3rd October 2024
In this episode – the first instalment of our two-part series – we explore current trends in humanitarian learning, with a special focus on Africa.
We sit down with three passionate advocates of learning in all forms: Janet Nyaoro (HLA East and Southern Africa Regional Centre), Eleonora Aralla (CAFOD Zimbabwe and Eswatini) and Neba Ambe Azinui (Grace Charitable and Rehabilitation Organisation, Cameroon).
In this insightful discussion centred on learning, our guests share their own inspiring learning journeys – and the sometimes unexpected and surprising discoveries and outcomes along the way. Janet and Neba – with their professional and academic origins as educators, and Eleonora with a background in philosophy – share their pathways into the world of humanitarian and development, and what drives them in their lifelong quest to learn.
Together with host Ka Man Parkinson (HLA Communications and Marketing Advisor), our guests reflect on some of the key takeaways from the 2024 HLA Humanitarian Learning Survey, which provides fresh insights into how humanitarians are engaging with learning and training today, and share their perspectives based on their rich on-the-ground experiences.
Tune into this insightful and inspiring conversation!
Listen to the full audio episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and Buzzsprout.
Stay tuned for Part 2!
In the second part of this series, our guests will share practical learning tips and advice for overcoming barriers to learning and training. They’ll also discuss the key ingredients required to build a culture of learning to support humanitarians in achieving their development goals. Coming soon!
About the speakers
Janet Nyaoro, HLA East and Southern Africa Regional Centre Regional Lead
With over 20 years of experience in the development and humanitarian sectors, Janet is a highly accomplished and results-driven regional programme lead known for delivering transformative capacity development programmes in diverse and challenging environments.
A champion of strategic partnerships and collaboration, Janet excels at driving organisational growth and fostering innovative solutions. Her expertise in designing and delivering impactful training programmes utilises technology and best practices to elevate learning and enhance programme outcomes, ensuring that teams are equipped to adapt and thrive.
Janet’s strong leadership abilities shine through in her commitment to empowering teams and promoting humanitarian leadership at every level of the organisation. Passionate about making a positive difference, she is dedicated to building the capacity of individuals and organisations to effectively tackle pressing humanitarian and development challenges.
When not leading impactful initiatives, Janet enjoys hanging out with her family and close friends, exploring local cuisine in various cities she travels to, reading, and finding strength in solitude time, believing that a well-rounded approach to life enhances her effectiveness as a leader.
Eleonora Aralla, Country Representative for CAFOD Zimbabwe and Eswatini
Eleonora has been based in Southern Africa for the last 13 years, covering various countries in the region in different roles. She is currently the Country Representative for the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) based in Harare as well as the Chair of the Heads of Agencies Forum in Zimbabwe.
Eleonora is a vocal feminist advocate; she has focused in recent years on bringing gender justice to the core of CAFOD’s strategy, as well as on finding innovative ways to share capacities and promote learning across agencies, including through the co-founding of the Zimbabwe Alliance for Humanitarian Action.
Neba Ambe Azinui, Project Coordinator, Grace Charitable and Rehabilitation Organisation, Cameroon
Neba is the project coordinator for Grace Charitable and Rehabilitation Organisation (GRACARO), an organisation which promotes and supports access to education for affected children in the conflict-affected Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon since 2018. Before joining GRACARO, Neba worked for over seven years as a secondary school science teacher.
Neba recently completed a master’s degree in Education, International Development and Social Justice under the competitive UK FCDO Commonwealth Scholarship in the UK. He has also completed numerous project and development-related courses on the Humanitarian Leadership Academy platform, Kaya.
Ka Man Parkinson, HLA Communications and Marketing Advisor
Ka Man is Communications and Marketing Advisor at the HLA. She has served in communications roles in the international education and nonprofit sectors for the past 18 years, and is a firm believer in the transformative power of education, global opportunities and lifelong learning. At the HLA, Ka Man leads on the creation of digital content, and manages the HLA’s podcast and webinar series. She is based near Manchester, UK.
Find out more
- Read about the work and training delivered by the HLA’s Regional Centres on our news site
- Read about HLA Regional Centres
- Access our free digital learning platform Kaya
- Read about our digital badging platform HPass which provide global recognition of humanitarian learning with verified credentials
- Watch the recording of the HX webinar on innovative finance which Eleonora highlights during this podcast discussion
- Read our learner spotlight featuring Neba
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The views and opinions expressed in our podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their organisations.