Angola Launches IP Training on E-Lounge Platform

 

Angola is the first country in the region to launch a training for Implementing Partners using the E-Lounge Platform. Eneida Fortes, OIC Chief of Operations, describes the process to encourage other country offices in the region to utilize this innovative methodology to improve results in the Covid 19 global pandemic context. In the following interview she shares key practical tips to follow, including how she participated in a training with UNSSC to understand how to convert a face-to-face training into an effective virtual training, and how to motivate a CO team to engage with enthusiasm in this new initiative.

 

 

 

Question 1: Angola is the first country in the region to launch the IP training on E-lounge platform. Tell us why this initiative sparked your interest, and how you lead the process?

(Your answer)

Every year we organize face-to-face training to support our implementing partners on how to improve the work with UNFPA. In 2020, while preparing for the annual training, we were surprised by the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic and the country lock-down measures which forced us to try new ways to do our work. That is why the idea of creating a virtual training space arose. So, technology would be a great ally.

I introduced the idea to our former Representative, Florbela Fernandes who readily embraced it (she always challenges us to be innovative and make things differently). 

With her support and the support of my direct supervisor, Diego Alves, I started searching for a free online platform and liaised with the UNFPA head of training, Markus, as stepping stones to develop the project.

Markus was very enthusiastic about this initiative from Angola CO and invited me to participate in a training with UNSSC to understand how to convert a face-to-face training to effective virtual training. After the  training I prepared the first module that served as a sample for knowledge transfer to my colleagues. Through a webinar, I explained all the processes and the steps needed to achieve the expected results and in collaboration with the CO team a work plan was set up including deadlines and highlighting priorities to complete all the presentation, videos and quizzes. While the training contend and support material was ongoing, I started  preparing the platform and creating the course, in collaboration with one of our UNV, Diandra Costa. It is worth mentioning, that monitoring was also important to follow up on the achievements and provide the team with the necessary support. 

 

Question 2: What 3 recommendations can you make to other COs intending to join this initiative and develop e-trainings? 

(Your answer)

 

1. Be open to and support innovative ideas. Having the support of managers and the team is essential for the success of this type of project;
2. Promote leadership and collaborative work. Identify a champion, someone who will lead the project and not give up in the face of an obstacle, and define the project team with clear objective and priorities;
3. Engage and listen to partners in order to respond to their needs. Have an open line of communication with partners, partners must be sure that they can count on UNFPA to overcome obstacles, because for many it will not be easy. Therefore, having webinars with partners during the course is very important for the success of the course.

 

 

Question 3: In a perspective of the Angola context, why and how this course will benefit the work of UNFPA with Implementing Partners and how did they respond?

(Your answer)

 

The virtual training will facilitate the communication with the IPs and contribute to increase their performance and quality standards in response to UNFPA requirements; UNFPA in Angola works with several implementing partners in different provinces, so with this online course we were able to involve all of our partners and increase the number of participants per partner at a low-cost. For example, due to the costs involved in face-to-face training, we used to have only 2 participants per IP who travelled to attend the course in Luanda, but with the online course, we have some IPs than enrolled 10 participants. 

The implementing partners response exceeded our expectations, our prevision was around 50 participants and we have 123 participants.For the IPs, having an online course in portuguese that also gives them the opportunity to learn at their own pace and through a virtual platform is a great asset. 

 

Question 4:

The team's enthusiastic response and dedication was the key to the success of the initiative. Tell us a little bit about their participation and how they also went above and beyond?

(Your answer)

Definitely, the beauty of this project was the dedication and commitment of all the team, from managers to the UNVs. It was great to see how some colleagues were more daring in their thinking, trying new possibilities to overcome their barriers and go beyond their comfort zone. For some, it was the first opportunity to prepare a training material or a course, especially video recording. Some needed more support, but at the end they all managed to get the result and did their best in a collaborative manner. This project showed us what can be achieved when people are united by common, clear priorities and necessity.

 

Question 5: As a self-paced training it is crucial to ensure constant commitment to support IPs as they begin to navigate through the platform. What drives you personally to go the extra mile?

(Your answer)

Well, I consider myself a daring person driven by challenges, and this project was for sure very challenging. It was also gratifying to see the partners' acceptance, active support of the UNFA CO team and continuous improvement of the participants in navigating on the new platform.

Since the beginning, it was crucial to establish a wider line of communication with the partners in order to support them throughout their learning path and we made ourselves available through email, whatsapp and phone calls to respond to their needs. Although we already had planned 5 webinars to interact with partners, there was a need to conduct extra sessions to provide technical support, particularly on how to access and navigate on the platform, considering the limitation of some in managing new technologies. So, that is why it is important to have more than one person in the CO working on this project. In my case, I have the UNV Diandra Costa, who was of great support in this project. 

 

Question 6: Tell us about how you came to work at UNFPA.

(Your answer)

 

When I first came to work at UNFPA I was 6 months pregnant - I  usually say that my son is a child of UNFPA (laughing); I was hired in April 2017, to support a project funded by the Global Fund to strengthen the knowledge of adolescents and young people in the prevention of HIV and early pregnancy. 

 

I have a passion for working with and helping others and fell in love with UNFPA work and mandate which I am proud to support. 

 

Question 7: What is special about working at UNFPA?

(Your answer)

Well, when I think about our mandate, I see my life in some way reflected in it. I come from a large family and I am the last child of 10 siblings. During my childhood and adolescence, I saw some friends drop out of school because of early pregnancy; I also witnessed GBV almost every day at my home. I could be one of those girls who had an early pregnancy or left school for several reasons, because I didn't have much access to information about sexual reproductive health, either at home or outside. I think I handled it well because I was lucky enough to have a strong and wonderful mother. Therefore, knowing that, in some way, my work helps to empower young girls to make informed decisions that leads them to successes in their lives, is priceless.

 

Watch the longer  video to know more about Eneida’s personal journey which is an inspiring  testament to the special attributes of the UNFPA mandate.