A Training of Trainers (ToT) was conducted under the Nagorikata: Civic Engagement Fund (CEF) programme on 26–27 August 2025. This programme is jointly supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and Global Affairs Canada (GAC), facilitated by GFA Consulting Group, and implemented by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD). The training aimed to empower field facilitators and community volunteers with essential skills in social auditing, civic engagement, leadership, and safeguarding.
The primary objective was to equip participants with the tools and knowledge needed to implement the programme effectively, focusing on accountability, inclusive participation, and impactful field-level outcomes.
Specific goals included strengthening understanding of the Nagorikata approach, enhancing capacity in social auditing, monitoring & evaluation (M&E), financial documentation, and developing leadership skills among Community Volunteers (CVs) and Community Facilitators (CFs).
The training also emphasised safeguarding policies and the importance of adhering to the code of conduct during field activities. A total of 20 participants attended, including 12 males and 5 females from Bogura, Sunamganj, and Sherpur districts.
The two-day programme combined theory with practical experience. Participants deepened their understanding of key processes, such as social auditing, monitoring and evaluation, and financial documentation.
They also gained hands-on experience using social audit tools, directly applicable to the Nagorikata programme. Sessions explored the significance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 5 and 16, and discussed the crucial roles of community groups, volunteers, and field coordinators in driving civic engagement.
The training began with an opening session where Dr Adi Walker, Director/Team Leader of Nagorikata: CEF, was present and he provided an overview of the programme, its objectives, and the specific goals of the ToT.
Mr Avra Bhattacharjee, Additional Director of Dialogue and Outreach at CPD, facilitated the session and led the Reflection & Day 1 Wrap-up. Dr Dwijen Mallick, Project Coordinator of Nagorikata: CEF, was also present at the opening session and he discussed the SDGs and field implementation planning strategies.
Mr Mozahidul Islam Noyan, Project Consultant for Nagorikata, guided sessions on the Role & Scope of Community Groups, CVs, and FCs, as well as the Social Audit Tools & Processes and Public Hearing Demonstration. Mr Jaouadul Karim, M&E Associate at CPD, facilitated sessions on Participants’ Expectations, the Pre-Test, and provided an overview of NAGORIKATA. Mr Mamun-ur Rashid, Joint Director of HR and Admin at CPD, led the session on Code of Conduct & Safeguarding.
At the closing session of the training, Dr Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Research Director at CPD, presented certificates to the participants. In his closing remarks, he stressed the importance of meaningful engagement from CVs and CFs and highlighted the critical role of social audits in ensuring accountability and transparency in field activities.
The ToT concluded with reflections from participants, a post-test, and a cultural event, marking the successful completion of the programme and preparing a new cohort of trainers to implement these practices in the field.
