Workshops & Training

Youth Safe Spaces (YSS) Workshops Initiative

This initiative involved a collaboration with Youth Safe Spaces (YSS) to conduct workshops led by researcher Zhen Ling Ong from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, aimed at empowering Rohingya youth. The workshops targeted participants in their late teens to early twenties, providing them with a structured experience in a diverse group setting.

Impact and Outcomes

  • Inclusive Participation: The workshops facilitated inclusive participation, generating excitement and a sense of accomplishment among attendees. Several participants expressed interest in volunteering, reflecting strong engagement.

  • Skill Development: Highlighted a keen interest in interview techniques, CV writing, and navigating the job application process. The sessions provided a constructive environment for self-expression and active listening.

  • Identified Gaps: Revealed a significant gap in opportunities to learn crucial life skills such as emotional management and goal-setting. Practical activities were effective, though future sessions would benefit from visual aids and grouping participants by age/comprehension level.

  • Safe Environment: A safe sharing space was successfully created, facilitated by the community interpreter Rokon.

Youth Empowerment Support (YES) Training Workshop

PSU facilitated a comprehensive four-day workshop for the Youth Empowerment Support (YES) team, focusing on teamwork, organizational structure, and developing vision and mission statements.

Impact and Outcomes

(November–December 2023)

  • Organizational Growth: Significantly enhanced participants’ understanding of organizational structure, vision, and mission statements.

  • Positive Feedback: Participants praised the training quality and teamwork of facilitators. Many expressed readiness to facilitate future training, showing leadership growth.

  • Effective Approach: With the PSU team collectively leading portions of the workshop, the structured approach increased effectiveness and diversity. Lessons learned will guide improvements in future sessions.

Human-Centered Design Workshop

Organized by PSU, this workshop applied human-centered design methods to analyze data from needs assessments, incorporating feedback from community youth.

Impact and Outcomes

  • Data Analysis: Over two days, categorized information into five main areas: Aid, Rights to Work, Connectedness, Leadership Structures, Gender Equity.

  • Community Involvement: Community members reviewed and summarized Focus Group Discussion notes, ensuring findings were relevant and comprehensive.

  • Capacity Building: Demonstrated PSU’s ability to independently manage the human-centered design process. Early planning and clear project plans proved crucial.

  • Strategic Impact: Insights gained will inform PSU’s strategic planning. A follow-up session is required to develop actionable solutions based on findings.

Impact

Youth-Adult Partnership Workshops

Held with the Parastoo Afghan and Chin communities, these workshops focused on collaboration and empowerment.

Sessions Included

  • Claiming Your Voice – Exploring power dynamics between youth and adults in decision-making.

  • Identifying Barriers to Effective Partnership – Discussing challenges and strategies to foster collaboration.

  • Community Leadership – Using storytelling and group activities to highlight leadership qualities and strategies.

Impact and Feedback

  • Participants enjoyed learning, teamwork, making friends, and activities like the Statement Game.

  • Key suggestions: improve punctuality, extend session duration, and conduct consistent workshops with pre-event rehearsals.

  • Feedback emphasized the need for more time but was overwhelmingly positive, with participants eager for future sessions.

Webinar with SASA Organization

PSU hosted an online webinar attended by individuals from refugee and local communities, focusing on key issues and solutions.

  • Facilitated cross-sectional dialogue addressing gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and intervention strategies.

  • Provided insights into evidence-based methodologies, successful case studies, and overcoming cultural and language barriers.

  • Highlighted the importance of personal engagement, adaptability, and self-care for practitioners.

  • Participants proposed forming a learning group to continue discussions, refine strategies, and strengthen long-term GBV prevention efforts.

(December 2023)
(January 2024)
(May–June 2024)
(January 2024)