Empower Youths Through Computer Skills Training

Dear project partners

On at least two occasions, we have had the opportunity to sponsor computer training for staff and volunteers at Advocacy Initiative (AIDSL), a partner organization in Sierra Leone.  AIDSL approached us with a request to sponsor complementary capacity training, as a follow up to the computer training that we had provided.  The following report, provided by the AIDSL Director, summarizes the training we sponsored.

In the opening statement, the Advocacy Initiative Director gave a brief background of the training and thanked Develop Africa for the support, with special reference to Mr. Sylvester Renner for his support over the years to AIDSL.  Following the brief background, the Director later introduced the facilitators, Mr. Tejan Koroma, Branch Manager, Eco Bank and Mr. Sheku Conteh, the report Analyst at the office of National Security. They in turn made brief statements as to what their expectations were at the end of the training.  The training was provided to staff and volunteers at the office headquarters, Circular road, Freetown.

Objective
The objective of the training was to develop the capabilities of the staff to be very committed and productive in executing roles and responsibilities.
The training was viewed as a sensible way of investing in staff not just for inspiration but also for problem solving.

Modules / Topics
During the training many new skills were identified and demonstrated to the fullest. The following Modules were covered during the training:

• Management skills
• Report writing
• Financial management
• Planning and facilitating workshop
• Gender mainstreaming
• Project management

1. Management Skills: 
This presentation highlighted the many and various abilities associated with the running of an organization or part of it. Major topics in this presentation included the following:

• Basic functions of a manager
• Core skills required as a manager
• Rating of skills
• The important things to note as a manager
• The distinctive features of a leader and manager

2. Report Writing: 
This presentation helped beneficiaries acquire the knowledge and skills required to write a professional report. The major topics presented included:

• What is a report
• Steps to follow in writing a report
• Need for a report
• Structure of a report
• Tips on writing a report

3. Financial Management: 
This presentation highlighted the following topics:

• Meaning of finance and manager
• Basic types of financial management
• Financial implications of the different forms of business organizations
• Goal of financial management
• Understanding the conflict of interest that can arise among owners, managers and donors

On the second day of the training the following courses were also presented

• Facilitating and planning a workshop
• Gender main streaming
• Project management

4.  Facilitating and planning a workshop: 
This focused on planning and successfully running a workshop. Major topics included:

• Defining the goals of a workshop
• Basic steps to be undertaken before, during and after the workshop.
• Overall workshop tips and key points.

5. Gender Mainstreaming: 
This presentation highlights how to mainstream gender issue in every sector of society. Major topics included:

• What is gender mainstreaming
• Transformation by mainstreaming
• Basic principles of mainstreaming

6.  Project Management: 
This presentation detailed the methodological approach, planning and guiding project processes from start. Major topics include:

• What is a project
• Project circle management
• Triple constraints
• Characteristics of project
• Scope management
• Cost management
• Quality management
• Communication management
• Risk management
• Change control
• What is project management
• Role of a project manager
• Project management challenges
• Project definition document
• Project procedure document
• Project risk Management
• Benefit of tracking/ M&E
• Collecting status data
• Project completion report
• Taking adaptive actions
• Closing activities/ report writing

Conclusion
It is worthy of note that the training provided a favorable forum for all staff to share their opinions , make clarifications on issues in terms of project management and to also give their response to the new growth areas which were taught. It also created an opportunity for staff to identify areas of management they lost touch with.

During the training, new skills were identified demonstrated to the fullest. Most courses allowed inclusiveness and interaction at all levels. They were able to freely express their take on issues dealt with.

Finally, the facilitation was very sharp, clear and understanding. It was appreciated and recognized as a way of bringing staff together for team work and unity.

Through this training, we have been able to strengthen AIDSL - building an excellent foundation for the future.  We are excited about what the future holds in store for them and our partnership together.  Thanks so much for your support.

Warm regards

The Develop Africa Team