Over the past two weeks, MDF PI provided coaching sessions for BENTARA, a dedicated civil society organisation based in Papua. This initiative was a follow-up to a leadership and people management training held in August 2024 in Abepura, Jayapura. The training was carefully tailored to address both the organisational needs of BENTARA and the personal development of its participants.
During the training, Imam Mulyadi, the lead trainer, and the team focused on key areas to strengthen BENTARA as an organisation. They discussed leadership vision and change management, helping the organisation adapt to external shifts and align its mission with the evolving needs of the communities it serves. The training delved into project-related issues, such as effective monitoring, risk management, and strategies for engaging communities and volunteers in a way that fosters sustainable impact. Personal development was also emphasised, covering vital skills like facilitation, time management, and delegation—especially crucial given the limited number of staff compared to the volume of work.
The energy and engagement during the training were truly inspiring. Participants actively asked questions, shared ideas, and worked collaboratively on ways to apply the concepts directly to their work. From the leadership team to the volunteers, it was evident that everyone was committed to implementing the lessons learned to drive positive change in their communities.
However, the journey did not stop with the training. Over the past two weeks, coaching sessions continued, digging deeper into the specific challenges participants faced in their roles. Together, they explored practical solutions, such as how to involve traditional and social leaders early in projects, support farmers in adopting sustainable agricultural practices, and manage projects more effectively through better monitoring and decision-making. These sessions proved critical in helping participants refine their strategies and create sustainable solutions for the challenges encountered in their communities.
This combination of tailored training and in-depth coaching has laid a strong foundation for BENTARA’s continued growth. The participants emerged not only more equipped to manage their projects and teams but also more confident in their leadership roles, ready to make a lasting impact in their communities.
