The training program was organized by WaterAid in collaboration with the Swedish International Development and Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and NIRAS, an international consulting firm.
NIRAS trains personnel with duties related to water and sanitation from private, public institutions and civil society organizations from Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
The training is also meant to build their capacities in the implementation of water and sanitation policies, improving cooperation and exchange of knowledge among workers in the same field so that they can create innovative projects tackling citizens’ problems in indentfied areas of concern.
Dr Nelson Ekane, an expert from Stockholm Environment Institute in Sweden who is in charge of training programs explained that trainings are offered in 15 months within five parts.
The first part of the training lasts four months dedicated for analysis of challenges stalling the implementation of water and sanitation policies at institutional level.
The second session lasts three weeks where participants meet with fellows from different countries in Sweden to discuss challenges affecting water and sanitation policies at country level to draw solutions to overcome these issues through promising projects.
During the 3rd session lasting four months, training beneficiaries return to their countries to implement their projects promising to address water and sanitation challenges and meet to discuss achievements.
The 4th session lasts two weeks during which participants come together in one of countries where the program is implemented to share experiences on how initiated projects are turning into solutions on the support of delegated country supervisor.
“During the 4th session , trainees make a report on the implementation progress of pitched promising projects and present it to their country supervisor who also advises them on faced challenges if any,” said Dr Nelson.
The last part lasts five months. Trainees return to their countries to keep the implementation of their projects in collaboration with co-workers and supervisors.
“We expect them to mobilize their employers, fellows on the need to closely follow up water and sanitation policies and incorporating them in budget planning as well,” explained Dr Nelso.
Jean Lambert Sebareze, the Head of Programmes at WaterAid Rwanda who also supervises Rwanda trainees explained that WaterAid facilitates the implementation of the project seeking employees in related field to be part of the program.
WaterAid also helps them to meet requirements to attend trainings and following up the implementation of their projects promising to address issues pointed out through research.
“They design projects to address all issues pointed out. Thus, we come in to oversee the implementation and facilitate them to share experiences gained from realized achievements,” Sebareze highlighted.
The program was launched in Rwanda in 2017. Dr Sebareze explained that 36 among 137 applicants are incubated under the training program while 12 trainees have already graduated and received certificates of completion.
Two of beneficiaries of the training program have received certificate of completion recently on 27th June 2019 during a meeting bringing together local trainees to assess their project implementation progress.
Eng. Emmanuel Turikumwe, Wash Project Manager at COFORWA said his project focused on preservation of public water taps and reducing wasted water.
Through his project, Turikumwe has trained ten administrators of public taps on best practices to reduce wasted water.
Theobald Mashinga, the National Programme Manager for Natural resources
At Swedish Embassy said Sweden chose to offer the training program to improve stakeholders’ capacity in planning and coordinating water and sanitation activities.
“We need to gauge how acquired knowledge is set to help you while planning and coordinating water and sanitation programs at your institution. You have to share experience with the rest of fellow workers,” he said.
Mashinga requested trainees to promote popularize benefits of best water and sanitation practices at their institutions.
Following the meeting, participants agreed on establishing a platform facilitating exchange of ideas to move forward the implementation of water and sanitation best practices.
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