Train the Trainer programme

Our Train the Trainer initiative, 10-21 June 2024 at Tafta in Durban, South Africa, was a collaborative effort between Tafta and CommonAge.

With a special focus on ageing in Africa, our exciting training programme aims for enhanced elder care outcomes through international collaboration, emphasising knowledge sharing and capacity building.

Hosted by Tafta, the Association for the Aged a registered non-profit organisation dedicated to the alleviation of distress and the promotion of the welfare of aged persons living in the Durban area, our Train the Trainer programme is supported by the prestigious Fulbright Specialist programme, which allows for US academics and professionals to provide short-term training and expertise to international host organisations.

The Fulbright Specialist programme, known for its global impact, aligns perfectly with our vision of fostering collaboration and expertise exchange.

Following an application process, we were delighted 28 leaders working in the field of caring for older people from three African countries, Botswana, Kenya and South Africa, accepted our offer of a free place on this prestigious, bespoke programme.

Participants varied from social workers, nurses, administrators, and policy makers, to researchers, entrepreneurs and social justice advocates.

Headed up by our Board Director, Dr Renu Abraham Varughese, a prominent clinical gerontologist, accomplished scholar, and an Associate Professor at Mercy University, New York, USA, participants gained valuable insights and skills to improve care practices for older adults in African care settings and contexts.

Critical areas the programme focused on included:

• understanding neurological changes in ageing, and its impact on the cognitive and physiological functioning of older adults
• dementia and how best to manage challenging behaviour
• person centred planning and care
• comprehensive assessment tools for older persons, and building capacity through the Train the Trainer approach.

Group activities were intense, insightful and effective for learning, and enhancing the participants’ skills and knowledge.