In order to ensure the dissemination of the Diversity@work Bended Learning course on Diversity and Inclusion, a training of trainers (TOT) course was conducted in three online sessions for fourteen trainers representing 12 organisations. This course was organized by AKF-PORTUGAL and led by Carla Calado and Mia Wyszynski. It was designed to increase the confidence level of participants to conduct diversity and inclusion trainings within their organizations. 

The course had 9 hours in total, divided into three days between 18th June and 2nd July 2021. In each session, different parts of the face-to-face session were covered, an introduction to AKF´s Blended Learning platform was made, several tools to facilitate online sessions were presented and tested, and several concepts of diversity and inclusion were defined, analyzed and discussed. Practical and relevant examples were provided, and participants’ views were discussed. Also, in each session, special time was devoted to questions and answers.  

Besides that, the advantages and disadvantages of a Blended Learning format were discussed, as well as for the online synchronous option versus a in presence training session. A role play exercise was conducted, to train how to respond to delicate and challenging discussions that may arise during a training session. 

TOT Portugal session 3

Between each session, participants were invited to share their experience regarding prejudice, discrimination and positive inclusion stories. These stories will increase each participant “D&I library” and can be very useful in future trainings to illustrate the concepts and unblock discussions.  

How to progress to ensure the implementation of D&I training within organisations was discussed. It was agreed that a new session just to focus on online tools (SLIDO, MURAL, TEAMS and Zoom for eg.) was needed for some people. Also, a community of practice seems to be a good way forward, to ensure everyone has the support needed to advance and feel comfortable. The creation of training pairs among the participants was another option suggested, with the possibility of having people from other organisations supporting internal training sessions.