Training of trainers opens the door for a new skill

I usually did not go to trainings as either speaker or facilitator. I admit that public speaking is not my thing, be it speaking to five persons or bigger crowds. I tend to channel my anxiety by talking as fast as I could, hoping along the time that nobody asked my questions so I can go back to my seat.

I have a totally different view after I attended the Training of Trainers (ToT) held by Mercy Corps’ West Sumatra Hygiene Promotion Team at the Pangeran City Hotel in Padang City.

Here, the team provided trainings for 25 health cadres from sub-district Kuranji and Kurao Pagang. Also, four health officials from local PUSKESMAS/ POSYANDU (health posts) attended the ToT. Mercy Corps also invited the City Health Board (or DKK/ Dewan Kesehatan Kota) to send their staffs as presenters for the first day of the training.

Here’s where things grow more fun: Mercy Corps’ staffs facilitated the ToT and even delivered some of the materials during the ToT!

I’m telling you, seeing how the cadres were actively involved in every process of the ToT and how the Hygiene Promotion team led them through each agenda really ignited my spirit. I even agreed when Teuku Ambral, the team leader for Hygiene Promotion, offered me to lead a session.

Lucky me, just before my session, Teuku gave the participants facilitation techniques as well as what it takes to make a good facilitator. Shamefully (since I lack many of them) but thankfully, I absorbed these materials quickly and put them into practices in an instant.

Of course, it is very rare that your first attempt is perfect. At the end of my session, I opened up a little secret to the participants: “This is my first session as a facilitator. Hopefully it can motivate all of you the same as your courage and spirit moved me.” The participants nodded, smiled, and clapped their hands respectfully – so I think it is safe to say that I pulled it off.

In the end, I led another session the next day. A big thanks to the Hygiene Promotion team and Mercy Corps for the time and opportunity.