Huda’s experience with the Training of Trainers (ToT) in Humanitarian Emergencies course has been a “real turning point” for her work to ensure people most affected by conflict in Sudan have agency over their livelihoods.

Huda Mohammad Al-Khair Al Tayeb has extensive hands-on experience working in areas affected by conflict and actively engaging with local communities. She works as the General Manager of
Al-Salam Organisation for Care and Development, a humanitarian organisation that provides livelihood training to people who have been made vulnerable, focusing on women and children
and working with them to improve self-sufficiency. Al-Salam collaborates with qualified and experienced trainers to deliver various capacity-strengthening programmes in multiple states.

The war in Sudan has significantly hindered Al-Salam’s work, displacing many of its trainers and volunteers. Some are among the 11 million internally displaced people; others have been
scattered across different locations and time zones as part of the 3 million who fled as refugees. This displacement, along with travel restrictions, safety concerns, and logistical
barriers, made it difficult to coordinate meetings and deliver training in-person as they had before.

Previously, their in-person training required them to rent venues, organise transportation and accommodation for trainees from remote areas and refugee camps, and cover meals and travel
expenses – challenges that had become increasingly unsustainable due to the conflict. Recognising the need to adapt their approach, Huda and her team made the strategic decision
to transition to online training.

At an individual level, Huda’s role was also transitioning from a purely supervisory position to direct involvement in training. She wanted to develop her training skills because she wanted to
share the insights that she had gained from her hands-on experience working in conflict-affected areas, and be able to train others more effectively within the organisation, reducing their reliance
on external trainers and strengthening internal capacity.

Huda chose to enrol in RedR’s ToT in Humanitarian Emergencies course to refresh and expand her knowledge and skills and support her organisation’s transition to online training.

How the training has impacted Huda’s work:

Unlike previous trainings Huda completed, which were largely theoretical, this course emphasised practical, hands-on learning. Huda and her organisation have gained real-world skills
that they can apply to address critical gaps in its work and refine their approach in light of the challenges they face.

For instance, Al-Salam has shifted from a traditional approach to conducting needs assessments to a more systematic approach. This is especially valuable, as Al-Salam uses the insights from
these assessments to guide their work and meet the needs of the most affected groups. Another example is how the organisation has strengthened its strategies around community engagement
and communication.

According to Huda, the training provided has “helped boost our confidence and improved our ability to interact with the communities we serve.”

The training also presented a tool to support Huda and Al-Salam’s adoption of online training, including how to use Zoom to evolve their approach to meetings, programmes and training
sessions. This has now made real-time sharing of information and updates possible within Al-Salam, including from those working inside conflict zones, meaning the team is better equipped
to identify and respond quickly to people’s changing needs.

Huda also appreciated the comprehensive training materials that RedR provided before, during, and after the training sessions, describing them as “extremely valuable” and allowing for “deeper
engagement and continued learning”. Training materials from the course were shared with Al-Salam’s volunteers to support their work. In turn, many of these volunteers have become trainers
themselves, leading large training sessions in high-risk areas and further spreading the knowledge within their communities.

Another key aspect of the training was how it fostered peer-to-peer learning and knowledge-sharing. Huda had the opportunity to learn from the other participants, exchanging insights
beyond the structured training sessions about their real-world experiences in different humanitarian contexts.

Next steps for Huda & Al-Salam:

Even after the training, Huda has remained connected with other participants through a Community of Practice (CoP) knowledge hub, initially set up by RedR via WhatsApp. The CoP has
since moved to being fully managed by the training participants with the ability to invite new members. In the long term, this means Huda and her colleagues can continue to share
experiences and learn from each other more effectively, fostering stronger professional relationships.

For Huda, the training was “a turning point” for her on her path to becoming a qualified trainer. Going forward, it has inspired her to further develop her skills to better serve local communities.

Training of Trainers in Humanitarian Emergencies course is part of our Transforming Aid: Training for Humanitarian Impact and Response (TATHIR) project in Sudan. This project is generously funded
by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office via the H2H Network, and delivered in partnership with Humanitarian Academy for Development.

If you’d like to give financially to support this and similar projects for disaster-affected communities all over the world, you can do so here. 

يحدد هذا التقرير الموجز لتقييم احتياجات التعلم وتقييم قدرات المنظمات الوطنية الثغرات في القدرات واحتياجات التعلم بين المستجيبين الأفراد والمنظمات المشاركة في الاستجابة للأزمة في السودان

إن فهم هذه الثغرات أمر ضروري لتطوير برامج تدريب مستهدفة، يمكن أن تعزز المهارات والمعارف المطلوبة لمواجهة التحديات المعقدة التي يفرضها النزاع

كما قام تقييم احتياجات التعلم وتقييم قدرات المنظمات الوطنية بتقييم نقاط القوة الموجودة لدى المستجيبين، بحيث يمكن لكل من ريدر أن توصي بأفضل الطرق التي يمكن للشركاء في المجال الإنساني الاستفادة من هذه القدرات على أفضل وجه

استخدام النتائج لتدريب المستجيبين للكوارث على الموضوعات الأكثر إلحاحاًالتأكد من صحتها.

خلفية: يعاني السودان من واحدة من أشد الأزمات الإنسانية في التاريخ الحديث بسبب الصراعات الطويلة وعدم الاستقرار السياسي والانهيار الاقتصادي والكوارث الطبيعية.  أدى الصراع بين القوات المسلحة السودانية (SAF) وقوات الدعم السريع (RSF)، الذي تصاعد في أبريل 2023، أدى إلى انتشار العنف والنزوح على نطاق واسع، مما أدى إلى إرباك قدرات الاستجابة الوطنية.  

تم إجراء تقييم احتياجات التعلم وتقييم قدرات المنظمات الوطنية من قبل منظمة RedR UK والأكاديمية الإنسانية للتنمية لتحديد الثغرات المعرفية وأوجه القصور في المهارات ومتطلبات تعزيز القدرات لدى العاملين في المجال الإنساني والمنظمات الوطنية في السودان. وكان الهدف من هذا الجهد المشترك هو إثراء تصميم برامج التدريب والتوجيه المستهدفة لتعزيز فعالية العمليات الإنسانية. ورغم أن التقييمات أجريت مع مجموعة محددة من 22 منظمة غير حكومية وطنية و76 مستجيبا فرديا، فإن الاتجاهات التي تم تحديدها في أولويات التعلم والتحديات التنظيمية واحتياجات تعزيز القدرات ذات صلة وثيقة بالمنظمات غير الحكومية الوطنية “الناشئة” و”المتوسعة” والجهات الفاعلة الإنسانية العاملة في السودان. 

المنهجية: استخدمت التقييمات نهجًا منظمًا يجمع بين أساليب جمع البيانات الكمية الأولية (الاستطلاعات الإلكترونية) والنوعية الأولية (مقابلات مع المخبرين الرئيسيين ومناقشات مجموعات التركيز)، بالإضافة إلى تحليل البيانات الثانوية (السياسات التنظيمية). تم تحليل البيانات باستخدام البرامج الإحصائية والتحليل المواضيعي، مع التدقيق المتبادل لضمان صحتها. 

النتائج الرئيسية

تم تحديد العديد من التدريبات المختلفة كحاجة مثل:

التنسيق

تقييم الاحتياجات

الأمن الشخصي

الحماية الإنسانية

التخطيط للمشاريع

المساءلة أمام الفئات المتأثرة

تطوير القدرات البشرية

التشغيل و الإدارة

الاستدامة

الإدارة المالية

This Learning Needs Assessment & organisational capacity assessment summary report identifies capacity gaps and learning needs among individual responders and organisations engaged in responding to the crisis in Sudan.

Understanding these gaps is essential for developing targeted training programs, that can enhance the skills and knowledge required to address the complex challenges posed by the conflict. 

The LNA & OCA also assessed the existing strengths among responders, so both RedR and HAD can recommend the best ways that humanitarian partners can leverage best these capabilities. 

Using the findings to train disaster responders on the most urgent topics

Background

The Learning Needs Assessment (LNA) and Organisational Capacity Assessment (OCA) were
conducted by RedR UK and the Humanitarian Academy for Development (HAD) to identify the
knowledge gaps, skill deficiencies, and capacity-strengthening requirements of humanitarian
workers and national organisations in Sudan. The aim of this joint effort was to inform the design
of targeted training and coaching programmes to enhance the effectiveness of humanitarian
operations. While the assessments were conducted with a specific cohort of 22 NNGOs and 76
individual respondents, the trends identified in learning priorities, organisational challenges, and
capacity-strengthening needs are highly relevant to other NNGOs and humanitarian actors
operating in Sudan.

Methodology

The assessments used a systematic approach, combining primary quantitative
(online surveys) and primary qualitative (Key Informant Interviews and Focus Group Discussions)
data collection methods, in addition to analysis of secondary data (organisational policies). The
data was analysed using statistical software and thematic analysis, with cross-checking to
ensure validity.

Key findings

Various trainings were identified as a need such as:

• Coordination
• Needs Assessment
• Personal Safety
• Protection
• Project Planning
• Accountability to Affected Populations
• Human Resource Development
• Operations and Management
• Sustainability
• Financial Administration

This Learning Needs Assessment identifies capacity gaps and learning needs among engineers and technical specialists engaged in response efforts in Libya.

Understanding these gaps is essential for developing targeted training programs, that can enhance the skills and knowledge required to address the complex challenges posed by the conflict. 

The LNA also assessed the existing strengths among engineers, so RedR can recommend the best ways that humanitarian partners can leverage best these capabilities. 

Using the findings to train disaster responders on the most urgent topics

Subsequently, RedR conducted this in-depth and detailed Learning Needs Assessment to better inform the ongoing training response to the disaster in Libya. The overarching questions that this Learning Needs Assessment seeks to assess are:

• What are the current capacity gaps and learning needs amongst humanitarian responders to
  the Libya floods?
• What are the capacity strengths amongst humanitarians responding to the floods?
• How can humanitarian partners best utilise these strengths?

It enables RedR to tailor our response to the evolving needs of the crisis. By understanding the specific learning needs and capacity gaps, RedR can provide training that is most relevant and impactful, thereby enhancing the overall response in Libya. 

Key findings

Various trainings were identified as a need such as:

• coordination
• needs assessment
• water management
• WASH
• flood effect on structures and infrastructures
• Rapid Damage Assessments
• Accountability to Affected Populations
• Humanitarian principles
• protection
• personal safety and security.

There is a shift in needs now that Libya is no longer in an emergency phase but is now in a transitional phase. Some of the trainings that are more of a priority now are DRR and climate
change.

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Yousra is a mental health physician, with experience working with many different organisations, locally and internationally.

Working with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) as a Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Capacity Building Assistant, she runs training and workshops on mental health, especially for migrant groups in schools and other community contexts.  She is also the founder of Mwja, an enterprise providing training and raising community awareness about mental health. Yousra is experienced in supporting people through crisis contexts. In 2019, she founded an NGO platform to raise awareness around managing stress created by the civil war in Libya. 

The flood in Libya, caused by the breaking of two dams following Storm Daniel on 11 September 2023, caused over 30,000 people to lose their homes, with more than 10,000 people having lost their lives. The disaster causes widespread psychological trauma for those affected by the flood, as well as for those who respond.  

Through RedR’s Training of Trainers programme, Yousra developed her skills in online training delivery, learning to improve interactivity, and ensure participants take in what they’re learning. “In addition to a certificate that may help me develop my career”, says Yousra, “valuable information and a network of relationships with trainers and attendees is the biggest gain for me.” 

Equipped to develop her own online training for mental health support workers working with those affected by the Libya floods, Yousra is launching her own online programme in February 2024. With specific expertise for disaster contexts, Yousra will pass on her expertise in psychological first aid, self-care for responders, and empower her participants to begin their own basic steps to facilitate support group for adults and children.  

Thanks for your support for RedR’s work in Libya, generously supported by H2H and FCDO. If you’d like to give financially to support this and similar projects for disaster-affected communities all over the world, you can do so here. 

Since the floods that devastated the city of Derna in Libya last September, Basma El-Werfally has been working with her team to provide support.

Chair of Meras Organisation for Development, a youth volunteer and development organisation, Basma lead a large campaign in the aftermath of the flood, giving food, household items, and other essentials to families who had lost everything. 

Founded in 2017 to strengthen the role of civil society in Libya, Meras usually focuses on capacity development, particularly of women and young people. Their first project strengthened social entrepreneurship among organisational leaders, and Meras went on to support capacities for various vulnerable groups affected by conflict, adopting projects for economic and political empowerment of women and young people. With several projects implemented with funding from the European Union and local partners, Meras aspires to implement many programs that enhance its role as a Libyan civil society organization contributing to achieving sustainable development in Libya.

Although Basma was experienced in working in contexts of conflict, the flood brought a new kind of disaster on an unprecedented scale. Alongside the challenges of the emergency response including lack of available data, security and political challenges, and a widespread lack of confidence in donor organisations, Basma and her team were also profoundly affected psychologically by the disaster. 

Although she is already an experienced coach and trainer, Basma had never worked in a humanitarian disaster of this kind. RedR’s Training of Trainers programme equipped Basma with the humanitarian knowledge she needed to train others, with the specific skills needed in emergency disaster response contexts. 

Thanks for your support for RedR’s work in Libya, generously supported by FCDO and H2H. If you’d like to give financially to support this and similar projects for disaster-affected communities all over the world, you can do so here.