Preparing for the training
The team thoroughly prepared for the training. All the kits were packed, including manuals for the new people. On top of that books were also carried for trainees to borrow in order to use for their own self development. The team shared the work to make it easier, and so each member had time to prepare. Every trainee was contacted to confirm their presence at the training. A few of the trainees were unfortunately unreachable and hence were not able to attend the training.
The training
The training run from the 27th to the 30th of July. The trainees started arriving on the 27th after which they began to register and settle down in their rooms. The training quickly started the same evening.
On the following days the training was graced with the presence of the diocesan youth chaplain Fr. Benjamin Banda who listened to the challenges that the volunteers face in their different communities. He then reaffirmed them that he is with them and also provided some of the problems that the local community leaders face and have with the program. This helped the trainees get to understand the point of view of the local community leaders and allowed them to reflect on the areas that they can improve on. The session ended well as both the volunteers and the diocesan youth chaplain had gained a lot of insight on how to work together going forward.
The training went really well; all the preparations were done before hand making it easy for the team to carry out their duties. The volunteers were also very engaged in the training by helping out wherever need be. This was in areas like keeping the environment safe, helping in leading the mass as well as organizing the social night. They were able comfortable enough to share the challenges they face allowing for the whole group to reflect on how ease such going forward.
Overall although some of the trainees were not able to make it, the training went on to be a success.