The next few days are a little busy for me.  I’ve just finished day two of my social work 101 (basic concepts/theory and skills) training which will go for the rest of this week.

I’ve compiled a training schedule for the rest of my assignment, in which I train the staff each month in a different topic/skill relating to social work. The monthly topics or skills came out of consultation I had with each staff member on what their training needs were, discussion with managers and then a lot of my own observation.

I follow up with evaluation, additional practical activities, meet with the staff members one on one to consolidate learning and help them put their new skills or thinking into practice with their service provision. Then start it all over again next month.

It takes a long time to put the training course together as there is the material gathering (I didn’t bring enough with me due to weight restrictions on baggage), refining, a long thinking process, practical activity design, consultation, translation and then more refining.

It also takes a long time to actually do the training.

After three months of being very accommodating and accepting of delays and interruptions, I needed to politely say enough was enough to the staff.

Yes, Tongan culture has a different way of working than what I’m used to (and that’s fine) but the staff are still supposed to show up for work between the rough hours of 9ish to 5ish.

As I take a few days to try to teach something of value, please enjoy some pictures of my very cute puppy.