How is the training designed?

Training is designed to focus on the most significant challenges and threats faced by an aid worker and recommended behavior, including some common mistakes. This is a proven approach allowing participants to build awareness, increase prevention of concrete risks, realize the importance of intuition and individual low profiling and help with response when things may go wrong. This approach also allows participants to apply gained knowledge in different situations.

WHY do I want to go through a personal security training?

The context of humanitarian aid work has been rapidly changing and for years the label of “bringing good” has simply no longer been applying as a safekeeping mechanism for us as Aid workers. Most INGOs are realizing they have moral obligation towards their staff and some legal systems even require organizational duty of care ensuring secure and safe environment for their employees. And here comes our role as an Aid worker which is twofold. First, we as individuals hold a very important role in security, as making a single mistake even if unconsciously or without a deliberate intent, could bring not only us but the whole organization and the beneficiaries into trouble. Secondly, if we feel the level of security provided by our organization is not sufficient, we have to be the advocates to push for better security measures to be put in place as what and how we do our work is inevitably linked with how safe/stressed we feel while doing it.

What topics shall be covered?

• Cultural Awareness, security strategies
• Context and Risk Analysis & Assessment
• Defusing anger, Stress management
• Basics of safety and security (traveling, vehicles, health, communication)
• Explosive threats – Mines, UXO, IED, Airstrikes, Small Arms
• Hostile environment – Abductions, Cross Fire, Civil unrest, Terrorist Attack, Carjacking, Active shooter
• Communication means
• Addressing Sexual Misconduct

What will I take away from the course?

• Realization of how cultural mistakes affect our security through in-depth group work
• Awareness of how stress and insecurity affect our behaviour and ways to approach it;
• Understanding of threats and common mistakes made which can be reduced by proper training and awareness building
• Better understanding of what explosive threats are and that often thinking ahead can save our lives
• Understanding of recommended behaviour for hostile environment situations enhanced through small in-class simulations
• Hands-on activities connected to communication systems and means
• Better realization of how sexual violence can be prevented & advocated against, as well as understanding of what may consequences be if one becomes sexual violence survivor

And what next? I would also like more dynamic training…

Come join our intensive hands-on training with outdoor simulations. Find more information on our HEAT (Hostile Environment Awareness Training)!

Salanga’s background in safety and security training

Salanga has run security programme since 2007, providing training, consultancy, and advocacy to INGOs on safety and security of Aid workers. Through our safety and security programme, we have trained over 800 people. See participants’ testimonials.

Find out more about Salanga’s background.