Access to training opportunities is a key step in empowering and strengthening FBOs, yet language barriers can lead to missed opportunities. In order to overcome such challenge and promote equal access to training, Doctors with Africa CUAMM has just held its first french-taught course on leadership and networking skills. The training followed the syllabus of the previous english edition, held in July.
- “Opening remarks” Father Dante Carraro – CUAMM Director General
- “Connect, strengthen and empower Faith-Based Organisations in delivering healthcare services” Mr. Andrea Atzori – Head of International Relations at CUAMM
- “Supporting Faith-Based Organizations delivering Healthcare in Africa” Dr. Parotto – Clinical Advisor and Anesthesiologist, Padua’s University Hospital
- “The cycle of the project” Mrs. Anna Cavestro – Project Manager
- “Partnerships with Governments & Local Authorities: the experience of UCMB” Dr. Kasyaba – Assistant Executive Secretary of the Uganda Catholic Medical Bureau (UCMB)
«Participants were encouraged to foster a culture of collaboration, to value the contributions of each team member, and to maintain open and transparent communication» stated the Diocesan Director at Centre de Charité Saint Camille de Djougou – Father Yvon Serge Hounsou from Ordre des Serviteurs des malades, Benin.
43 people representing 22 different faith-based organizations from 11 African countries attended the virtual training course organized by CUAMM thanks to the support of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. Professionals such as nurses, medical doctors and health facility’s managers were among the learners who were represented by both ordained and no-ordained members of religious congregations.
«This event was a valuable opportunity for participants from various religious institutes to strengthen their skills and knowledge. As the speakers shared their experiences and intervention strategies, we were able to learn in order to prepare ourselves to better serve our communities» said brother Cosimo, nurse from Ordre hospitalier de St. Jean de Dieu, currently serving at Saint Jean De Dieu Hospital Tanguiéta, Benin.
Since 2019, Doctors with Africa CUAMM has been committed to strengthening the capacity and resilience of staff working in faith-based health facilities across the Africa region by offering training packages on different topics including healthcare facilities management, clinical aspects, project management, disaster preparedness and resource mobilization. While the courses were only available in English until now, “Compétences en matière de leadership et de mise en réseau” intends to facilitate access and learning to french speaking professionals deployed in the provision of health care across Africa representing a first step in the promotion of a more inclusive and effective training package. Training activities are promoted in the context of “Supporting FBOs on the frontline of healthcare service delivery in Africa”, the program launched by CUAMM in 2019 with the final goal of strengthening the capacity and resilience of staff working in faith-based health facilities through training, technical assistance and advocacy activities. To date, 150 faith-based organizations located in 26 countries, are involved in the program.
