4Cs – Conducting Course & Cupping Coffee

Addis Ababa, 14 July 2012

Right I am back here in Addis Ababa writing this thread after nearly nine months of disappearance! Believe you me, I was working like a Trojan!

Before finishing work in Kabul in April earlier this year, I was invited for a small mission by UNDP in June. As soon as that mission was over, I transported myself to Ethiopia to train Ethiopian Roads Authority's staff on how to conduct transport appraisal for road projects. The course was held from 9 am in the morning to 4:30 pm in the evening everyday starting from 9 July 2012 to 13 July 2012. The training was well received. Personally speaking, I received a very good feedback from the trainees – they liked what I elucidated and the way I elucidated! Since I am not an "American" so I "will not be blowing my own trumpet" i.e. I will not print what was reported back but it was indeed a pleasure reading some of the responses!

The purpose of this post is to share few lessons in addition to what I posted a year or so back on this blog on Capacity Building Program Afghanistan - Lessons Learnt. Whilst I stick to the issues raised then, a few other potential additions can be:

• It is extremely important to connect with your audience – believe me this can go long way if you are a trainer. Don’t push them - engage them and please don’t try to teach them - tell them a story;
• Whilst reinforcing learning points one can use a few practical techniques including e.g. hands on training, showing them course related videos, trainees’ group discussions etc. This could keep trainees’ interest high and maintains their energy levels; and
• Each training session could potentially follow by testing trainees through a set of multiple choice objective type questions. This would ensure that they are learning; and it will also help the course instructor in knowing if any of the trainees need extra attention.

Now what is this post has to do with Coffee Cupping? Nothing much but after the day’s long course there is no harm in relaxing yourself with a nice cup of coffee especially when you are in the legendary land of Ethiopia!

Not only it will help you get ready for the next day, it will also help keep your battery recharged. To quote Honoré de Balzac (French novelist and playwright), “When you drink a cup of coffee ideas come in marching like an army”! (quote found hanging at one of the oldest coffee shop in Addis Ababa).

What next? Back home soon and I think I deserve some break! Looking forward to London Olympics and what a great spectacle will it be!