ZDDT staff in further training

Written by Lewis Jones - ZDDT Field Correspondent Wednesday, 26 May 2010 17:03

BULAWAYO - Staff members at ZDDT recently got the opportunity to revisit their former classroom days.

This was achieved by courtesy of a 3 day Provincial Development Officer Training Workshop held 4th to the 7th April, 2010. The Banff Lodge, Hillside, in Bulawayo, hosted the exercise for 2 days, while concluding proceedings occurred a day later at ZDDT’s office in the City Centre.

Taking lessons were Simon Spooner, ZDDT’s National Development Officer (NDO), the Trust’s Field Correspondent and Regional Co-ordinator (FC&RC), and PDOs from Matebeleland North, Midlands and Masvingo South.

Simon Spooner, delivered introductory remarks, which included a discourse on the structures and operations of the Trust. Distinguished facilitator, Janet Kenyon, then skillfully steered participants through various subjects.

Explaining the Workshop’s aim, Mrs. Kenyon said; “At the training’s end, we should have developed our knowledge, attitudes and skills, to enable us to facilitate planning processes with the community, so that appropriate and sustainable development is initiated.”

Day three in the training schedule saw various staff members taking up the role of facilitator. ZDDT (NDO), Simon Spooner, got the ball rolling with a detailed explanation about the Trust’s workings.

He was followed by Candice Cope, the Administrator, who expounded the finer points about some financial and administrative intricacies in running the Organisation.

Bruce Mtengwa, the Bulawayo PDO, briefed workshop attendants on duties and mannerisms expected of a PDO, While Lewis Jones, FC&RC, assisted by Simon Spooner, revealed to their captive audience the secrets of good article writing and camera-work.

Summing-up the training exercise, Michael Phiri, Matebeleland PDO, from Victoria Falls remarked; “I feel gratified for having come to this workshop. In spite of the fact that training proved to be arduous and at times very intense, the fruits are bound to be beneficial to myself and the community I serve.”