Training of ASB staff on Sphere handbook, 15-16 January 2025, Niger

From January 15-16, 2025, 25 ASB Niger staff and partners (Karkara, Adkoul, Nouveaux Horizons) received training on Sphere standards and norms, focusing on WASH programs, as part of a capacity-building initiative. This initiative, designed to enable contextualization of Sphere humanitarian standards, will extend to Mali in March 2025 with training for Arche nova MALI. The overall objective is to equip staff with the skills necessary to adopt a people-centered approach (PFIM), focusing on both needs and capacities.

The training employed an active, participatory approach, encouraging knowledge sharing and discovery rather than a lecture-based presentation of Sphere modules. Participants engaged in group and plenary work using case studies.

A case study of the ECT WASH project, “Strengthening local capacities for climate-sensitive and universal water, sanitation and hygiene using and disseminating the green humanitarian approach,” was presented. Participants assessed the project’s alignment with Sphere standards. Their engagement and contributions demonstrated the project’s adherence to these standards, particularly the Core Humanitarian Standard’s 9 commitments.

Recommendations:

* Participants requested more in-depth training on the Core Humanitarian Standard. A two-day training on the 9 commitments of the CHS is recommended.
* Participants expressed interest in becoming Sphere trainers. ASB could initiate a five-day Training of Trainers (ToT) program to develop experienced Sphere trainers in Niger and Mali.