Train the Trainer: Kigali – Rwanda 2019

After a series of tryouts and three full Cre8 in 8 training sessions in Kisumu (2016), Gulu (2016) and Moshi (2017), we trained a group in Kigali (Rwanda) in December 2019. With the help of a local Yaden coordinator and one of our trainers, Harrison Okwach the local youth-groups were assembled and prepared.

Trainers

The trainers Harrison Okwach, Dina Abok, Sami Gathii and Ben Hekkema spent a week in Kigali to train the group of about 20 youth-leaders. Since all of the participants were new to Cre8 and the Cre8 in 8 approach, we decided that we would add two more days to the three day training.

In these two extra days the group made a ‘mini’ festival using the cre8 in 8 steps in a ‘pressure cooker’ situation. After this first introductory experience the groups prepared for a much bigger performance in early 2020. Applying what they had learned, implementing the Cre8 in 8 approach and being coached by Harrison and Dina.

Online festival

But then the Corona pandemic struck, and the world went into lockdown. For months the project was put on hold and all communication went through Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram. Participants sent each other encouraging messages and made dance and drama videos from home but the progress of the Cre8 in 8 training was halted.

We tried to restart the training in August but that did not succeed because of the travel blocks and other limitations of the lockdown. December 2020 we finalised the project with a video compilation of the work that was made by the participants and a zoom meeting. Not what we had intended, but the only option we had left.