This year, MDF, in close collaboration with ICF and as part of the Civitas Soteria consortium, has designed and developed a blended train-the-trainer course for the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM).

The UCPM is a system managed by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) that aims to improve civil protection cooperation between EU countries and 10 participating states. Through the Mechanism, countries can request assistance when an emergency overwhelms their response capabilities. To prepare national teams for deployment in an international setting, UCPM organises specific training exercises, also known as EU Module Exercises (EU MODEX).

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The objective of DG ECHO for MDF was clear: develop and implement a blended train-the-trainer course for the EU MODEX, which includes an online module and in-person training sessions.

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Facing this task, MDF identified three primary challenges:

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  • Ensuring adequate training: The end goal is to ensure that all participants feel sufficiently trained to execute their roles within the UCPM framework.
  • Combining online and in-person learning: It's essential to create a curriculum in which online and in-person training methods complement each other without redundant content.
  • Aligning with the reality of the trainees: While MDF possesses expertise in train-the-trainer methodologies, it is not an expert in civil protection. Understanding the context of the trainees' work is crucial to making the training relevant.

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MDF tackled these challenges by investing time in the design phase of the course and took the following actions:

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  • Collaborated intensively with two content experts who have deep knowledge and experience with the EU MODEX.
  • Organised a design workshop with key stakeholders and DG ECHO representatives. The workshop, which was held online, aimed to brainstorm about the different learning objectives and the modules.

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Here are selected screenshots from our online course module for EU MODEX.
Here are selected screenshots from our online course module.

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  • Invited a group of experts to provide feedback on the draft versions of the course.
  • Visited an EU MODEX to better understand the exact roles of the targeted trainees and the challenges they face in their roles.

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Our trainer and consultant, Karin Rozendal, collaborated with the coach and trainer, Alan Pellowe, during an EU MODEX training in Bulgaria.
Our trainer and consultant, Karin Rozendal, collaborated with the content expert, Alan Pellowe, during an EU MODEX training in Bulgaria.

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To provide ample time and space for skill practice, the e-learning modules were developed to impart all necessary foundational knowledge. In contrast, the in-person sessions emphasised hands-on application and practical exercises.

The online training was published in November 2023, and two in-person trainings were organised in December 2023 and April 2024 in Ede, The Netherlands. The main objective of this "train-the-trainer" course is to prepare coaches/trainers for the EU MODEX to effectively fulfil their roles, tasks, and responsibilities during the Exercises, and to ensure that their coaching/training provision is more predictable in approach and quality.

During the latest training sessions we worked with the responsibilities of the coach/trainers and practiced the skills they need for executing their roles effectively, such as intercultural communication, observation, feedback and coaching.

 

In April 2024, fun and effective training sessions with UCPM took place in Ede, The Netherlands

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It has been a real privilege for us to co-facilitate these sessions for a group of highly motivated and experienced civil protection experts. We are looking forward to continuing to welcome these civil protection specialists and supporting them in enhancing their coaching and training skills.