IRI Sponsors Training for NGOs

December 5, 2003

November 18 to 20 –- IRI held a training seminar in Mombasa, Kenya to help Kenyan NGOs to develop coherent messages to the public and lawmakers. IRI addressed such topics as: effective techniques of research and analysis, lobbying, advocacy and media relations. The seminar included 48 civil society leaders, both Christian and Muslim, representing 34 NGOs in Kenya.

The training sessions stressed the importance of sufficient research and policy analysis before policy design is completed and after policy has been implemented. The seminar also used innovative hands-on training techniques to teach participants to skillfully utilize media and develop a coherent message. Exercises required participants to draft public statements, and conduct a mock news conference and television interviews in response to simulated crisis situations. Other exercises required participants to write out mission statements and strategic plans for several NGOs, which they presented to the larger group. Overall, the seminar successfully helped participants develop the skills necessary to facilitate good policy changes in Kenya.

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