ITP – International Training Programmes
The overall aim with the International Training Programmes, in accordance with the other activities that Sweden conducts within the policy field of global development, is to alleviate poverty. By offering key persons in developing countries the opportunity to learn more about Swedish experiences, Swedish models and state of the art knowledge, yet another aim of the international training programmes is achieved, namely to take part in the creation of well-functioning and lasting networks and partnerships, both between actors in developing countries and between Swedish actors and actors in developing countries. In 2009, ICLD will carry out respectively procure two international training programmes (ITP) with a focus local democractic issues. When it is fully established, ICLD will be responsible for four training programmes.
The focal point of the training programmes is to expose the participants to the Swedish way of doing things, whether it is by showing them practical aspects through a study visit or through lectures that focus on Swedish development and experiences in a more theoretical manner. In addition to presenting and sharing Swedish experiences, it is equally important to facilitate mutual learning by the participants by letting them share experiences from their respective countries with each other. The selected programme participants, together with the programme management and the other actors that participate in the programmes (lecturers, representatives for government agencies and municipalities), are first and foremost cooperating partners. It is therefore of utmost importance that all participants actively take part in the programmes by sharing their knowledge and experiences with the other participants.
The training programmes will be documented through yearly follow-up and evaluation. The aim of the follow-up is to bring about improvements to the programmes and also to make sure that the participants’ experiences of previous programmes are made use of. Of particular interest is whether the programmes have led to lasting prerequisites for poverty alleviation. Yet another important aspect of the follow-up process is the extent to which the programmes have resulted in the creation of durable networks.
When it comes to processes of change, one important aspect to keep in mind is that it takes time. Since international training programmes focusing on local democracy have been carried out in the past, ICLD has a good solid ground to build on. One insight gained from previous programmes is that it is vital to regard the programmes as integrated programmes with a clear pedagogical vision. This includes an integration of the practical and theoretical parts of the programmes, as well as an integration of capacity development, at both the organizational and the individual level.
The training programmes will be documented through yearly follow-up and evaluation. The aim of the follow-up is to bring about improvements to the programmes and also to make sure that the participants’ experiences of previous programmes are made use of. Of particular interest is whether the programmes have led to lasting prerequisites for poverty alleviation. Yet another important aspect of the follow-up process is the extent to which the programmes have resulted in the creation of durable networks.
When it comes to processes of change, one important aspect to keep in mind is that it takes time. Since international training programmes focusing on local democracy have been carried out in the past, ICLD has a good solid ground to build on. One insight gained from previous programmes is that it is vital to regard the programmes as integrated programmes with a clear pedagogical vision. This includes an integration of the practical and theoretical parts of the programmes, as well as an integration of capacity development, at both the organizational and the individual level.
