NEW WAYS OF FACILITATION AND ENGAGING WITH COMMUNITIES By Sheryl Tendai Chigwedere, Zimbabwe

I was part of the 2021 cohort of the Training for Transformation youth training in Harare. I can say that it marked a turning point in my personal and professional journey. Drawn by its focus on fostering transformational leadership and community engagement, I eagerly embraced the opportunity. The program provided me with essential skills in facilitation, critical thinking, and transformative dialogue, which have become foundational in my work. I felt that this was my space, being a behind the-scenes person. It made me happy to realize that transformational leadership is not about becoming a hero in the work we do but transforming communities so that they create the change they believe in for and by themselves. I also developed a great interest in the Political Economy module and I’m reading further into it.

One of the most significant outcomes of the program has been its influence on my approach to facilitating meetings. I’ve mastered the ability to create inclusive spaces where diverse voices are heard and valued, enabling meaningful dialogue and collective problem-solving. Although this skill cannot be harnessed in a day, I got a strong foundation from the TFT space and I am working towards gaining more knowledge and experience. These skills have been instrumental in my engagements across various platforms, where I strive to inspire collaboration and shared understanding.

Additionally, the program provided clarity on my career aspirations, leading me to enroll in the Transformational Leadership degree program at Arrupe Jesuit University in August 2022. While this decision was personal, it reflects the confidence and direction gained from the training program. The TFT experience continues to shape my growth, fuelling my commitment to transformational leadership and impactful change!