More reflections on the workshop

The primary purpose of my trip to South Africa (as many of you know) was to do a practicum placement with the Department of Lifelong Learning at the University of the Western Cape. As part of that practicum I was to participate as an intern/participant in a training called "The Art and Heart of the Trainer". The unique thing about this training is that it was to be co-facilitates by my aunt Shirley and my Mum. The training occurred last week in a beautiful oceanside town called Kleinmond, 1 hour east of Cape Town.

29 facilitators from 5 southern African countries attended the 5-day training to build their skills and refine their art of facilitation. There were variety of participants: some that worked with children; others that were trainers in a business setting; and many that worked with women on women's rights and/or HIV/AIDS issues. Of course, women's rights and HIV/AIDS are closely connected in Southern Africa where the infection rate is very high and where many traditional cultural practices include men having several wives. It was a fabulous training that was rich in learning, both within the workshop program and at tea breaks while chatting to other participants. There were several women in attendance who are living with HIV and who shared their stories. All of these women exhibited their deep commitment to working to improve women's rights(both in the bedroom and out) as well as to reduce the stigma around HIV/AIDS. They were really frank about the underlying issues and very open to sharing their knowledge. I listened carefully and took in as much as I could.

Some of the major themes covered in the workshop were: Feminist Popular Education (grassroots empowerment work); Transformative Learning (asking the question 'how can I engage the hearts of my participants?'); design and facilitation of learning events; lifelong commitment to being reflective about my practice; and self care. Really rich for sure!

The past few days I have been writing a workshop report for the Department of Lifelong Learning which has allowed me to sink deeper into my learning from the workshop and to tie all of the pieces together. I am also in the process of connecting with some of the other workshop participants who are keen to have me co-facilitate in the coming months. So, perhaps I will get to put my learning into practice. Exciting!!