Under the Social Cohesion and Reconciliation (SCORE) Activity, NPC organized a Training for Trainers (TOT) on resilient communities through everyday democracy, a module SCORE compiled for the purpose of empowering the village level community platforms.

The training programme was aimed at 22 members of SCORE’s partner organizations in Mullaitivu, Monaragala, Vavuniya, Ampara and Batticaloa. NPC staff also took part in the programme.

Interactive tools and techniques were used based on adult learning principles to encourage a productive dialogue among participants on different thematic areas. Some of tools used included reflection activities and games, group work, discussions and brainstorming and individual reflections and follow up agreements.

Speakers at the training programme included Dr. Dayani Panagoda from Global Communities, NPC Chairman Dr. Joe William and NPC Executive Director Dr. Jehan Perera, who discussed democracy and the promotion of a cohesive national identity.

Most participants agreed that the training programme had enhanced their knowledge of democracy and prepared them to facilitate training based on the module.

“There were two modes in the training - facilitator mode and participant mode. During the participant mode we learnt and during the facilitator mode we implemented what we had learnt. We participated fully because of this teaching method,” said NPC Project Officer Sepalika Priyanthi.

“We were trained on the tactics that we should use as facilitators including how to use body language to connect with people,” said Balraj Tharshan, a youth coordinator from Vavuniya.