African coaching Network (ACN) retreat which was held in Nairobi Kenya has come to a successful conclusion.
Over the past four days, our coaches from various African countries in the presence of funders had insightful and productive conversations about incorporating and framing new modules that were not previously a priority for most movements and improving the previous modules to ensure that they address new trends and challenges.
The retreat offered an array of information and resources, and below are some insightful extracts of different modules.
Strategic Communication:
It was noted that most movements plan actions such as protests on pressing issues abruptly, without assessing the risks and having contingency plans put in place in case they experience the worst. So this new module addresses concerns on how different movement can have strategists who plan for both predicable and unforeseen events and put in place rapid response mechanisms to ensure that activists are well equipped and well taken care of.
Psychosocial Support:
Non-violent activists often face risks, trauma, and traumatic events, while others are still dealing with secondary trauma.
This often affects them physically, mentally and psychologically; therefore, it is an aspect that must be taken into account when building their capacities and when designing strategies in nonviolent movements.
This module will empower activists to maintain their psychological safety and to aid their comrades while continuing in the struggle.
Political Economy and the African State:
This module seeks to make participants understand the political economy of extractive industries among other things so as to act accordingly and possibly seek alternatives to better the economic situations of their respective countries.
Trade Union:
This module explores the power of trade unions and the change they can achieve when they remain united. It’s a step-by-step module packed with different activities and lessons from the past on how trade unions were destroyed by some governments and it explores how they can be reorganized and remain united for change.
Climate Change:
This module “brings it back home.” It makes participants relate to the effects of climate change, as health, jobs, school, and relations are affected by climate change.
It concretises the role of activists and or movements to mobilise for action to mitigate its impacts.
Lastly, the retreat offered an opportunity for especially new member to interact and know others at a personal level and simply unwind from all other happenings.