The demand for highly skilled professionals is critical to ensuring sustainable Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services. While financial resources and innovative systems were prioritized earlier, there is a growing recognition for often overlooked skill set: the ability to effectively train and educate others. This skill ensures that the knowledge and information are transferred in a way that is accessible and actionable for diverse audiences.
With this backdrop, Environment and Public Health Organization (ENPHO), in collaboration with German WASH Network, organized the Delivering Effective WASH Training (DEWT) for South Asia, which took place from 9th – 13th September 2024 at Hotel Barahi, Kathmandu. The 5-day training program aimed at enhancing the knowledge and skills of humanitarian WASH professionals in terms of effective WASH training delivery. Altogether over 15 participants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, and Nepal, participated in the training.
Day 1: Formal inauguration and training commencement
The 5-day training program officially commenced with an inaugural session. Mr. Prabhat Shrestha, Senior Divisional Engineer at Ministry of Water Supply (MoWS), served as the chief guest, while Dr. Rajit Ojha, Senior Divisional Engineer at Department of Water Supply and Sewerage Management (DWSSM)/National Water Supply and Sanitation Training Center (NWSSTC), and Mr. Rajendra Shrestha, Program Director at ENPHO, attended as guest and chairperson, respectively.
Following the formal proceedings, the event transitioned into its core training sessions. The first day of the training emphasized the qualities necessary required for effective training, such as knowledge, skills, and attitude. Discussions also centered on creating a safe learning environment, fostering both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and addressing the four essentials for learners: safe learning environment, connecting to existing knowledge, motivation, and practice. Active participation and engagement from the participants were witnessed throughout the sessions.
Day 2: Strategies for effective learning
The second day of the 5-day training program delved into key instructional strategies, covering active learning, effective questioning, active listening, lesson planning, and presentation skills.
The session on active learning emphasized tools for engaging learners directly. At the same time, the effective questioning segment focused on how well-structured questions enhance learning outcomes and the importance of allowing “think time” for responses. Active listening was a crucial skill for improving communication and learning in training sessions. Participants also analyzed the components of a well-structured lesson plan and practiced clear communication techniques in the presentation skills session, refining their abilities to present material effectively.
Day 3: Hands-On Practice in Lesson Delivery
On the third day of the training program, participants were engaged in hands-on practice of lesson plan delivery, building on their skills in providing clear instructions and understanding different learning styles. Techniques for giving clear instructions were emphasized to enhance active learning.
In the learning styles segment, participants explored various ways individuals learn and the necessity of incorporating multiple learning styles, specifically focusing on visual, auditory, and kinesthetic (VAK) models. During the practice session, participants worked with different WASH-related lesson plans, applying the four essential needs of learners to their assigned lessons.
Alongside the planned sessions, an extra session was arranged on the third day of training to focus on the WASH status and initiatives in Nepal. Mr. Prabhat Shrestha led this session, which delved into various water, sanitation and hygiene initiatives in Nepal in addition to legal instruments, involvement of private sector, sectoral financing and detailing on WASH interventions in Nepal.
Day 4: Facilitation Techniques and Effective Workshop Planning
The fourth day of the training highlighted techniques for effective facilitation and workshop planning. The day began with a session titled “Responding to Participants,” which focused on techniques for fostering effective interaction and response during session facilitation. This was followed by a session on “Adapt lesson plan,” where trainers learned to modify their sessions to address changing needs.
Participants then were engaged in “Adapted Lesson Delivery Practice,” where they tailored their facilitation skills to specific scenarios. For each practice session, feedback was provided to enhance their performance in future. The day ended with a session on, “Workshop Planning,” which outlined essential considerations for organizing and executing a training event, highlighting key points related to preparation, delivery, and follow-up.
The day concluded with a session conducted by Dr. Rajit Ojha, focusing on the capacity-building landscape within Nepal’s WASH sector. This session underscored the importance of capacity building in strengthening the WASH sector and provided details on the NWSSTC and its efforts to enhance the capabilities of sector organizations, stakeholders, and consumers.
Day 5: Closing
The final day of the training program began with a session on trainer identity, where participants explored various aspects of their identity along with impacts during interactions with learners. This was followed by a session on overcoming barriers, during which participants identified systemic and individual barriers to participation and discussed strategies to address these challenges. The concluding session centered on action planning, where participants developed plans to set goals for becoming effective trainers and lifelong learners.
The training wrapped up with a formal closing ceremony, featuring Mr. Prabhat Shrestha, as the chief guest and Dr. Rajit Ojha attended as a guest. Moreover, Mr. Robbert Gensch from GTO joined virtually for the event.
Putting forth his remarks during the closing ceremony, Dr. Ojha recognized training as an essential means for capacity development for developing skilled human resources. He further mentioned the DEWT as one of the avenues for developing the skills, that would aid in achieving the WASH goals. Concluding his remarks, he anticipated for more such trainings in future along with cross border collaboration.
Robbert Gensch from GTO shared his thoughts on the training. He attested the 5-day regional event as both effective and well-organized, evidenced by the group activities displayed in the training hall and the reflections shared by the participants. He also mentioned feeling proud to have worked with ENPHO in Nepal to organize such an important event and looked forward to seeing the positive changes participants would make using their new skills in the future.
Certificates and token of love were handed over to all the participants by Mr. Prabhat Shrestha. Ending the formal closing ceremony Mr. Prabhat Shrestha remarked, “I would like to congratulate all the participants of this workshop for their active engagement and enthusiasm in learning skills to improve their presentation and delivery abilities. I commend ENPHO for organizing such a regional event and encourage them to host more events like this in the future. This training has made a meaningful impact on the participants, providing them with essential skills and knowledge that will enhance their delivery capabilities.”
Reflections from the participants
Participants described the training as very effective and well-suited to their needs. Many attendees noted that they intended to use the skills they acquired in daily work. Enthusiastic about the benefits gained, several participants suggested hosting more training sessions of this nature in the future. Furthermore, participants also expressed strong interest in further collaboration with ENPHO for training events, emphasizing the expanding partnership and dedication to building capacity in the region.
“The training session was skillfully conducted by the trainers, establishing a strong foundation of trust. I believe there’s no need to revisit the notes; if we apply what we’ve learned immediately after the training, we will be able to deliver effective sessions to our audiences”.
Nadeem Yousaf
“The DEWT training was engaging and beneficial, significantly improving my delivery and presentation skills for training sessions. I believe it will have a positive impact on my career by enabling me to conduct more participatory training in the future. Additionally, this training offered a valuable opportunity to network with regional participants”.
Anjana Maharjan
The training program successfully brought together a diverse group of participants, fostering an environment of active engagement throughout the sessions. Facilitated by highly experienced and certified trainers from ENPHO, along with recognized experts in the sector, the sessions provide participants with comprehensive insights and practical knowledge. Attendees enhanced their delivery skills and developed essential competencies for their roles as trainers. With their newly acquired skills, participants are expected to apply what they have learned in their respective fields, ultimately contributing to more effective training and improved outcomes in their communities. This collaborative experience not only strengthened their professional capabilities but also highlighted the importance of diversity in enriching the learning process.
