VOLUNTEER TRAINING 21ST APRIL—PRETORIA
T
he difference between giving the perfect advice and counseling, the importance of understanding these two concepts was one of the many important issues discussed at the volunteers counselors training held in Pretoria, conducted by a very friendly and professional intern at the Pretoria office, Gabriele Tervidyte.
Part two, Active listening had a same setting but this time, the partner had the opportunity to respond, be it commenting or asking a question. We then also gave our feedback and found that a few of us ran out of things to say and some did not know when to “interrupt”. We then had a half an hour lunch break, giving us some time to converse and get to know each other better, and of course enjoy the delicious food. Training resumed and the importance of limiting ones personal judgment while counseling was discussed. We were then again asked to pair up, and given a set of quotes and questions, each pair had to pick one question and was asked to present and share our thoughts thereafter. That then marked the end of the training with some self-set advice on how to develop.
Learning in progress, do not disturb.
The question, “what qualities are needed as a counselor?” was presented, and out of the many points that were mentioned the group established that keeping an open mind, listening, expertise, and not being judgmental were the skills needed to become the ideal contact person in YFU and a great friend, colleague in everyday life. The team of 8 (it is such a shame that we were so few) then participated in a two part exercise that required us to sit with our backs to each other. Part one required that we communicate to our partners and talk about something very dear to us and our partners remain completely silent for 2min – they only listen, we then gave our feedback and discovered that for some, finding what to talk about was a challenge, and for some, talking at that moment was the easiest thing to do and could be done for ever, as well as the expectation of a response also made it somewhat difficult to carry on talking. On the other hand, the “listeners” to some extent found it reasonably difficult to channel their concentration to the speaker, and also felt the need to respond with the simple “Mmm” and “Aha”, this exercise was called Passive listening.
Back row: Fez, Thys, Paco Front Row: Gaby, Rynette, Magda, Barbara, Selelo, Nina, Paulina
I personally found the training very informative and extremely helpful, it was simple and very understandable, most of all, I enjoyed getting to know new individuals from different walks of life who found each other in the YFU family! Thank you! :-)
By: Selelo Maake (Returnee)
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