SKWID off the list
on Kenya VSO (Kenya), 03/May/2009 15:29, 34 days ago
In a futile effort to keep control of the preparations for my Kenya placement I have resorted to drawing up a lot of lists, the longest and most daunting of which is the one of things to do.I can now mark one more step forward by crossing SKWID off the 'to do list' and add it to the 'done list'. VSO like any group uses abbreviations and initials partly because they are convenient and partly because they help to create a sense of community and solidarity - we know what SKWID means and that makes us special. Well, not that special, SKWID stands 'Skills for Working in Development' and is a course together with one on personal health and security that outgoing volunteers complete at Harborne Hall before leaving.If any of the course tutors or folk who were on SKWID with me are reading this you were all great, and thanks to the staff at Harborne Hall too.In my Preparing to Volunteer (P to V) course I was a long way in front, since the other participants had been accepted as volunteers but unlike me had no placement. On SKWID most folk were in front, with dates to leave the UK before mine. Placements are coming through now for my P to V friends but I have beaten them to the SKWID course. The first evening and following full day are very intensive, after that the pace eases off slightly and course members know each other better which makes it easier as well.SKWID is not placement or country specific but concentrates on generic skills such as facilitation, negotiation and planning. I am not sure how much of the SKWID training I will find a direct practical use for in my placement but I have learnt new skills, enjoyed my self, made new friends and gained in confidence, none of which is a bad thing. Now all that I have to worry about are all those tasks that are still on the 'to do list'.