So much has changed over the years. When I think about training, I realise how deeply embedded it is in GCF’s work. For nearly 25 years, we have been equipping others, starting with preparing people to receive children into foster care. Over time, this has evolved into training parents to reunite with their biological children, improving residential care, vegetable gardening, parenting skills, coping with death and trauma, justice for children, and so much more. GCF has trained not only individuals but also organisations. Recently, we’ve been involved in Child Safeguarding in Zimbabwe.

Training social workers to screen foster parents effectively, with the child’s best interests at heart, is nothing new for the organisation. But, doing it online? That’s a whole new experience! My colleague, Monica Nomlala, and I have the opportunity to do this right now with 100 social workers from a South African organisation. Having worked together on the GCF Foster Care programme for ten years in the past, it feels special to now teach from our experiences, sharing both our successes and learning curves. We cover how to thoroughly assess prospective foster parents and train them and use the organisation’s materials effectively.

At GCF, we strive for excellence in everything we do, whether it’s screening, training, or supporting those we work with. A thorough and well-conducted assessment and properly equipped foster parents can make all the difference in whether a foster care placement succeeds or fails. Every child deserves a stable, loving family, one that understands them and their past. And we should always do our best to make that a reality.

Reflecting on the current online training, Monica shared with me how inspiring it is to hear about the foster care process in different parts of the country. Learning from each other is refreshing and broadens our perspective on the child protection landscape. We also spoke about how rewarding it is to witness those “aha” moments during training when participants truly grasp what we’re saying and believe in it. The things that changed our views on life and foster care all those years ago are now having the same impact on others.

Of course, online training comes with its challenges and limitations, but when done right (we’re still learning… 😊), it is incredibly effective. It allows us to reach more people without the need for travel and overnight stays. It’s cost-effective, and we can have participants from multiple provinces at the same time. That said, we do miss the face-to-face interactions. Still, we do our best to engage everyone and make the experience as interactive as possible.

And then there’s the ripple effect, not only on online training but all kinds of training. It doesn’t stop with the trainees. When taken to heart, it impacts many others. We’ve heard stories of parents guiding their neighbours in parenting, of positive changes in behaviour and attitudes within families, and of how just one person’s newfound knowledge can spread. A single mindset shift can have lasting effects, changing not just individual lives but entire communities over time.

Training has always been a cornerstone of GCF’s work, and it continues to grow and evolve. The effect it has on individuals, families, and entire communities is what makes it all worthwhile.

Written by Anna-Karin Öhrnstedt