During this tailor-made course the participants will get all the knowledge and skills needed to design and implement projects in a participatory way. They will also learn basic and advanced methods from the Technology of Participation (ToP®) series, developed by ICA.

Introduction to the project cycle

In this training the participants are being introduced to the steps of the Project Cycle from a participatory perspective. Who are the different stakeholders in projects and what are their interests and roles? What are the ground values of facilitation and participation, and what are its pitfalls? Participants get familiarised with the project cycle model that will give them a clear picture about what project management is and how it can be done.

Group Facilitation Methods in a Project Context

Three group facilitation methods are introduced: the focused conversation method, the consensus workshop method and the Action planning process. Participants learn to design and conduct productive group discussions to start meaningful projects. They also learn how to channel and guide participant input to integrate diverse and creative ideas and to build an informed group consensus. In the action planning process they learn a participatory method for planning short-term projects or for completing projects that have stalled. The methods will be demonstrated, talked through and practised.

Tools for Participatory Project Identification

There are many methods available to identify projects. ICA-Zimbabwe has combined methods to ensure a highly participatory process and to engage stakeholders at many levels. How can you envision a future situation? What are the underlying contradictions that block us from getting there? We introduce tools for participatory assessment of a project area. How can you best analyse and rank problems in a participatory way. The tools are demonstrated and practised in a real life (fieldwork) situation.

Tools for Participatory Project Design and Monitoring & Evaluation

The commonly used Logical Framework for project design will be presented in a participatory way to include many perspectives and ensure ownership by a project team. How can we design appropriate project goals and objectives and create a realistic implementation plan? Furthermore tools for participatory monitoring and evaluation are introduced and practised. Finally some sticky issues in participatory project implementation are discussed and tackled: how can you keep a project team and target group motivated? How do projects gain momentum?

The Participatory Project Management (PPM) Course is suitable for:

1. Project Managers in NGO Sector, community development or funding sector.
2. Field staff with no previous experience of project management who wishes to develop facilitation skills.
3. Existing Organisations who wish to deepen their knowledge in participatory project management.
4. Experienced facilitators who wish to add participatory project management skills to their toolbox.

The presented process of participatory project planning can be used in an infinite number of situations. The process is highly adaptable to different project needs and work for any size group to identify, plan and implement new projects creatively and effectively.

Course set up

The Participatory Project Management Course is set up in a highly participatory way. Methods are demonstrated, talked through and practised. Case studies or real project ideas are used for practise. When possible fieldwork is introduced to induce the knowledge and skills. Participants get a practical and comprehensive manual to take home to use all methods in their work. The PPM course will be tailored to any group needs and usually takes 5 to 10 training days. The course will be residential and will take place in a project area to practice methods in real situations. A typical 5-day program may look like this:

The Participatory Project Management Course includes the foundation course in the Technology of Participation (ToP®) series. Advanced courses include the Participatory Strategic Planning and Training of Facilitators.