A Training Workshop on How to Lead PSS Sessions Effectively Based on Protection Standards

RDP managed to train 20 community-based protection volunteers on the protection standards and responsibilities to enhance their knowledge of Psycho Social Support (PSS) and how to give a referral for such cases. The training also helped volunteers know how to effectively lead PSS sessions in the targeted sub-districts (Al-Asabeh – Adeem – Hadharim) of Ash Shamayatayn district of Taizz Governorate.

RDP responds to the humanitarian crises in Yemen and helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict to survive by providing immediate and direct interventions in all areas. Protection program is one of the most important components of RDP programmatic response. RDP is conducting a protection project for people affected by the war activities and political conflicts in the sub-districts (Al-Asabeh- Al-Hadharim- Adeem), of Ash Shamayatayn district, Taizz governorate.

On Monday April 8^th, 2019, RDP conducted a workshop for the protection team, aimed mainly to train them on the protection standards and responsibilities. The workshop was amazingly informative and inspirational; and it alternated between many different techniques and methods including group discussions, presentations, and practical activities. All participants were interacting with the training effectively, engaging in pairs and groups, and rehearsing the usage of all given materials.

Participants were given a quiz at the beginning of the workshop, aimed to evaluate their knowledge on protection and they were requested to answer all given questions based on their background on protection activities and this quiz was very useful that helped participants to refresh their information.

The trainer, then, enlightened the participants about all protection criteria, children, women, and men’s rights. She also presented the importance of maintaining professionalism when dealing with victims especially about their secrets as they might have some serious problems which should never be communicated.

Later, participants were trained on how to lead and manage group-based PSS sessions professionally and then they were divided into small groups and conducted group-based discussions as a practice to discuss many topics and protection risks that might be faced during the PSS sessions and simultaneously they shared ideas with the trainer who instructs them on how to deal with such imminent problems.

Additionally, participants were trained on how to make a referral, identify issues at individual or community level, direct any faced case to another service provider when the case requires assistance that is beyond the scope of the current service provider.

More importantly, participants were informed about the principle of confidentiality as all involved staff and community members are required to protect information disclosed in relation to any individual; participants were strongly warned not to reveal any identifying information to any person not directly involved in the provision of services.