Congratulations to the Education in Emergencies Certificate of Advanced Studies (EiE CAS) Asia residential participants! Between 21-27 October, the seven-day residential provided a stimulating and enriching in-person learning experience for participants from across the Asia Pacific – and represented the first time that this residential has taken place as part of the University of Geneva-accredited EiE CAS programme in the region.
EiE CAS Asia residential in numbers
20
participants from 8 countries for the EiE simulation
24
participants from 9 countries for Transformation of Training
56
hours of learning per participant
12
Women participants
13
local organisations represented
8
countries represented by the facilitation and support team
The residential represented a milestone moment for these education sector professionals who have been learning together online on the EiE CAS programme for the past nine months.
Participants travelled from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines to convene in a tranquil location on the banks of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya river for a fruitful week of learning.
Participants represented a diverse range of organisations including local organisations, international organisations such as Save the Children, Plan International, and NRC, as well as UN and government agencies. With the HLA Asia Regional Centre’s commitment to localisation, over half of participants represented local organisations.
Watch the highlights
See some of the week’s top moments
Efren Lubuguin, the HLA EiE Professional Development Programme Manager for Asia, leads this programme in the region, and for the residential was supported by a global facilitation team from Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
Interactive and immersive learning
The residential provides an opportunity for the participants to apply their skills and knowledge gained from the programme and their own professional experiences.
The programme was carefully designed to provide an engaging blend of workshops, immersive four-day simulation, and was rounded off with a two-day Transformation of Training (ToT) – equipping participants with the skills to develop EiE training in their own contexts.
Proceedings kicked off with an interactive session focused on teamwork essentials and a deeper dive into key topics including safeguarding, in readiness for their intensive four-day simulation.
From day two, the expert facilitation team guided participants to the fictional setting of Galania, working together in NGO teams in a realistic scenario and testing their technical and collaborative skills under pressure.
For many participants, this experience underscored the critical importance of adaptability, especially in unpredictable and resource-limited situations.
Cross-cultural exchange and networking
With participants joining from nine Asia Pacific nations and a global facilitation and support team, a highlight of the residential experience was the opportunity to meet and learn from each other’s experiences.
A vibrant cultural event was held to celebrate the completion of the simulation, with participants showcasing traditional dress and sharing cultural traditions and heritage with each other, creating an enjoyable and meaningful exchange.
Strengthening capacity: building a pool of expert facilitators across the Asia Pacific region
As these professionals return home, they bring with them not only their learning from the week but also the ability to cascade this expertise locally.
With the completion of the Transformation of Training programme (ToT), these EiE professionals are now equipped to facilitate further training, fostering a growing network of EiE experts across Asia Pacific who are prepared to respond to education in emergencies.
This innovative approach to training highlights the value of simulation-based learning, which provides a realistic and hands-on environment for professionals to hone their skills.
As crises continue to impact education systems across the region, the work of these EiE experts will be crucial in supporting crisis-affected communities through education as a lifesaving intervention.
As the cohort approach the final programme module, they are a step closer to earning their Certificate of Advanced Studies accredited by the University of Geneva – and a step closer to making a lasting impact on education in emergencies across the region.
Reflections on the residential
Watch our video featuring a range of participant reflections
The HLA Asia Regional Centre extends its thanks and appreciation to colleagues from Save the Children International, to Save the Children Thailand Country Office for its support, to the University of Geneva, and funders PPL Education Trust.
You may also be interested in
- Pre-event news article: Education in Emergencies residential training for the Asia Pacific region set to take place in Thailand
- Free EiE Online programme available the HLA’s digital learning platform Kaya, available in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Ukrainian and Polish. This course is designed to help Education in Emergencies (EiE) and education practitioners improve their overall understanding of EiE or their knowledge of specific EiE topics and areas.
Related News
Locally-led Humanitarian Action conference convened Turkish and Syrian aid sector actors in Gaziantep
30th October 2024
HLA launches Humanitarian Youth Internship Programme in Latin America and Caribbean
22nd October 2024
Education in Emergencies residential training for the Asia Pacific region set to take place in Thailand
16th October 2024