West Africa Civil Society Institute wacsi.org

Giant steps to strengthen institutional capacities in West Africa

This, as he put it, “would enhance the performance of members of my team by enabling them to deliver efficiently on the projects of CENPECE”, an organisation that works for man and society.

This was clearly articulated after the first day of an ongoing training on Personal Productivity for civil society organisations (CSOs) in West Africa. The training, organized by WACSI in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank is benefitting CSOs from Ghana, Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire. It is taking place at the Training Centre of the West Africa Civil Society Institute from February 20 – 22, 2013.

This training seeks to empower participants with robust qualities needed by good leaders and team managers of organisations. It aims to provide them with an understanding and the requisite skills to be able to motivate their colleagues to uphold the vision of their organisations and work towards achieving set goals.

Participants expressed much satisfaction with the training after the first day of the training. They testified that the sessions provided them with practical insights on the essential qualities a good leader should possess. This was a strategic objective of the facilitator Mr. Gilbert Atta-Boakye, a WACSI resource person, an IFC trainer and a consultant with Cicada Consult, Ghana.

Mr. Nwogu outlined that he now understands the relevance of integrity in a team leader. He satisfactorily explained that he has acquired techniques to instill team spirit among members and to motivate team members to work towards the success of the organisation. “As the Executive Director of the organisation, the knowledge gained will add value to the organisation by deepening a good working relationship between the lead and the led to enhance productivity in the organisation”, he pointed out.

Mr. Nwogu commended the training methodology and affirmed that it contributed to the volume of knowledge he has gained. “The methodology was wonderful and rich. It opened my mind to new knowledge. The class was so interactive. Participants shared their vision and the strategies they have been using at work, the successes they have realized and the challenges they have faced”, the Executive Director noted. He further explained that the facilitator built on this to recommend best practice approaches with participants and shared practical techniques of utilizing these.

Participants noted that the training was very interesting, interactive and well organized. They encouraged WACSI to create more of such opportunities for participants to acquire or refresh relevant skills to be effective organizational leaders in the region.

The Mr. Nwogu who works to promote a better society for mankind did not hesitate to laude WACSI for this initiative. He stressed his will to take part in other trainings organized by WACSI. He passionately explained that, “I will definitely ensure that the staff of CENPECE benefit from WACSI’s trainings to prepare for future responsibilities and projects of the organisation”.