DCHA/PPM Learning and Training Support Quarterly Report 3Q, FY2012

Under this contract, MSI supports USAID's DCHA Bureau in learning and training activities, analysis, and knowledge management. The third quarter of the second year of the contract marked a significant period, with several noteworthy activities. The DCHA Essentials Course was successfully completed, with the Summer 2012 Course held in Washington, DC from June 13 to July 31, 2012. The course included a modified "DCHA 101" orientation and introduction to the DCHA Bureau and individual DCHA Offices, as well as technical training offered by each office. Participant evaluations were compiled, and recommendations for future design and curriculum were submitted. The Crises, Stabilization and Governance (CSG) Course was also held in Nairobi, Kenya from April 16 to 20, with a modified curriculum and design. The course aimed to improve participants' understanding of the relief to development continuum and the intersection with effective and legitimate governance. Participant evaluations were compiled, and recommendations for modifications for future courses were submitted. Additionally, one iteration of the Conflict 102 Workshop was conducted in Washington, DC, with 25 participants representing various offices within USAID Washington and field and regional missions. The Conflict 102 Workshop is a practical and highly participatory training that introduces participants to conflict analysis, best practices for programming, and provides tools for successfully applying basic conflict diagnostic tools. The DCHA Training and Learning Portal was significantly redesigned during this quarter, with simplified and streamlined tabs and categories to create greater efficiency for users. The site was made more interactive and visually appealing, with material from the latest Conflict 102 and DCHA Essentials courses uploaded, as well as resources and videos from the DRG Forum and Officer's Workshop. Lessons learned over the course of this quarter included the continual interest for the DCHA Essentials course by non-DLI staff within the DCHA Bureau. The growing number of DCHA staff and the need for relevant workshop curriculum and activities were also identified as key areas for focus. The DCHA Regional Workshop planning phase continued, with an overall staff needs assessment being developed in coordination with personnel from the Africa Bureau. Preliminary budgets regarding possible venues in Africa were submitted, and March 2013 was selected as a tentative date for the conference. Workshop logistics and prospective locations will continue to be discussed with the COTR and internally with USAID colleagues. The Conflict 102 Training of Trainers (TOT) was held in Washington, DC, with seven participants representing USAID Washington, Field Missions, and the Department of State. The TOT aimed to familiarize future trainers with C102 objectives, content, and methodology, as well as enhance understanding of different training and learning styles and modalities. Participant evaluations were analyzed, and recommendations for future TOTs were submitted. Overall, the third quarter of the second year of the contract saw significant progress in learning and training activities, with a focus on improving the DCHA Essentials course, the Crises, Stabilization and Governance Course, and the Conflict 102 Workshop. The DCHA Training and Learning Portal was also significantly redesigned to create greater efficiency and interactivity for users.