PSEA Training for the HOPA’s RC Staff
Summary:
Background Context:
The PSEA topic to have known as a very significant issue for all the humanitarian actors, knowing its importance HOPA on 10-Mar-2025 arranged a PSEA training session for all the RC staff working with returnees beneficiaries.
PSEA one of the very important policies of an organization is necessary to be circulated among all the staff an organization withhold. It refers to policies, training, and practices designed to prevent and respond to sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) by humanitarian, development, and peacekeeping personnel. HOPA’s this training ensures that employees of RC understand their responsibilities in preventing SEA, recognizing misconduct, and taking appropriate action when violations occur.
The PSEA training arranged successfully in Takhtapool District RC point,
1: PSEA training for RC staff started with Pre-Test observation.
HOPA believes in its procedures and self improvement actions, today’s PSEA training started with Pre-test from the particpants to guage their awarness on PSEA. In the pre-test we found some new employees joined HOPA recently knew very little on PSEA topic. HOPA’s this PSEA training is widely implemented across all humanitarian interventions , this time for returnees staff to ensure ethical conduct and safeguard the dignity and rights of affected populations.
HOPA believes pre-test is an essential pathway used to assess participants' baseline knowledge before undergoing training on preventing sexual exploitation and abuse. The pre-test that included questions that evaluate understanding of key concepts such as the definition of SEA, organizational policies, reporting mechanisms, and ethical responsibilities of staff and volunteers. By identifying knowledge gaps, the test helps trainers tailor the session to address misconceptions and reinforce critical principles. It also emphasizes the importance of accountability, survivor-centered approaches, and the role of every individual in maintaining a safe and respectful work environment. The pre-test is not meant to judge but rather to prepare participants for meaningful learning and engagement in PSEA training.
2: PSEA training Slide show and PSEA Banner display.
After the pre-test was taken , according to plan the training started by HOPA’s PSEA focal point. Some sources like PSEA banner a computer slide show was put under way to make the participants easier to understand and get improved on their PSEA knowledge.
Defined PSEA to the RC participants as PSEA refers to the policies, measures, and actions taken to protect vulnerable individuals from sexual exploitation and abuse by humanitarian, development, and peacekeeping personnel. It ensures that organizations and their staff uphold the highest ethical standards, prevent misconduct, and respond effectively to any violations. PSEA is based on principles of accountability, safeguarding, and a survivor-centered approach to protect the dignity and rights of affected populations.
The six main principles were also defined to them, along the other important issues under PSEA , the Secretariat General Bulletin on PSEA was also share with participants. The PSEA focal pint made it clear for the participants that the entire UN and HOPA has a Zero tolerance in any PSEA allegation.
We took assurance from the participants to protect the dignity of beneficiaries as the protection of the affected population is very important to HOPA.
The PSEA focal point explained every important step on whistle blowing to reporting such mis conducts on PSEA allegation.
The participants were oriented on how to report PSEA allegations , the PSEA focal pint’s Email address for HOPA and the hotline number also displayed on banner was introduces for any further PSEA allegations.
Moreover, survivors centered approached was explained to the participants, RC staff were excellently trained on how to protect survivors first.
3: PSEA training ended with a post-test and a Question and Answer session.
The training that lasted almost three hours with important exchange of PSEA knowledge finally ended with a post-test taken from the participants. The post-test showed very important development of RC staff on PSEA knowledge.
The Post-test which is an essential evaluation tool used after training to assess participants' understanding of key PSEA principles, policies, and reporting mechanisms. It helps measure the effectiveness of the training by identifying improvements in knowledge and any remaining gaps that need further clarification. The post-test typically included scenario-based questions that test participants’ ability to recognize SEA, their responsibilities in preventing it, and the correct procedures for reporting misconduct. By comparing pre-test and post-test results, organizations can ensure that staff and partners are well-equipped to uphold ethical standards and maintain a safe, respectful environment for all. Ultimately, the post-test reinforces accountability and the organization’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations from exploitation and abuse.
Eventually the question and answer session is a vital component of training, allowing participants to clarify doubts, reinforce key concepts, and engage in meaningful discussions. This interactive session provides an opportunity to explore the definitions of sexual exploitation and abuse, understand reporting mechanisms, and discuss the ethical responsibilities of staff and organizations. By addressing real-life scenarios and common misconceptions, the Q&A session helped participants develop a deeper understanding of PSEA policies and the importance of a survivor-centered approach. It also encouraged an open and safe dialogue, fostering a culture of accountability and awareness in preventing and responding to SEA.
In the wrap up session, every participant signed the attendance sheet and expressed their gratitude on letting them aware on PSEA topic, they requested for such more fruitful trainings on other important issues in the future.
