Strengthening Coaching Capacities for a More Resilient Civil Society: Reflections from WACSI’s In-House Workshop
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“What if the best way to help is not by giving answers, but by guiding others to discover their own?”
Between 4 and 5 February 2026, the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) hosted a two-day in-house coaching workshop under its Capacity Development (CD) Unit. Organised within the framework of the 2023 – 2027 Strategic Plan and the Change the Game Academy (CtGA) initiative, the training brought together staff to deepen their understanding of coaching as a strategic tool for strengthening civil society organisations (CSOs) across West Africa.
From the outset, one message was clear: capacity development is not a one-off activity. As Charles Kojo Vandyck, Head of the CD Unit, emphasised, it is central to WACSI’s mission. Coaching, therefore, is not an optional add-on; it is a deliberate and structured approach that ensures organisations move beyond training delivery towards long-term resilience and sustainability.
Charles Kojo Vandyck, Head of the CD Unit
Many of us came to the workshop with assumptions about what coaching meant. Some thought it was about instruction, like sports or public speaking coaching. Others viewed it as an extension of mentoring or training. These misconceptions were quickly challenged. Through engaging discussions and group quizzes led by Melissa Juisi Simo, Programme Assistant, CD unit, we unpacked the distinctions between coaching, mentoring, counselling and training.
The defining insight was simple yet powerful: coaching is about unlocking potential. It entails asking the right questions to help individuals and organisations uncover solutions they already possess. As Jimm Chick Fomunjong, Head of the Knowledge Management (KM) unit emphasised, “Being a coach doesn’t mean giving solutions. It’s about asking the right questions and helping others uncover answers within themselves.”
This shift in mindset was transformative. Coaching is not about authority or superiority. It is about facilitation, trust and structured dialogue.
To bring structure to this process, participants were introduced to the GROW model – Goal, Reality, Options and Will/Way Forward. Facilitated by Farouk Alhassan, Programme Officer, CD unit, and further expanded by Jimm Chick Fomunjong, the framework provided a practical roadmap for coaching conversations. What once seemed abstract became clear and applicable. The GROW model demonstrated how to guide discussions logically while ensuring that the coachee remains at the centre of the journey.
Farouk Alhassan, Programme Officer, CD unit
Equally important were the foundational skills underpinning the model: active listening, observation, emotional intelligence and the ability to create safe spaces for reflection. Through role plays and group exercises, participants practised being coaches, coachees and observers. These exercises revealed that effective coaching requires more than hearing words; it demands attentiveness to tone, hesitation, energy and unspoken concerns.
The workshop also drew lessons from the CtGA evaluation, presented by Fiifi Boateng, Programme Officer, Communication and Information unit and Nancy Kankam Kusi, Programme Officer, KM unit. The focus shifted from training delivery to long-term impact. Sustainability, inclusivity and institutionalisation of learning emerged as key themes. Coaching, when done intentionally, becomes the bridge between knowledge acquisition and performance improvement.
Another critical conversation centred on what makes an effective WACSI trainer or coach. Technical expertise alone is insufficient. Availability, clarity of communication, empathy, adaptability and the ability to engage diverse stakeholders are equally vital. Coaching requires preparation, structure and ethical awareness, including knowing when to stop coaching and refer appropriately.
Nancy Kankam Kusi, Programme Officer, KM unit
For interns, this workshop was particularly significant. It provided early exposure to WACSI’s strategic approach to capacity strengthening. Rather than observing development work from a distance, we gained insight into the practical tools that drive organisational transformation. As one intern reflected, “I came into the session thinking coaching was about giving advice. I left understanding that it is about listening deeply and asking the right questions to unlock potential.” The experience highlighted that even at the beginning of one’s professional journey, cultivating listening skills and asking thoughtful questions can create a meaningful impact.
Beyond individual learning, the workshop demonstrated why coaching matters for other CSOs. Many organisations struggle with sustainability, succession planning and long-term performance tracking. Coaching offers a structured mechanism to support leadership development, strengthen internal systems and promote ownership of solutions. It shifts the narrative from dependency to empowerment.
Frances Carvalho, NGIP Intern
By the end of the two days, our understanding of coaching had evolved. It is not merely a conversation; it is a strategic instrument for resilience. It complements training, reinforces learning and ensures that capacity development translates into tangible organisational growth.
WACSI’s investment in building internal coaching capacity reflects its broader commitment to strengthening civil society in West Africa. Through structured frameworks, practical exercises and reflective dialogue, the workshop reinforced a powerful truth: sustainable change happens when people are supported to think critically, act intentionally and lead confidently.
Ultimately, the strongest support does not come from providing answers. It comes from equipping others to discover their own. That is the essence of coaching and the foundation of a resilient civil society.
About the author
Bridget Abiem
Bridget Abiem is a development enthusiast and intern at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) NODE in Nigeria. She holds a background in Plant Breeding and Seed Science, with a growing interest in Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL). Her interests lie in research, knowledge systems, and strengthening institutional effectiveness within civil society organisations. Bridget is particularly passionate about evidence-informed programming, organisational learning, and building systems that drive sustainable and impactful development outcomes. She is committed to continuous learning and contributing meaningfully to development practice across West Africa.
Frances Carvalho
Frances Carvalho is a Multidisciplinary professional from Guinea-Bissau, currently serving as a Policy Influencing and Advocacy Intern at WACSI in Accra, Ghana, with strong expertise in project coordination and data management. Holding a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and International Relations, Frances has successfully supported programme implementation for international NGOs like Catholic Relief Services (CRS), led creative operations for Baloba Studios and ensured data integrity for international tech platforms.
In her current role at WACSI, she is deepening her expertise in West African civil society and policy advocacy. Frances is a multilingual communicator and a dedicated youth leader, passionate about leveraging data and hands-on initiatives to drive community development and digital inclusion with a special focus on female youth empowerment.
Garango Issa
A citizen of Côte d'Ivoire, Garango Issa holds a bachelor's degree in public law from the African Muslim University. He has worked as an assistant lecturer and researcher, contributing to teaching and research activities. A founding member of the Ivorian Association for the Promotion of Maritime Law and the Law of the Sea, he has distinguished himself through his commitment and responsibilities within university associations.
He is currently working at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) as part of the Next Generation Internship Programme (NGIP), within the Capacity Development (CD) Unit, where he contributes to strengthening the capacities of civil society organisations in West Africa.
Zainab Kadiatu
Zainab Kadiatu Sesay is a young Sierra Leonean with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a diploma in history and African studies from the University of Sierra Leone, Fourah Bay College. She is a hybrid entrepreneur and a fashion designer. She is a dedicated intern in the knowledge Management unit at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), with growing interest in civil society, youth development and women’s empowerment. Zainab is passionate about learning, leadership and contributing meaningfully to initiatives that strengthen community and promote inclusion. With interest that spans fashion and knowledge management, she brings creativity and organisation into her work, combining practical skills with a desire to understand how systems, programmes and people connect to create impact. Her internship experience has deepened her understanding of how civil society organisations operate and the important role they play in empowering young women and youth. Driven by curiosity and a commitment to personal growth, Zainab aspires to strengthen youth empowerment efforts.
