Training Of Trainers

An essential component of BFA is helping organisations build their capacity through the training of their staff and in particular the field officers (FO) i.e. those who have direct contact with the beneficiaries.

Each training module follows the same structure to give the FO the greatest ability to train the beneficiaries.

1. Subject / module outline
2. Objectives (of module)
3. Group exercise / discussion - this includes examples
4. Questions (with model answers)
5. Individual trainee exercise (to be completed in the trainees manual)
6. Module summary

BFA TOT Methodology and guidelines

1. It is important that training sessions are held at a place that is easily accessible to group members and the FOs – this is to ensure good and timely attendance by the members. It is necessary to emphasise the need for good attendance if the members are to get the best results; this means that meetings should be scheduled on a regular basis and should be conducted on similar weekdays or regular intervals.

2. It is important to use participatory training methods; what members hear, they can forget, what they see they are more likely to remember, and what they do, they recall and imitate. Therefore the greater the participation which can include: working in pairs, group discussions and roles plays, the greater the trainers impact! As far as possible, avoid letting the group members passively listen to a lecture; the classroom style of learning is boring and monotonous. To make the training as effective as possible, make it fun, as well as challenging!

3. Whereas the Introductory level is more of a general discussion about good business practice and should not take more than 2 hours, the Intermediate and Advanced levels have a more focused structure, and as such, the FO should follow the following training structure:

1. Pre-meeting Preparation
2. Climate Setting
3. Review of Previous Modules
4. Outline and Objectives of the Module
5. Group Exercise
6. Questions and Answers
7. Individual Exercise
8. Summary
9. What the group should have prepared for next session
10. Field Officer Notes
11. Closing the Day’s Session”

Business Plans

There is also a TOT guide for FOs to help train the beneficiaries on how to complete the business plans.