Keeping It Simple!

The GRRAM team began the Vulnerability and Capacity training (VCA) sessions for DRR groups at the beginning of May. The team continues to document VCA training sessions for GRRAM DRR groups. The following lessons learned were drawn from the training sessions:

1. Simplicity and diversity of training tools and materials:

VCA trainers simplified the training material to suit the diverse education levels and ages of participating women, many of whom have little or no education. Trainers noticed during sessions that forming groups of women with mixed levels of education helped to identify hazards, vulnerabilities, needs, and capacities because women with more education assisted others to better express themselves. In addition, trainers diversified the training tools to include video clips, photos and presentations about other DRR experiences from around the world so that the women could better understand how VCAs assist families and communities. Despite attending 4-day VCA training sessions, some women were confused between the differences of identifying hazards, needs, and vulnerabilities. To mitigate this obstacle, GRRAM Trainers assisted them without interfering with the input of information. The positive relationship between the women and trainers has been reinforced by the special skills of the trainers, who have continually demonstrated friendship and openness with the participating women.  These factors helped build trust between them and the women, which positively influenced the effective gathering of information and the participants’ commitment to the training session.

2. Local people select their VCA tools:

Palestine Red Crescent Society’s (PRCS) selection methodology of VCA tools is to allow trainees to participate extensively in the decision-making process. This inclusive process empowers participants to choose the correct tools for their communities depending on their specific context.  However, in some cases GRRAM trainers had to modify the way women used the VCA tools in order to collect the right information from the field. Therefore, it is important to hold a follow-up meeting with the women during the information collection phase to ensure proper usage of the VCA tools.