Another big training assignment: develop the new Red Cross Movement training for using cash transfers in emergencies. Two big challenges: they wanted a practical training course but there was no option for a field component, and they wanted participants to use the new cash in emergencies toolkit, but the toolkit was so new the draft wasn’t actually finished until the weekend before the first pilot.
Again, a simulated environment was used to create a safe place for groups to learn and explore options. A scenario is preferable to a case study for a number of reasons – it provides a level playing field for all the participants, and it can be tweaked to create conditions that specifically test particular aspects. The scenario is introduced – forcefully – at the start of the training and maintained throughout – although real case studies are used at stages for reinforcement.
This training package relies on a big facilitation crew, who themselves need to be well coached. They play a range of characters throughout the training, providing opportunities for participants to negotiate with banks, argue with mobile phone companies, explore coordination challenges and deal with local partners – and rogues.
Phase one of the training looks at context analysis, needs assessment and programme design. Phase two looks at implementation including registration, cleaning beneficiary lists, encashment planning, monitoring and feedback mechanisms. And everything is tested practically.
After three pilots and a lot of tweaking, and now partnered with a complete and finalised toolkit, the training was handed over to IFRC and ICRC in 2015 and has since been run independently in English – and soon in Spanish.