Training Commencement, Collaboration and Participation among the local sites: The Phase 2 ACE training program launched in early October and has been progressing smoothly. We partnered with AIDS service organizations, religious groups, and cultural organizations, with each contributing 2-4 participants to the training. This diverse collaboration has enriched each session, bringing valuable perspectives and fostering lively discussions. Local site coordinators have taken on dual roles as facilitators and co-facilitators, providing hands-on guidance and tailoring the training content to meet the unique needs of each community and site.
Over 50 agency staff and community leaders from six local sites registered to participate in Phase 2, organized into four training cohorts based on their scheduling preferences. Each cohort brought together individuals from different organizations and groups, creating an inclusive and well-rounded learning environment. This structure encouraged cross-group collaboration, enhancing participants’ learning experiences and reinforcing the program’s community-building objectives. Participants have responded positively to the self-paced modules on the acetraining.ca online learning platform, offering encouraging feedback on the relevance and quality of the content.
The final weekly Zoom-facilitated sessions for all cohorts were completed in the second week of November, marking the close of this training phase. Participants have shared positive feedback, especially valuing the collaborative nature of Phase 2. As we approach the final steps, the focus is on reinforcing key learnings and ensuring the completion of post-training questionnaires and activity logs to monitor outcomes. Looking ahead, we are developing plans for ongoing support and exploring follow-up initiatives to sustain the impact of this phase, with excitement for the upcoming Train-the-Trainer (TTT) module to strengthen participants’ facilitation skills within the ACE Model.
Faciliators Training: Building on the momentum of earlier training phases, a select group of graduates who completed all Phase 2 requirements have been invited to join the next stage of facilitator training. This advanced Train-the-Trainer (TTT) phase equips participants to lead ACE programming within their communities as Phase 3 unfolds. Trainees receive in-depth preparation in community outreach, session planning, facilitation techniques, and adapting the ACE model for diverse audiences. The curriculum combines theory and practice, covering adult learning principles, co-facilitation roles, group management, and culturally responsive approaches, reinforced through hands-on activities, peer feedback, and reflective assignments.
Launched in early February, the four-week TTT program engaged 23 graduates from Phase 2A in weekly Zoom sessions and self-paced online modules. Participants have shown strong commitment and continue to receive active support from co-facilitators and staff, who provide feedback and guidance throughout the process.
Focus Group Sharing: In March, Project ACE marked two significant milestones that underscore its dedication to capacity building. The Phase 2 Focus Groups brought together Phase 2A graduates to share insights and reflections that will help shape future program design. With two active cohorts advancing through the TTT program, Project ACE continues to strengthen its foundation for community leadership and sustainable knowledge-sharing.