IYIP Intern Jeff Cyr speaks about the delivery of the Human Resource Development (HRD) Module in Ghana... For the first time, HRD crossed the Ghanaian border and was hailed as a great success. From the 3rd to the 26th of March, the HRD program was presented in the northern town of Navrongo through the cooperation of WARD and the University for Development Studies (UDS Ghana).
The inter-African cooperation involved two facilitators from the Gambia - Mr. Jallow & Mr. Mboge - and three from UDS. Although the number of participants was a little disappointing to organizers, due primarily to other fiscal priorities in the development community, the quality of individuals made up for their size. The participants came from a wide range of NGO's and government agencies from across Ghana bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge that was enthusiastically shared.

Ghana Participants Visiting a Resident Crocodile

The intensive training was from 08:00 to 17:30, six days a week with Sunday's set aside for recuperation. The workshop quickly turned into a family environment as the participants ate, slept, worked, argued, and laughed together.

The companionship made the long hot days enjoyable and entertaining for everyone involved. To break the monotony, participants were quick to entertain themselves with jokes, stories, and songs that livened up the daily activities. On the few days free from the workshop, the group went on excursions to see the regional attractions.
Certificates were awarded at the closing ceremony endorsed by the institutional partnership of WARD, OUC, and UDS. The formal ceremony climaxed with a thundering impromptu song by the participants with facilitators cheerfully joining in.
According to the Ghanaian counterparts, HRD is in the plans for next year and will become a staple of their contract training services.
Where to next?

Click to read more about the Ghana experience.