Ruben Centre Beyond Borders
SUMMARY
Edmund Rice International organized a two weeks advocacy training in Geneva between 20TH June and 2nd July 2022. This was the first physical training after COVID-19 pandemic hit the world in 2020. ERI had however continued with virtual advocacy trainings. This year's training in Geneva brought together 12 participants from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia, India, Peru and the United States. These participants are actively involved in different advocacy activities in the various Edmund Rice Ministries such as Schools, Social Justice, Children with special needs and development initiatives.
PARTICIPANTS
The twelve vibrant participants who attended this training in Geneva are as follows;
Thomas Ochieng Opana (Ruben Centre), Paola Geraldine Miranda Cerna (Peru), Augustine Dassah fpm (Ghana), Grace David (India), Patricia Hricasko-Gray (USA), Solomon Kuusoyir fpm (Ghana) , Mark John fpm (Ghana), Titus Masila (Kenya), Sarah Mulando (Zambia), Patrick Nuanah cfc (Ghana), Elmer Hurtado Paredes (Peru) & Marion Williams (India)
OPENING RITUAL
The opening ritual was unique and interesting. It started with introduction from ERI team led by Brother Brian then followed up by participants. Participants introduced themselves, shared a little bit about their ministries and presented a symbol of their organization. The symbols were mainly a true representation of the ministries and/or national symbol.
FACILITATORS AND CONTENT
Four ERI brothers namely Brothers: Brian Bond, Terry Dowling, Tino D'abreau and Kevin Mullan facilitated most sessions at Gaillard, World Council of Churches and ERI offices. A few other Human Rights experts were invited to facilitate sessions on UN Special Procedures, Treaty Bodies, Universal Periodic Review and Sustainable Development Goals. The above interactive sessions were facilitated by;
· Sara Cavallo - UN Special Procedures
· Maria D'Onofrio - Introduction to the Treaty Body System
· Sandra, Ulises and Budi- Interaction with UN Mechanisms
This content was very relevant to all the participants and helped them gain hands - on experience on social justice, children rights, care for the earth, climate change and above all how to draft UPR for their countries. Participants from Ghana and Peru shared with the team the UPR they drafted for their countries through ERI support. These paraphrased presentations made it easier for other participants to draft UPRs for their countries in future. Another interesting topic of discussion was the Sustainable Development Goals facilitated by ERI team. SDGs provide worldwide guidance for addressing the global challenges facing the world. Participants were reminded on the seventeen SDGs and even shared how they contribute towards achievement of the SDGs through their various advocacy works. From their presentations it was evident that Edmund Rice Ministries across the world play a very significant role towards attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals through Education, Advocacy and Development projects.
Four participants namely; John Mark, Patriciah, Grace, Patrick and Serah got an opportunity to deliver ERI statements during the UN sessions.
VISITS TO THE UN AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
ERI team ensured that participants got a chance to attend and follow live proceedings at the UN in Geneva. The team witnessed presentations on Mongolia review, Annual Discussion on Women's Rights and Climate Change. Participants also visited the Red Cross Museum and International Labour Organization in Geneva. This was relevant to all participants and helped them learn more on how different organizations advocate for the rights of people
EVENING REFLECTIONS
Live Jesus in our Hearts is a phrase that will always be remembered by this year's participants. Evening reflections were powerful and helped bring self-awareness to what was accomplished throughout the day. The participants shared how the happenings of the day impacted them. These sessions were conducted by ERI team.
WORKPLAN DRAFTING
After two weeks of training, learning and sharing, the participants are expected to practically implement what they learnt in Geneva in their various ministries. ERI team led by Brother Tino guided all the participants in preparing one-year advocacy plans. Participants identified key Human Rights issues relevant to their organizations and drafted the workplans. This is supposed to be implemented progressively and update reports shared with ERI team.
WHAT NEXT?
Advocacy is about active responsiveness to different issues affecting the communities we serve. This training provided an avenue for interactions, learning and sharing amongst the participants and indeed was very impactful in enhancing advocacy initiatives carried out by Edmund Rice Ministries. During their last day, participants shared how the training had impacted them and promised to implement what they learnt in their projects.
PERSONAL REFLECTION
It feels good when you attend training and all your expectations are met. This has been one of the most impactful trainings I have attended in my profession. I travelled to Geneva with an aim of learning and sharing but I got more than that, thanks to the well-organized Edmund Rice International team. The training has equipped all the participants with more advocacy skills and we are determined to implement them in our day-to-day activities through our various Edmund Rice Ministries. It has indeed made a difference and added value in our advocacy work.
NB: Ruben Centre owns no rights to the photos and persons captured.
By: Thomas Ochieng’
Edits: Gregory Barake