3.1 Components of Training
A well managed training programme is a basic element of any organisation or enterprise. It is one of the best and most readily recognised demonstrations of an organisation's concern and desire to help its present and prospective members. An effective training program serves three functions:
a) develops an effective and responsive membership force;
b) establishes favourable relationship with the community;
c) provides supportive services towards achievement of goals and objectives.
While the CISV programmes are inherently educational and every activity is chosen for its training value, there are a number of reasons for the supportive role of training.
3.2. Individuals Requiring Training
A wide variety of people are directly or indirectly involved in the Village and the training needs are just as varied:
a) Parents and Child Delegates
b) Parents and Junior Counsellors
c) Adult Leaders
d) Host Staff
e) Village Committee Members
f) Host Families
g) Local Chapter/National Association Members
h) Prospective Donors of material, services, and monetary contributions
plus many others, but most important, of course, are the child delegates and Junior Counsellor preparing to go to the Village.
Parents need to know what the Village experience will do for their children, what the CISV organisation is and does, heir own involvement, preparations for their children, etc.
In like manner, the persons in the other categories above/mentioned need to learn about their roles, functions and responsibilities; further involvement in CISV; benefits they can derive from belonging to the organisation; and how best they can contribute to this worldwide cause.
Children need to be prepared so that they will be able to participate fully and positively, thereby contributing to the success of the Village and gaining the fullest from the experience.
The host Staff, Adult Leaders and Junior Counsellors who are responsible for the preparation of the Village and the welfare of all the participants, more so perhaps than others, need the training for the important job that they are to carry out. With proper training, they will be better prepared to approach and implement their work with confidence and efficiency.
3.3. Programme for Training
While training need not be an elaborate nor formal course, it has to be carefully planned.
When planning for training, the following factors should be considered:
a) Principles underlying CISV training.
b) Who is going to participate;
c) How much time do these people have available for the training;
d) What are their backgrounds, experience, education, etc.;
e) What are their training needs;
f) Who will handle the training;
g) Training methods and techniques.
h) Practicals.
i) Follow/up.
3.4. Principles underlying CISV Leadership Training
These are actually the interface or common boundary of the CISV programmes and they serve as the foundation or framework for all CISV leadership training as well.
a) dynamics of flexibility and structure
b) multi-dimensional communication for understanding
c) trans/cross cultural awareness
d) learning through action/experience
e) cooperation rather than competition
f) simplicity in concept and presentation
g) personal growth as a leader
h) group dynamics
i) provision for safety, legal and health standards
j) conflict management
k) avoidance of negative discrimination
l) openness to the world
m) application of CISV goals
n) evaluation and re/entry
In the appendix are samples of two training programmes, one for training all categories and another specifically for Adult Leaders. These samples are meant as such and should only serve to help local Chapters/National Associations in designing their own training programmes to suit local needs and conditions (see Appendix 10.3. and 10.4.).