Starting Up Child Centered Spaces in Emergencies: A Field Manual

Step 8: Conduct Initial Training for CCSAnimatorsAfter recruiting animators for the CCS and developing a work plan, the next stepis to provide initial training for the animators so that they can begin conductingactivities with children. In addition to helping children, the training itself is animportant intervention for adults who are in the process of regaining and reestablishingtheir lives. The training raises the capacity of parents and othercommunity adults in providing appropriate care for children. It is also importantto understand the background of the CCS leaders, the nature of the emergency,and the children’s physical and emotional states. (See Annex 7 for IASCGuidelines on Strengthening Access to Safe and Supportive Education.)DocumentationDocumentation of the participants’ knowledge and skills acquired during trainingis a critical piece for learning and assessing progress. An agenda — includingtime slots, topics, a presenter and time for assessing knowledge-change throughthe administration of pre- and post-tests — allows for easy documentation of thetraining at the end of the session. Pre-tests can have two to three questions forparticipants on the topics that will be covered and administered before the trainingbegins. The post-test would be the same two to three questions for participantsto answer at the end of the training. For example, questions might include:• What do young children need for healthy development?• What do youth need for healthy development?• What risks do children face because of the emergency?ProcessAt least two full days or four half days will be needed for the initial training. Thetraining will vary depending on the context. Given the setting of the training andthe time of year, the training location could be very cold, hot or wet. CCF staffmust be prepared for inclement weather. Also, given the flexible and fluid natureof an emergency situation, and the difficulties in communication, CCF staffshould be prepared for delays, absences and miscommunications.The training should be held in a convenient, accessible place for all animatorsfrom the various sites in a cluster. The training should be highly participatory andengage the animators’ knowledge and experience. The training should:31• Be in the local language if at all possible.• Be interactive.• Be practical.• Include written materials in the local language (including the Code ofConduct).