First Impression of the Teacher's Training in Azerbaijan

Last week we visited Baku to work with teachers on the simulation game, which they developed with local people from Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. From monday until friday we worked with the teachers on informing them about the simulation game, designed their own game - specific for their situation, and inspired them by workshops on different teams related to the simulation game.

The first exciting moment was the press-conference with representatives. The whole event was extremely well prepared by our Azeri colleagues. The representative of the Department of Education joined the stage during the press-conference and was also very enthusiastic about the project. (You can even find more information about the project at their website.) Katja Plate, director of KAS South Caucasus, gave an introduction on the whole project. The message was clear: One person can make a difference! The Azeri project leader followed up and gave a nice overview on the schedule and the different stages of the project. Headmasters and teachers where starting to smile!

From tuesday to friday we've facilitated the teacher's training. Based on our experiences in Georgia and Armenia we made some slight changes in the program. When we introduced the program to the teachers at tuesday morning and we did our first activities, teachers got a little bit confused: This is not about 'telling me what to do' or 'commanding', in this program I'll have the space to choose what I want and I can influence the design of the simulation game on my own school... How do I deal with that?

Fortunately we managed to shift the feeling of confusion into inspiration and enthusiasm during the carrousel, in which we explained the four days of the simulation game. The experienced that it was fun! And the picture become much more clear. We finished the first day with dancing a traditional Azeri dance together: Now we as trainers were unskilled and felt uncomfortable.

Wednesday we had a day full of workshops. Again on facilitation skills, reflection, exercising and of course political ideologies. Very productive that our local colleagues joined during those sessions!

Important turning point was the introduction of the Action Plans. It supported teachers to made the switch from 'observer' to 'designer'. It really helped them to take ownership.

Again, the Great Debate was the Ultimate! This time facilitated by 'showmaster' Andres Roberts. It was amazing. People went crazy, especially in the last round of debating.

Thursday we finished with a final assignment. We took that from the Armenian experience. We asked the teachers very concrete questions about the action plans. We finished by giving them tulips. Tulips grow everywhere, but you have to take care of them. Just like democracy. We planted a seed in Azerbaijan last week!