Where We Work : Uganda : Training

Training is the backbone of BRAC's programmes in Uganda. As BRAC hires hundreds of new staff, many of them straight out of college, it is critical to provide them with sufficient orientation and training.

BRAC has established two dedicated Training and Resource Centres (TARCs) in Kampala, each with a residential capacity of 25. The first centre was set up in May 2008, while the second was launched in December 2008 with funding from The MasterCard Foundation.

The goal behind establishing these training centres is to improve the management competencies of development practitioners, enhance the human and operational skills of the programme participants and development professionals. The specific objectives of TARC are as follows:

• To strengthen the operational competency of core programmes
• To implement development programmes with quality and efficiency
• To develop a devoted and skilled workforce
• To enhance the performance of the staff in service delivery
• To fill the gaps in the staffs' capacity to implement current programmes

Activities of the centre include developing appropriate training curriculum and materials, implementing training programmes, organising non-training schemes for capacity development and developing local master trainers.

Training new staff

In 2009, 3,357 people attended BRAC training courses in Uganda. All the training is participatory with brainstorming sessions, large and small group discussions, case study analysis and presentations. A typical induction for new staff members includes a three-day course at the TARC, one month of field experience in a branch office and one week of operational training and learning about development.

Training is also given to the area and branch managers, project officers, trainers and Community Organisers for the different programmes. We offer two types of training: operational training and training on management and development theory. The training needs of the programmes are being continually assessed with frequent field visits by a team of permanent trainers and a wider pool of trainers.

BRAC’s courses are conducted by Ugandan trainers, as well as expatriate facilitators experienced in training and capacity building in Bangladesh and internationally.

Examples of the 18 courses available for BRAC staff include: Cultural Adaptation Toward Effective Management, Training of Trainers, Comprehensive Microfinance Management, Operational Management, Microfinance Management, Financial Management, Accounts Management, Education Management, Basic Training for Teachers, Foundation Training for Education Staff, Basic Training for Mentors, Life-Skills Training for Mentors, Financial Literacy, Pregnancy-Related Care, Basic Training on Health and Refresher Courses.

With the number of both national staff and expatriates increasing, the country management and senior officials from the head office initiated a process to create training in Cultural Adaptation Toward Effective Management. To design the strategy, the research and evaluation unit conducted an opinion survey of all national and international staff to assess their knowledge about the organisation, their opinions about the working environment, the relationship between national and international staff and other issues. The TARCs designed a manual and provided the training to all international and national staff. The training was designed in a way so that both national and expatriate staff could attend together, interact on common cultural areas and build understanding on their differences.