Most training I have delivered up
until now has been one-on-one which is time consuming and can be dry, lacking
the energy of group collaboration. However, at last, after so many months of
striving we have managed to run two consecutive days training for eight people at
the same time, a thrilling advancement.
Those attending were mostly head
teachers or deputy heads. Of course it would have been better if we had had an
even larger group; we did invite more but some could not come at the last minute.
If we had been able to book the larger hall belonging to the organisation next
door, we could have increased the numbers invited but sadly the hall was not
free. Indeed it seems rarely free although in principle I am “most welcome”. On
this occasion it was being used by the auditors. As there were only three of
them, I feel some negotiation could have taken place but I have learned that if
senior officials are involved, negotiation is not a usual option. Highly
important folk wear their stripes proudly.
Luckily, although small, the EFA
building has a meeting room and a small open reception office with three other
offices coming off these two. More than this, staff of every rank share
responsibilities with good humour. This
meant that we could, with a bit of effort, run our training in-house and
“entertain at home”. Alhagie, the messenger, whose desk is in the reception
area, happily gave up his space so that we could serve refreshments and lunch
from his desk. Mariama, Assistant
Finance Officer, set everything out beautifully on cloths and trays. Lunch orders were placed (and chased up) by
Jainaba, Finance Officer. Matarr, the director, who prefers co-ordinator as a more
modest title was an enthusiastic co planner and presenter.
With some modification to the
layout in the meeting room we were ready to roll.
It is not uncommon practice here
for training to comprise an extensive power point presentation, every word of
which is read aloud as projected. Often, the presenter faces the screen rather
than the audience. Matarr and I agreed that such an uninspiring style was not
for us. The power point we wrote was not for projection but to keep us on task
and provide a record for the file. We referenced our delivery to carefully
handmade charts and posters displayed on the wall behind us, recognising that
most people are visual learners. We also had hands-on materials for each
delegate too.
On the first day, when we thought
we had covered all eventualities and just before we began, THE POWER WENT OFF! We
hardly missed a stride – this is far too common an occurrence!
Mariama and Alhagie miraculously produced
flasks full of hot water for tea, I have no idea where from. My wonderful
little Samsung laptop’s overnight charge, could be relied upon to last the day
if need be. Only the air con had to be
done without; not easy because the temperatures are building noticeably now.
It was only the inevitable late
arrivals that caused us to start rather later than planned but so little, it
could be regarded as Gambianly punctual and as is traditional in an Islamic
country we opened with prayers. Ostensibly these are to seek blessings for the
day ahead but I also took the opportunity to count the blessings already
received, not least EFA colleagues here and Dom, who set up my laptop back in
the UK.
Our workshop was to trial
paperwork designed to support effective school management processes. It doesn’t
sound the snappiest of themes I grant you, but the enthusiasm was tangible and
everyone worked hard and with humour throughout. At one point I noticed that one of the men was
squinting to read the papers that were almost touching his nose. Luckily I had
my spare specs in my bag. No-one commented on how he looked in my rose pink
glasses with lace decoration on the arms!
The end of training feedback on
both the main purpose and also our hospitality was resoundingly positive and so
Matarr can go ahead with plans to present a report at the national education
meeting in mid May, only nine days away. Next week will be busy!
As well as the report to write
and the power point to produce, there will also be follow up work with the
attending heads in their own schools. I also expect a “training re-run” request
from those who could not come. This will
have to be later and at one of their schools in order to keep costs down. Despite
much effort our in-house training was not cheap; there are a variety of
expectations and costs that must be met notwithstanding a nil budget!
There are other activities and
initiatives in hand that will ensure very full two months ahead. This is a
personal deadline as my plane home takes off eight weeks today.
