Training Basra and Kirkuk enumerator teams for a new round of HSS data collection

Typically the enumerator training takes four days, and covers topics including research ethics, interviewing and listening skills, digital security, random selection procedures, and how to effectively manage difficult situations in the field. It also involves a great deal of time working practically with the HSS questionnaire and methodology. As this was the first time we were organizing a joint training for two different teams, we decided to have three days of the training together with the whole group and deliver one day (with the most technical material) for each team separately. This provided a really valuable opportunity for sharing of lessons learned, as well as the chance to discuss some of the really significant differences that exist within a country as diverse and complex as Iraq. Approximately half of the trainees were new to the HSS project, and the other half already had some experience with conducting and/or supervising the HSS. As a result, the trainers were able to deepen the level of the training content and activities, as well as facilitating ‘mentoring’ and collective learning among enumerators themselves.

Overall we had a great five days together, which was also reflected in the closing ceremony on the 18th of March. Both teams are currently conducting the surveys in their own governorates, according to a proportionally distributed data collection plan. All surveys are planned to be finalized in April, just before Ramadan.

We greatly appreciate Iraqi Al-Amal Assocation‘s hospitality in both hosting us as well as the training. It was a great location!