Policy Practicum Sessions Overview

The program is structured to provide participants with hands-on experience in developing real-life policies within teams and in a supportive environment. Participants are divided into teams of up to 4 members and are expected to conduct considerable research and consultation in their own time, as well as during the practicum days. The workshops and practicum sessions are spaced to enable participants to have enough time to complete their work based on their workshop learning. Participants are also expected to make presentations to the workshop about their progress and invite workshop feedback as a way to share their learning experiences and become accustomed to seeking feedback on their work. The program begins with the formation of teams and the selection of a public policy problem at the end of workshop 2.1. Participants are expected to commence work on their policy problems immediately. The first practicum day follows immediately after the two workshops on 'how to initiate a public policy' and focuses on preparing and delivering presentations to the workshop about their policy problem and the results of their research so far. Subsequent practicum days focus on various aspects of policy development, including stakeholder engagement, policy options analysis, stakeholder consultative papers, policy briefs, and draft policy statements. Participants are expected to present their findings to the workshop and seek feedback at each stage. The trainer provides guidance and support throughout the process, and participants are encouraged to seek feedback from their peers and the trainer. Throughout the program, participants are expected to produce various documents, including ministerial briefing notes, stakeholder consultative papers, policy briefs, and draft policy statements. These documents are presented to the workshop for feedback, and participants are encouraged to finalize them based on the feedback received. The program concludes with the presentation of implementation and monitoring and evaluation plans, which are also subject to feedback and finalization. The policy practicum is designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to develop and implement policies effectively. The program provides a supportive environment for participants to learn and practice policy development skills, and the trainer plays a key role in guiding and supporting participants throughout the process.