Training of Trainers in Minority Rights in South East Europe

The Training of Trainers (ToT) in Minority Rights and Advocacy is part of Minority Rights Group International and partners’ ongoing work to protect minority rights and promote interethnic dialogue in Southeast Europe.

The Training of Trainers is intended for individuals affiliated with NGOs and other institutions from Southeast Europe working on minority and human rights who wish to acquire or enhance their skills in training on minority rights and advocacy. Eligible countries and entities include Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo/a, Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro.

The training will be held from 26 June to 3 July 2005, which are the expected arrival and departure dates for participants. The event will take place in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The programme is coordinated by a ToT Steering Group made up of MRG staff and experienced trainers and minority rights advocates from Southeast Europe. It is co-organized by MRG and Independent, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The training is co-developed by MRG and Partners Foundation for Local Development, Romania.

Goal of the ToT

The overall goal of the ToT is to build sustainable capacity in training in minority rights and advocacy in Southeast Europe by strengthening the training skills of NGO personnel involved in training activities.

The objectives are:

 To develop a pool of trainers on minority rights and advocacy in Southeast Europe, who will conduct issue based training for NGOs, community leaders, governmental officials and other relevant stakeholders in-country and regionally.
 To develop user-friendly training materials on minority rights and advocacy;
 To facilitate interpersonal and interorganizational links at the national and regional levels.

Participants in the ToT

The ToT is intended for individuals with knowledge and experience in human or minority rights protection and advocacy in their country who are committed to training others in minority rights.

24 participants will be selected on the basis of the following criteria:

1) knowledge of the international and national mechanisms and instruments for the protection of minority rights;
2) previous work on minority rights and advocacy on human and minority rights;
3) demonstrated commitment to multiplying gained knowledge;
4) affiliation with organization working in the field of minority protection that can support the prospective trainer’! s future work;
5) sufficient knowledge of English both spoken and written to actively participate in the training activities.

Participants will be selected on the basis of the application form and the above selection criteria. We will endeavour to have at least two thirds of participants from minority communities and will aim to ensure gender balance, as well as a balance between countries and communities represented.

ToT Content and Methodology

The Training of Trainers will focus on imparting methodology for delivering trainings on minority rights and advocacy. Based on a participatory approach, the ToT will combine presentations and lectures with role play and group work.

Prior to the event, selected candidates will be given an assignment related to the topic of the training which they are expected to complete before the start of the event.

Financial conditions

 Accommodation costs will be covered by the organisers;
 Travel expenses, subsistence costs and visa expenses will be fully reimbursed to all participants;
 The reimbursement of costs and award of certificate of attendance are contingent upon full attendance and participation in the training.

Procedure for applications

The application pack is available at http://www.minorityrights.org/admin/download/word&excel/2005-ToT-App.rtf and http://www.minorityrights.org/admin/download/word&excel/2005-ToT-Info.rtf

Filled-out application forms should be returned by e-mail to mrg3.bud@tla.hu by 11 May 2005 at 12 noon CET.

Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for a telephone interview between 16-17 May. Successful candidates will be informed by 18 May 2005 and are expected to confirm their participation by no later than 23 May 2005.

Candidates are expected to take their time to fill out the application form accurately and throuroughly. Each application should be original, specific to the applying candidate and the training event. Group applications will not be given consideration.

For any inquiries, please write to mrg3.bud@tla.hu

Source: www.minorityrights.org