PARTNERS offers a range of possibilities in training and consultative interventions to the many requests it receives. While PARTNERS does organise some training events much of its work is tailor-made to the specific needs presented to it.

PARTNERS responds creatively and appropriately to the various requests for training, facilitation and organisational support made by organisations, groups and individuals, mainly in the community and voluntary sector in Ireland. Each piece of work is designed in dialogue with the participating group/s and individuals. This is achieved through information sessions, taster sessions, consultation and joint organisational responsibility.

Training for Transformation as used by PARTNERS is both a development/education process and a resource. As a resource it is a pool or reservoir from which we draw and design processes for specific purposes.

PARTNERS training work is characterised by a number of features:

Integral to the work is a group learning process whereby a temporary learning community is created. This community building function of the learning is a key characteristic. The use of a variety of learning methods - discussion, art, simulations, role-playing, reflection, personal sharing, small group work, large group work, input etc. The intention of the learning is to build confidence, competence and commitment in participants as they engage in the creation of a society marked by equality, respect and participation and a particular concern for addressing the circumstances of the marginalized communities. The content of the learning is primarily shaped by the expressed needs of the participants. The learning has a problem posing and appreciative nature based on a belief that participants know their own needs and have the resources to address them.


CATEGORIES OF WORK

Outlined below are categories which describe some of the work which PARTNERS has undertaken in recent years. These categories illustrate the range of services PARTNERS offer. Within each category a whole range of possibilities exist and the final design around each piece of work is negotiated in two phases. Firstly, the intervention is designed in collaboration with the particular community or organisation making the request and secondly when the facilitators meet and begin to work with the participants.

Categories of Partners' work include -

Training for Transformation course
Facilitation Skills Training
Intercultural Education
Theme-based sessions e.g. Leadership, conflict, peace-building, power, etc.
Supporting and resourcing existing/established organisations to strengthen their way of working in the community.
Internal Capacity-Building
Facilitating Problem-solving
Working creatively in and with groups