VIPP_Unicef

Role of the facilitator
The VIPP facilitator is in charge of the process of any event, usually in
interaction and coordination with the organizers. She is responsible
for the design of the event: the formulation of the daily programme,
the selection of the techniques to achieve the goals and the steering of
group processes. The facilitator is not a chairperson of the event, nor
should she manipulate an outcome. She assumes a role of
"methodological leader" who enables the group to bring out its
experiences in dialogue, in generation of new knowledge, as well as in
decisions for action.
The facilitator will carefully observe the process and the participants.
If she senses that someone feels excluded from the process, it is her
task to deal with this by individual discussion or by changing the group
process.
Except for very small groups, there should be a team of facilitators
because of the reasons given below.
FACILITATION IS A TEAM EFFORT
● Facilitators have different personal characteristics which are
perceived and accepted differently by participants.
● The design of the event will be more reflective and creative if a
team is involved.
● Facilitation is very intensive and demanding. Therefore, it requires
some rest and reflection through the process for optimum results.
● Each part of the programme has to be prepared the day before, so
while one facilitator is guiding the group process, the other may
sit down and reflect on the programme details for the next day.
● The facilitator needs feedback on performance and the reaction
of participants that can be evaluated immediately, during breaks,
or at the daily evaluation and planning meetings at the end of the
day.
● Sometimes the facilitator requires new material or to collect cards
from the participants, so one of the co-facilitators will act as
assistant.
THE USES OF VIPP
The
Facilitator
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