Training Programs for Humanitarian Workers
It has become clear in recent years that the humanitarian worker could no longer be satisfied with heroic myths nor with rough and ready skills. In a context which has become more and more dangerous, the magnitude of programs, donor fatigue heightened by squandering, the increasing demand for polyvalent and competent staff for tasks which are often exhausting, all these have led to an awareness of the need for training at a professional level in all the areas of operation, including the psychosocial support in situations of high levels of stress and violence. Training in all aspects of humanitarian psychology has thus become essential if we are to minimise the failures of costly programs which can be attributed to staff who are exhausted or in a state of shock. Key ideas Prolonged exposure to major stress and possibly the experience of traumatic incidents cause moral difficulties for the humanitarian worker which sometimes could be better dealt with, either in the field or within the organization itself. Initially this is the responsibility of the human resources department and of the recruitment service of the NGO as much as that of the individual. Within the framework of its training program, the CHP provides the time and tools for reflecting on these problems, enabling one to become aware of everything relating to the management of stress and of potentially traumatising incidents in the field. The CHP also helps develop skills to face difficult situations, whether personal or institutional. Interaction and discussion between the participants also lead to a better understanding of individual realities and needs, and to formulate together the strategies to be developed. For whom ? the humanitarian worker: he or she needs a minimum of information and training concerning the psychological risks that may be incurred when working in the field, whether it is on an emergency mission or included in a development program in a politically unstable country the human resources departments of humanitarian organisations : they are responsible for recruiting staff and for giving them psychological support, which in present-day conditions of work in the field calls for highly specialised knowledge and skills responsible managers and team leaders in the field : they have to know how to react when faced with a member of their staff experiencing a potentially traumatizing incident, although at the same time they do not need to be experts in how to handle it In which domains ? Humanitarian psychology comprises themes such as: management of stress in the field, especially in insecure environments
techniques for recruiting expatriate and humanitarian staff
crisis management and traumatic reactions after a major incident
communication and listening skills in a multicultural environment
conflict resolution techniques
mediation and negotiation tools (with the aim of improving dialogue within expatriate teams, with local staff and with the beneficiaries)
briefing of individuals leaving on their first mission
re-entry into the community after a mission Methodology Interaction is the basic principle. All the instruments of adult training are made use of: group dynamics, role-playing, video, case study, questionnaires, evaluation tests, psychological body techniques such as relaxation and breathing exercises, etc. Trainers For every module a specialist consultant attached to the CHP runs the seminar. The consultant is trained in and reflects the spirit of the organization, with its objectives and own philosophy. Venue The training courses are essentially in-house, available upon request by any humanitarian organization or by international corporates. They can be given any where which is convenient.
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