TRAINING

At Collaboration Specialists, we are really invested in training that is meaningful. Not one-size-fits-all. Not just one session. Not just a set of inspiring ideas that are hard to put into action and are given up a month later.

We adapt all trainings to the culture of the trainees. During trainings, we listen and adapt some more. We elicit participants’ stories and examples to put ideas into context. Our teaching style is continuously interactive with lots of skills practice. With reflection, students learn how the ideas work, so they can be applied in different situations.

Whenever possible, we use this structure:

  • Training
  • Students apply the skill in community alongside a trainer
  • Students use the skill while observed by a trainer
  • Students continue on their own, gathering questions along with experience
  • Follow-on training sessions with debriefs

And we never ask someone to train material they have just learned. Our train-the-trainers require some experience first, and the material includes guides on how to teach.

We have offered training in Liberia, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Iraq, Canada and the U.S. We have trained refugees, peacebuilding NGOs, university students, religious leaders and congregations, civil society groups, government employees, tribal leaders, prison and military officers, business people, attorneys, and judges.

We train on a range of conflict management techniques, especially integrating conflict competencies into daily life, and melding local and western conflict resolution methods. When requested, we train on leading dialogue, facilitation, mediation, negotiation, and trauma-informed conflict resolution.

SOME OF OUR TRAININGS HAVE INCLUDED

International Human Rights Law Institute, Peacebuilding Training Toward Reconciliation in Iraq, Suleimaniya, Iraq:
Conflict Prevention Skills to Promote Community Reconciliation
(for NGOs and tribal leaders)

Psychosocial Consortium of Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia:
Power of Dialogue

International Human Rights Law Institute, Women’s Leadership Conference, Duhok, Iraq:
Mediation Skills for Women Leaders

Centre for Conflict Resolution, Accra, Ghana:
Mediation Training (for military, traditional leaders, business and attorneys)

Kofi Annan Institute for Conflict Transformation, graduate short course, Monrovia, Liberia:
Mediation and Interest-Based Processes: Professional Practice and Skills

University of Sierra Leone, Fourah Bay College, Freetown, Sierra Leone:
Communication Skills, Conflict Management and Mediation

Psychosocial Consortium of Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia:
Gathering Information We Can Use: Survey and Interview Techniques




Accra, Ghana (Mediators Beyond Borders, 2008)

Decisionmaking and Solutions, Buduburam refugee settlement, Ghana

Action for Greater Harvest (local NGO), Monrovia, Liberia:
Mediation and Interest-Based Processes

Lutheran Church of Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia:
Mediation and Interest-Based Processes: Advanced Skills for Counselors

Centre for Conflict Resolution, Accra, Ghana:
Mediation Training (for government officials and attorneys)