About UNKLESA training sessions:

Discover UNKLESA’s supportive network, where personal growth meets the joy of community, all in an atmosphere of shared learning and enjoyment.

We organize a variety of impactful training sessions, aimed at empowering our members with valuable skills and knowledge to achieve personal and professional development. Here are some examples of training sessions that were offered:

 

Know Your Innate Self

Know Your Innate Self was a transformative training session, led by Sameer Kermali. Participants explored the psychometric test MBTI (Myers–Briggs Type Indicator), uncovering their innate personality traits. Sameer's guidance in interpreting results fostered a deeper understanding of individual strengths and weaknesses. The interactive workshop, empowered attendees to initiate their self-analysis journey. As the session concluded, participants left with enriched self-awareness and practical tools for personal development


Work Permits in Kenya: A Q&A Session

Looking to obtain a work permit in a foreign country can be daunting, particularly for UN, INGO, and Diplomatic core spouses. In recognition of these challenges, UNKLESA in collaboration with UNON Host Country Service Unit, organized a Q&A session that aimed at empowering individuals with the knowledge needed to navigate the work-permit journey in Kenya. Attendees had the opportunity to ask any questions they had about the process, and Host Country expert Ms Stella Mbavu addressed all queries, offering clarity and assistance.

 

First Aid
training sessions

UNKLESA conducted a series of First Aid Training sessions in collaboration with UNON Joint Medical Services (JMS). Spanning across three dates, these sessions aimed at equipping participants with essential first aid skills. Led by certified professionals from JMS, the training covered crucial aspects of medical emergency response, providing attendees with practical knowledge and hands-on experience. Participants gained confidence and preparedness to handle unforeseen situations and received certification on First Aid after passing an exam.

Cooking without Borders

Cooking without Borders, is a regular activity organised by UNKLESA, hosted by members who open their homes to share recipes from their native countries. During these fun cooking classes, we have had the opportunity to learn how to make Indian breakfast, Senegalese Yassa Chicken, French bread, and Dutch pancakes among others.

Discovering Your Purpose: A Comprehensive Guide for Jobseekers

During this session, Dawit Dessie expertly guided participants through the process of making purpose-driven career choices. Attendees gained valuable knowledge and practical tips on aligning personal purpose with career goals, understanding the particulars of UN hiring practices, and identifying potential opportunities in Kenya. The session was a useful resource for those looking for employment as well as those contemplating a career switch.

 

Employment in Kenya: Opportunities and Challenges

This session was geared towards individuals seeking employment in Kenya or exploring alternative career paths. It was led by a member of MSVL group, a consulting agency with headquarters in Kenya, that specialises in career counselling for professionals, corporates, and individuals. The trainer discussed opportunities and challenges of job-hunting in Kenya, and shared MSVL’s extensive database of related resources.

Personal Effectiveness

This workshop was conducted by UNICEF HR Specialist and Life Skill Trainer Godwin Otim and it aimed at unlocking one's full potential, by expertly utilizing energy, skills, and motivation to achieve personal and professional goals. Godwin covered areas such as Individual Life Graph & Lifetime Clock, Efficiency vs Effectiveness, Self-Mastery/Self-Awareness (Understanding Personality types), Time Management Quadrant, and the Circle of Concern - Circle of Influence.

 

Psychological First Aid (PFA)

The PFA workshop, facilitated by Dr. Peninah Irungu, provided a comprehensive understanding of the basics of psychological first aid. The training addressed scenarios ranging from natural disasters to personal crises such as accidents or assaults and participants were guided through practical approaches on how to respond effectively. PFA is critical in ensuring the psychological recovery of people in acute stress, and therefore knowing the basics of PFA is a valuable skill in today’s world.

 

Babel Cafe

Twice a month, members have the opportunity to sit together and informally practise languages such as Kiswahili, French, German and Spanish, over coffee and snacks. They also have the option of learning crochet from other members, or practise jewellery-making with beads, a traditional craft of the Maasai tribe. Babel Cafe, provides a platform for diverse cultural exploration and skill-sharing, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.

 

Competency Based Interviews (CBI): Understand, Prepare & Manage Interview Challenges

This workshop was once again conducted by UNICEF HR Specialist and Life Skill Trainer Godwin Otim . Godwin started with an introduction to Competency Based Interviews (CBI), emphasizing the importance of thorough research and preparation. He also explained what are the different types of assessments, how to prepare for CBI questions, and shared useful strategies on how to manage the interview process. The workshop also addressed common interview challenges, empowering attendees with the knowledge and confidence needed to perform successfully at competency-based interviews.

 

Emotional Intelligence (EI)

This training session aimed at enhancing participants' understanding of emotional intelligence and its significance in various aspects of life. Key points to be covered in the session were the definition of EI, components of EI, importance of EI in the workplace, developing self-awareness, enhancing self-regulation, building empathy, enhancing social skills and applying EI in workplace scenarios. These objectives collectively aim to empower participants with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to apply emotional intelligence in their personal and professional lives, ultimately contributing to a more positive and productive work environment.

Canva Training for Beginners

In this workshop, participants explored Canva, on online design tool that is suitable for individual with no design training or experience. The hands-on session conducted by graphic designer/illustrator Christina Christoforou, covered introduction to the interface, use of available tools, practical insights and creative strategies to get the most out of the platform. At the end of the session participants designed and published their personal mini website.