TtF Ethiopia

The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), with support from UNDP’s SEEDS2 Programme, hosted a two-week BRIDGE Train the Facilitator (TtF) workshop in Addis Ababa. The workshop brought together 20 representatives from NEBE – nine male and eleven female participants – to develop a cadre of skilled facilitators equipped to deliver electoral capacity-building programmes across the country.

The workshop opened with a welcome address by UNDP Chief Technical Advisor. Following standard TtF structure, the first week focused on building foundational facilitation skills. Participants were introduced to BRIDGE methodology, effective training techniques, and the qualities of good facilitators. They were then paired to present existing BRIDGE sessions and activities. During days three and four, each pair delivered 30-minute presentations on assigned topics using facilitation notes and reference materials, receiving detailed feedback from facilitators and peers on their strengths and areas for improvement.

On day five, participants evaluated their first presentation experience before being introduced to curriculum writing skills. They were assigned to new pairs and tasked with developing facilitator notes and selecting supporting materials based on learning outcomes provided by the facilitators. To strengthen team cohesion at the end of the first week, participants were invited to a group dinner, which enhanced team spirit in an informal atmosphere.

Week two brought skills’ advancement. On day six, pairs exchanged their drafted facilitator notes with pre-assigned partners and briefed them on their activity designs. This exercise ensured that curricula were clear and transferable, and could be understood and delivered by facilitators other than the original designers. During days seven and eight, each pair delivered a 30-minute presentation using the peer-developed materials they had received. This allowed participants to demonstrate their facilitation skills with unfamiliar content while original drafters observed how their curricula worked in practice. Participants received comprehensive feedback on both their session customization and facilitation techniques.

The final two days focused on BRIDGE implementation steps, website resources, and strategies for delivering BRIDGE programmes in participants’ contexts. Participants evaluated the entire workshop and received personalized one-on-one feedback from the lead facilitators.

Throughout the training, participants consistently rated both content and delivery highly. They appreciated the participatory approach, clear communication, and the supportive learning environment. Key learning areas included facilitator credibility, diverse training techniques, curriculum development, and the importance of clarity in communication. Particularly impactful were activities such as the “facilitators’ nightmares” discussion, which helped normalize anxieties and build trust among participants, and the tea and coffee preparation exercise, which demonstrated the importance of precise instructions through a practical example.

The repeated practice sessions with co-facilitators, coupled with constructive feedback from peers and facilitators, proved essential for skill development and confidence building. Participants came to understand that facilitation extends beyond leading discussions to creating spaces where everyone can contribute effectively. The positive environment fostered genuine connections through energizers and group activities, while the feedback culture demonstrated how encouragement can impact performance.

By the programme’s conclusion, participants had acquired practical skills in planning, curriculum design, and various facilitation techniques. Many participants expressed that the experience brought out strengths they hadn’t recognized before and provided immediately applicable knowledge for their work. While suggestions for improvement included more energizers and additional practice time for certain exercises, the overall feedback was very positive.

The TtF closing ceremony was held in reception format with closing remarks from the UNDP Resident Representative, NEBE Chairperson, a NEBE Board member, and the UNDP Chief Technical Advisor. Following final participant feedback, certificates of completion amd accreditation as TtF-complete facilitators were awarded. These newly accredited facilitators now form a network capable of utilizing BRIDGE curricula to benefit electoral stakeholders and contribute to strengthening democratic processes in Ethiopia.