Empowering Communities: Familiarization Framework Training Workshop on Community Feedback Mechanism
(Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 3rd November 2023, PMC-E): In a two-day event, which took place from November 2 to 3, 2023, the Population Media Center Ethiopia (PMC-E) organized a transformational Familiarization Framework Training Workshop in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This workshop served as a pivotal catalyst for government stakeholders and WASH program actors to come together to unravel the significance of the Community Feedback Mechanism (CFM) framework.
The CFM Familiarization Training Workshop stands as a watershed moment in Ethiopia’s healthcare narrative, delving deep into the essence of the Community Feedback Mechanism and its far-reaching implications. At the inauguration of this monumental event, a UNICEF representative extended a warm welcome to all attendees, underscoring the profound importance of the CFM and the pivotal role it plays in shaping communities and healthcare outcomes.
The heart of the Familiarization Training Workshop lay in spirited topic presentations, group discussions and reflections, where participants were divided into four teams. They embarked on profound conversations about the Community Feedback Mechanism and its vital role in fostering community engagement, and sustainability. These discussions also tackled pressing WASH issues within communities and explored effective ways in which WASH programs can sensitize the public about CFM principles, approaches, and challenges.
Furthermore, the workshop featured in-depth discussions on gender and inclusiveness in the context of WASH initiatives, recognizing the importance of equitable access and participation. Participants also presented their skills related to CFM, including communication skills, public speaking, giving, and receiving feedback, conflict resolution, trust management, and the critical aspect of confidentiality. These skills were an integral part of the group discussions and presentations, equipping attendees with the tools to champion CFM effectively.
As the workshop reached its conclusion, the formation of CFM establishment or revitalization teams marked a significant milestone. These teams were entrusted with the responsibility of managing CFM, analyzing feedback, and strategizing responses to the feedback provided by communities. This comprehensive approach is poised to bring about substantial positive change.
The Familiarization Training Workshop was a collaborative effort, hosted by PMC-E in partnership with UNICEF. The participants comprised a diverse assembly, including representatives from the Ministry of Health (MoH), the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, (MoWSA), the Ministry of Education (MoE), and the Ministry of Water, and Energy (MoWE), alongside various stakeholders in Development WASH programs.
This monumental workshop marks a significant step towards empowering communities, driving positive change in WASH interventions, and ensuring that the voice of every community member is heard, valued, and acted upon. The CFM framework promises re-engineering and complexity adaptive, transparent, accountable, and sustainable WASH program delivery, and community engagement in Ethiopia.
