Author: Meghna Sandhir | 04-Jan-2024
Lessons from a week of Training!!
In a transformative week at the Sahbhagi Shikshan Kendra's Training of Trainers in Lucknow, I embarked on a profound journey into the realms of training methodologies and self-reflection. What started as an introduction to theoretical concepts around participatory research and training methods ended as an immersive experience that evolved into a lifelong lesson, shaping my perspective on the process, teamwork, and embracing diversity.
As I sit and write this, I feel a sense of wholeness and confidence with which I landed at the New Delhi platform today. In the sphere of my experience having done numerous sessions of community engagement and read various sociological and psychological theories about self and human behaviours, the training left me in awe by giving me an insight into the process. Which remains my biggest learning.
It is often said that the process is an important aspect of achieving the task or goal at hand. The last three days at the training where we were divided into groups of three and were asked to design an hour-long session for our peers, made me reflect on what Shakespeare once said, “All the world's a stage, and the people are the actors.” It was such a marvel to have been able to see ourselves through video documentation to understand how we react in different settings. It made me realise the importance of co-creation and the barriers that came with it.
Here's a reflection on my takeaways:
Embracing the Process: Discovering the depth and significance of the process was an eye-opener. It's not just about reaching the destination but cherishing the journey. Designing sessions and examining ourselves through video documentation underlined the essence of co-creation and the obstacles that accompany it. This realization unveiled the complexity and importance of collaborative efforts. It dawned on me that success isn't solely about the endpoint but cherishing the process itself.
Navigating Team Dynamics: Conflict within a team is common, but the key lies in fostering open communication and effective leadership. The ability to provide and receive feedback with precision, patience, and attentiveness proved pivotal in enhancing the quality of work and promoting cohesive teamwork. Recognizing each other's strengths and weaknesses through shared experiences further strengthened the collaborative spirit among participants.
Evolving Relationships: The training was a testament to how initial hesitations and judgments can dissolve over time. Creating an inclusive environment through engaging activities and shared experiences allowed participants to shed biases and embrace a culture of continuous learning and adaptation.
Valuing Diversity: Every individual comes from a different background and their thoughts and ideas are shaped by their lived realities. While working in a team, often one must acknowledge the diverse backgrounds and perspectives within a team. Being mindful of these
differences and working towards a shared decision while respecting individual voices is a balancing act. Aligning with some might inadvertently upset others, but recognizing and motivating those who might feel undervalued ensures everyone feels heard and appreciated.
Realigning Perspectives: The training journey transcended theoretical knowledge and delved deep into practical applications. It facilitated a transformative shift, allowing participants to discard preconceived notions and be receptive to unlearning and relearning. This adaptability and openness are invaluable traits in the realm of training and human interaction.
The holistic experience of this training has not only equipped me theoretically but has instilled practical wisdom, enriching my approach as a trainer. It emphasizes the significance of collaborative efforts, effective communication, embracing diversity, and the continual evolution of perspectives. This journey has been instrumental in nurturing a collaborative and inclusive environment in any setting I encounter.
PRIA’s MobiliseHER team traveled to Bangalore during the week of June, 10 – 14, 2024. The aim of the visit was to gain relevant insights into the civil society ecosystem in Bangalore and meet different organisations to understand the city through a lens of gender and inclusive mobility.
Working at PRIA, often leads us to various cities across the country. Each trip is an opportunity to witness firsthand the challenges and triumphs of different communities.
Mr. Yedukrishnan V has recently joined PRIA after gaining valuable experience in the development sector. Drawing from his journey in the social sector and personal encounters in Kerala, he emphasises the importance of participatory governance and research in empowering marginalised communities.'
