5 young budding humanitarians from the International School of Social Service. That mix of experience and idealism brought about a unique participatory experience that afforded the older participants a chance to mentor and guide the younger. They say the best way to learn a subject is to do it and teach it.The classes featured technical and standards based curriculum and were interspersed throughout with alternate brain hemisphere activities such as music, games and arts.
AMURT & AMURTEL plans to evolve this unique training format and plans are in motion to offer sessions in East Kenya, South East Asia and in Europe in 2013.
