Train the Facilitator (TtF) workshop

The United Nations Integrated Electoral Assistance Team (IEAT) in South Sudan implemented a two-week BRIDGE Train the Facilitators (TtF) workshop to develop skills in facilitation techniques, promote knowledge in how to use BRIDGE resources and methodologies for electoral capacity building programmes and enable partial accreditation as BRIDGE facilitators qualified to deliver BRIDGE workshops in the future. The TtF intended audience was representatives of the National Elections Commission (NEC), civil society organizations and other stakeholders who may potentially be involved in delivering trainings and workshops on electoral topics within their own organizations and externally.

The 10-day workshop, conducted in Juba, South Sudan from June 10 to June 22, was led by BRIDGE accrediting level facilitators Natia Kashakashvili, Shalva Tskhakaya and Katia Madanat. 19 participants (10 female and 9 male) representing the NEC (10), CSOs (4), academia (1), media (1) and the UN IEAT (3) attended the workshop.

During the opening, participants were welcomed by the UN IEAT Senior Electoral Officer, Evelina Krinickaite and the NEC CEO Hon. Mac Maika Deng. The training workshop followed a typical structure of a TtF workshop:

• June 10-11 Participants were introduced to BRIDGE history and its methodology, the aim of the TtF and learning outcomes. Lead facilitators delivered activities on training techniques and facilitation challenges. By the end of the first day, participants were allocated specific times to conduct one energizer (Task 1) for the following 8 days. On day 2, participants were broken into 10 pairs and were tasked to prepare for the presentation (facilitation notes and reference material were fully provided from the Facilitators).
• June 12-13 Pairs made their first, 30-min presentations (Task 2) and were given feedback and/or recommendations on improvement.
• June 14 Participants evaluated the impact of the first paired presentations; Facilitators delivered sessions on curriculum drafting and then divided participants into new pairs who were tasked to develop the Facilitator Notes (instructions) and provide reference materials according to the drafted notes (Task 3).
• June 15-17 Non-training days (pairs were asked to finalize the Task 3 at their own time, though could seek clarifications/assistance from the lead facilitators.
• June 18 Pairs swapped the drafted notes (with pre-assigned pairs) and briefed the pair on the activity drafted. Pairs then prepared for the second presentations (based on the handed materials).
• June 19-20 Pairs made second, 40-min presentations (Task 4) and were given observation on progression. At the end of all presentations, participants together with the facilitators evaluated the impact of the second presentations.
• June 21-22 Facilitators introduced participants BRIDGE implementation steps, rules and usage of the BRIDGE web-page. Participants strategised implementation of BRIDGE program (Task 5). Participants evaluated the TtF conduct; also, received one-on-one feedback with the facilitators. During closing ceremony participants (as a result of successfully completing all 5 Tasks) were granted certificates of completion and accreditation as a BRIDGE TtF-complete facilitators. The workshop closing ceremony and TtF-complete facilitators’ certification was facilitated by the Head of the IEAT/UNMISS Principal Electoral Affairs Officer, Darren Nance, and NEC Deputy Chairperson Hon. Gabriel Deng.

The TtF participants enjoyed the pathway they were taken through. The most useful and valuable aspects of the BRIDGE TtF highlighted by participants were the abundance of demonstrated training techniques and the user-friendly academic journey. The learning environment was described as life-changing, with effective methodologies and materials facilitating learning through presentations and group work. Participants appreciated the experience of enhanced teamwork, self-confidence in facilitating workshops, comprehensive approach to feedback-giving, motivation, monitoring and coaching, significantly improving participants’ skills as facilitators.

Overall, the TtF participants highly praised the course content and conduct, noting that it exceeded expectations and was excellently presented. Participants lauded the BRIDGE methodology for its accessibility and effectiveness, expressing eagerness to apply the knowledge gained. Recommendations included providing participants with accommodation at the workshop venue to enhance commitment and conducting such training for more participants due to its high quality and effectiveness. Continuous refreshers on applying teaching techniques were suggested to help participants maintain familiarisation with the skillsets for future use.