Phase 2 of Our Train the Trainer Program
Our Train the Trainer program is a journey of transformation—not just for the women we work with in Africa but also for the trainers who take on the responsibility of INpowering others. (If you're new here, I prefer to use INpower instead of EMpower to move away from colonial language.)
As we step into Phase 2 of this program, we want to give you an inside look at the meticulous work of building our next four workshops in Uganda while preparing our trainers for their pivotal roles. This phase is critical as we prepare each trainer to lead a cohort of 15 girls through our year-long, 4-phase program. Together, they will teach a total of 60 women in Uganda, with the next cohorts officially launching this March 2025.
A depiction showing African women teaching African women during our upcoming 4-day workshops in Uganda
The Foundation: Skill Building in Phase 1
Over the last six months - a journey that began in June 2024, our trainers have been immersed in developing advanced photography and ethical storytelling skills. But technical expertise alone isn't enough. We included leadership development and public speaking to prepare them to become confident leaders. These foundational skills are essential for trainers to effectively inspire and educate their students.
Phase 1 was crucial to building their skills as leaders and trainers. It was vital to bring on partnerships that understood the cultural context we were working in and who could contribute to skills development in an efficient way. We partnered with Phenomenal Women Global in Uganda, a program started by a Ugandan Human Rights Lawyer who is working for the UN in Geneva. We also partnered with the local branch of Toastmasters to help them develop their confidence in public speaking. Have you ever been in front of a room of people and don’t know what to say? This program prepares them to confidently step into their roles and deliver the curriculum with purpose..
Transitioning into Phase 2: Practice and Refinement
Now in Phase 2, our focus is on transitioning these trainers from learners to leaders. During this phase, we emphasize putting their newly acquired skills into practice. This week, during our second Zoom session of the year, we worked collaboratively to review the existing curriculum. This critical step ensures that our training remains impactful and relevant to the needs of the 60 young women who will join our workshops in Uganda this March.
Our curriculum is built for our 4-day workshop. During the first three days, the students, who come via our university partners in the host country, are introduced to basic camera operation, the exposure triangle, composition, how to tell ethical stories using photography and more. There's also ample time for them to learn and practice so that on the 4th day, when we go into the community to work with one of our NGO partners, they are fully equipped to tell the NGO stories using their newfound photography and ethical storytelling skills.
From this practical field experience, they begin building their portfolios, further developed during our year-long curriculum.
Collaborative Curriculum Development
Developing the curriculum is not a one-size-fits-all process. It's dynamic, informed by feedback from trainers and rooted in the local context. In the first four days of the workshops, we blend theoretical knowledge with practical training in photography and storytelling. We've also integrated vital sessions on mental health and addressing sexual harassment. These topics are challenging but essential for equipping women to advocate for themselves in male-dominated industries.
One of the highlights of Phase 2 has been the active participation of our trainers in shaping the program. While I initially worried about resistance to sensitive topics like mental health and harassment, the trainers have shown incredible commitment. Their feedback reinforced how critical these discussions are for empowering participants to stand up to systemic barriers and advocate for their rights.
Preparing for Phase 3: Leading with Confidence
As we look ahead, Phase 3 will be all about readiness. Trainers will take on mock sessions, practice teaching, and refine their leadership styles to ensure they're fully prepared for the upcoming workshops. By March, they will be equipped with technical expertise and the confidence and tools to inspire others.
The Train the Trainer program is about more than teaching photography—it's about creating a ripple effect of sustainability in Uganda. Each trainer becomes a beacon of change, inspiring the next generation of women to break barriers and find their voices. The dedication, collaboration, and courage it takes to build this program reflect the transformative impact we strive to achieve.
We can't wait to share more updates with you as we move to March. Stay tuned as this incredible journey unfolds!