The Foundational Leadership and Life Skills Course, run by IFWEA and the University of Limerick, aimed to enhance participants’ effectiveness when working in and with groups.
It gave participants key skills to boost both personal capabilities and group teamwork. Topics included practical skills for working in and leading groups effectively. The programme was aimed at educators, organisers, and anyone interested in improving group dynamics, leadership, and coordinating collective actions. The course ran online from 11 July to 29 August 2024.
Amongst those who completed the course, their evaluation provided the following feedback:
Jane Namunyak (pictured centre) from IFWEA affiliate Kenya Union of Hair and Beauty Workers (KUHABWO) said: “The awareness, listening skills, and communication techniques from the course have been very effective for me, especially when applied within my family.” Jane loved the videos and watched them multiple times, learning about the animal metaphors and how to practice these shifts in both office and home environments. She even taught the concepts to her children, and playfully teases them as “jackals” when they start arguing.
She appreciates how the videos helped her recognise and understand her own behaviour in interactions with others. “This course has significantly improved my approach to dealing with people, particularly in group settings. I have learned the importance of listening without interrupting and how to respond thoughtfully,” said Jane. Additionally, she now knows how to “stand tall like a giraffe,” embodying confidence and calmness in her interactions.
Lucia Abarri (pictured left) from the Progressive Labor Union of Domestic Workers-Macau, in the Philippines, said: From the beginning of the sessions to the end, what I’ve learned most is that respect cannot be demanded; it must be earned. One way to earn it, I’ve found, is by focusing less on talking and more on doing the work. In my workplace, I used to critique my colleagues’ work and complain often. But I realised that instead of focusing on their mistakes, I needed to learn from my own – and theirs – and work on improving myself.”
She added that she realised she needed to continue working consistently and strive for improvement in herself. “I did that, and over time, I made significant progress. My colleagues no longer criticise me, and I’ve gained the freedom to do my work as I see fit. A few days ago, both my colleagues and my boss expressed appreciation for what I’m doing. They now rely on me, especially in the three stations I manage. I’ve regained their trust, and it feels good to have it back,” said Lucia.
She adds that she learnt how important it is to give room for others to showcase their ability and skills. “We don’t have to feel left out when they stand out,” she explained.
Selinah Masilela (pictured right) of We Care, South Africa, said that she had learned a lot, especially about working as a group and how to turn a group of strangers into a cohesive team. Through this course, she has also learned to use different types of communication within her group.
She said: “Before this course, I would observe people without fully understanding their behaviour. Now, I am more aware of various communication styles and can identify them both before and after facilitation sessions. This awareness helps me to better navigate group dynamics.”
She has also learnt to apply the concept of “unconscious bias” within her groups and has discovered that people are often dealing with much more than what appears on the surface. In addition, she said that “the course materials have been instrumental in helping me to open up”. Moving forward, she plans to use this understanding in her work.