AVP IG 2006 Evaluations

Question 1. How did you feel the event was organized?

General

· It was well organized.

· Good organization.

· It was organized very well.

· It was superb and well co-coordinated.

· Brilliant organization, true professionals.

· Very, very, very well organized.

· The event was so perfectly organized.

· The event was meticulously organized. Well done.

· Well organized even though I spent only one night, I could see that everything has been well because of the atmosphere.

· Very well, my wish is that it can be done again.

· Very well organized. The best so far this is my 4^th IG.

· The event was very, very, very well organized. Thank you again.

· It was well organized as in no man is 100% perfect. This was great and thank you all especially my lovely sister Rosie.

· The event was well organized.

· It took a great amount of time, energy and commitment.

· Outstanding cannot say anymore!

· I feel the event was well organized, everything was running smoothly. It was perfect thank you.

· The event was perfectly organized and I urge you to keep up with the same spirit.

· The people were so great! Well I’ve just arrived yesterday late! But hey! The event was great and well organized.

· In view of the numbers it was an excellent job. All needs were met and those that were unmet were soon rectified. Excellent facility, excellent food, good programme.

· I was aware of no hitches.

· The event was thoroughly organized and future events should evaluate this.

· Well organized, clear information, smooth and easy going.

· Well organized with efficiency, politeness and very helpful.

· It was really very well organized

· My feeling is positive.

· Amazingly well! Good on ya!

· Outstanding, can’t say anymore!

Pre-Gathering Organisation

· Extremely well – the organization was terrific. A huge amount of work went into it from the very start and the info that was sent by email was very detailed. I can’t think of a single thing that was left out or forgotten.

· Very well organized overall – especially the communication beforehand.

· Organization was wonderful. Documents and reports ahead were great.

· Very well. Lots of information beforehand including support in finding accommodation.

· The IG was very well organized – we received plenty of information in advance and Rosie kept us to date with any changes or developments.

Planning Team

· It was organized very well. All of the [planning] committee were pleasant, open and willing to help with anything. It was lovely to see such great team work.

· Well organized. The S.A community did a good job. Thank you.

· Very professional – caring for each individual and with patience (more than I would have had).

· I thought the IG was superbly organized, with patience, care and a light touch. I felt very confident that the organizers were in control without being controlling.

· This was beautifully organized. There was a lot of good work which went in to it. People were all friendly and open. The staff were available for assistance.

· The organizers took a lot of trouble to ensure that people’s travel arrangements etc. were sorted out – this is a tedious + frustrating job so I really appreciate their effort. Most of the organization was really taken care of and as a result the gathering went very smoothly.

· It was really surprised for the organization of the event, taking on account, the lot of people that participated and so many details. CONGRATULATIONS!

· Organization of the event was: harmonious, focused, hard working committee,

transportation to Good Shepherd, glitziest entertainment

Programme and Venue

· The event was organized really well. I felt the arrangements were very good. The accommodation and food were better than I expected; and the organization during the gathering was responsive and comprehensive.

· The event was well prepared to receive participants and assign them to their rooms.

· I feel good about the whole gathering and some of the events were very useful for me and I would like to say thank you to all.

· The event was well organized, our time was used well.

· Well organized and it was a sort of relaxing schedule, which was flexible to suit everybody.

· Well organized, diversity, participation methodology encouraged.

· Well structured and with very involved team.

· Most of it I feel was great, inviting the young group, S.A culture, food, people and home group.

· The event just fitted into place fantastically. Team spirit was fabulous. The HIPP were great.

- and /or suggestions

General

· Good communication mostly, but at times was confusing, but this was quickly resolved.

· Great: I wonder next time I need to be at the place near the shops.

· Well organized – good attention for detail. However I felt that some things needed more attention to the human element – opening the session with a moment of silence was good, but some other ways of doing that would have been welcome. Small groups were great, but more attention to community building activities for the whole group would have helped me.

Pre-planning

· I would like that formal invitations be made on paper and send in time.

The list of all the events that will take place during the IG should accompany the invitation e.g. Traditional attire be brought along for a special day.

· Letting people know even more might encourage more ahead of time. I know you did your best and we all need to step up.

Arrival

· I can’t think of anything that jarred the other than the initial reception at the Good Shepherd which after getting the numbers I felt a bit ‘tossed’ about otherwise everything, apart from going round the Joburg road a few times everything went very smoothly.

· I came early and was warmly welcomed. I know those who came later felt that admin was more important than welcome.

Outings

· Off campus social gatherings could have been better organized.

· Organizing of the trip was terrible. It needs improvement.

· It was not well organized because there were problems with the outings especially Magaliesburg trip.

Programme/Sessions

· My main concern was not being able to attend all session relating to skills transfer.

· The daily programmes were a little frustrating: information about available workshops etc. only got put up the same morning and left little time to make decisions about which ones to attend. Some of prepared workshops which never took place: There were many workshops and people, perhaps choosing hastily, chose the ones with many names down already. Not sure of the solution to this problem.

· The 10 minute talk was the only place that needs improvement. People who brought the papers were overridden by some asking to talk while here.

· The only thing I would change is that I would have had the workshops in the afternoon as well and limited the number of workshops to 5 or 6 per time slot. I found myself spread too thin and some workshops had too few people.

Equipment

· Some sound and projection arrangements needed a little more organizing. And availability of field trips needs to be confirmed beforehand. All in all, a great event.

· At the gathering everything went smoothly although some sessions had no facilitators which was disappointing and could have realized (what does this mean?) earlier. Time keeping could be improved to accommodate all of the activities, balance of discussions/fun could be altered in evenings for some social interactions and activities appropriate to all ages.

· It would have been helpful to have better facilities for technical equipment, DVD etc.

· Sound system would assist i.e. one that works.

· My feelings are positive. My thoughts raise a few logistical issues-overhead did not function- but these are technical tidbits only.

Question 2. Did you feel welcome?

+ve

· Yes thanks to Michael for fetching me late at night, thanks all who were concerned for our safe arrival, thanks Lindi for giving me my bag the next morning.

· More than the word welcome I have not seen such lovely people who have met our need.

· Yes – very welcome- even though we came in the middle of the night. Michael was warm and friendly and kind. Thanks for the over night at the cottages; we were very tired and happy. I like to know how Judy managed to learn all our names (good job). South African community very friendly outgoing.

· Yes! I was acknowledged first as an individual (which I appreciated) and then as a representative for my country.

· I felt more than welcome it was great.

· We were made to feel really welcome by the organizers – personal attention remembering names made us feel welcome and part of the group.

· I felt very welcome – any question I had was unanswered- everything was done with a smile- very important when you are in a new culture and country for the first time.

· Yes, I did feel welcome, but all very amiability and with clear concept.

· Yes I felt welcomed and there was somebody at the airport to fetch us, meaning that it was well organized.

· I felt welcome in that everybody was a member of a family through smile and interaction.

· Yes though I think the Soweto trip it was overpriced.

· I have felt at home and welcome from day I stepped on S.A. The group that came to the airport had a way of connecting that made me feel as though they know me. This continued through my stay here.

· I felt very welcomed. The IG was all embracing.

· Extremely warm welcome.

· Very much so. Everyone was lovely and warm.

· It was very fun; the people who are working here were so friendly. Oh! It was good and I really enjoyed.

· I felt warmly welcomed. Everybody on the team was always ready to help us. Thank you very much.

· Well ias the Pope Catholic of course I felt welcome because the organizers tried very hard to genuinely make us feel welcome.

· I felt very warm welcomed! And well taken care of!

· I remember all the organizers especially Colin.

· As a non AVP person I can say no more than I feel part of your family. Thank you all so much.

· I never felt more welcome in my entire life. The boys in room 43 make me feel relaxed and at home.

· Very much welcome especially Connie.

· Yes I felt very welcome by the organizers especially Thuli, Connie, Khosy, Mosewa.

· I was very touched, a very familiar face welcoming me at the airport at 12.00 pm. I have to mention how I felt as at home while at Shepherd site.

· I felt welcome, right from the airport to the guest house I was staying prior. I felt welcomed by all, the AVP way. It’s lovely to see AVP at work.

· The organizers were the best than the one I have met.

· I felt incredibly welcomed.

· I received a very warm and embracing welcome. Hooray!

· Yes the welcome made me feel very comfortable.

· Mostly! I felt the strands addressed the needs of the international community.

· Yes, very much so. Someone met me soon after arrival and it was not long before I feel at home.

· Yes! I arrived late only problem was to find a room - which took all day.

· I felt very warm and sincere by all the people here. All the staff here was very helpful.

· 100%+ welcomed and enjoyed every second of my being here.

· I was fully positively welcomed by the organizers.

· Yes over, above and beyond.

· What a wonderful welcome. An additional idea would be to give a special button time attendees and another to all old timers willing to be going and approached for questions.

· The first day was confusing for we were forced to stay long hours at the airport and without lunch.

· OUI!

· It was prepared very brilliant and I did enjoy the setup.

· Very well welcome and felt most at home.

· Yes the African Spirit made me feel very welcome-the warmth of the people covered the conference.

· Yes! It was a wonderful, warm, fun, friendly welcoming committee!

· I felt so amazingly welcome. Thank you.

· I felt a warm welcome in everything but on the first day I did not get warm water for bath.

· Yes I felt at home because of the environment which was created by the people who were present in the IG.

· More than adequately met my needs as an AVP facilitator e.g. the different workshops that was organized and conducted was need - specific and highly appropriate.

· Yes, some longer more in depth specialize training session e.g. trauma healing.

· The programme met my needs as a facilitator in many ways. However we are at different levels of experience. I would have been happier if there was a session that dealt specifically with how facilitators are motivated and how sustainability ideas in terms of finances were handled at plenary with a speaker and many inputs, questions and answers. This is a major problem in many countries.

· The programme has met some of our needs. Needs met: Sharing reports and experiences. Getting to know one another.

-ve

· Not initially – I found the use of numbers and the long wait very alienating- it felt like the paperwork had priority over the individual. This was reinforced by knowing that it was not essential to have that information at that time. Making our name badges could have been a group – building exercise if done all together in one space e.g. Make your name badge and find two other people with same first initial as yourself.

· NO

Question 3 - Do you think the programme met our needs as AVP facilitators?

Please give reasons for your answers?

+ve

· With no doubt. I got to compare, complement and share my experiences with others from different countries. Learned how they link AVP with their work.

· It would always be possible to think of topics we did not cover so I will not. I learned so much from meeting other facilitators (not least the HIPP club) and from many of the Yes there were lots of choices available and varied topics.

· Yes indeed. I have learned in this week a lot from the different experiences, from generosity of sharing skills, questions and initiatives. Thank you.

· Workshops (forgiveness, humour) so the answer is YES.

· Yes excellent variety covered large subject as well as cultural diversity. Made aware of people’s struggles to the world. Also covered education for workshops role plays and other exercises.

· Yes all the workshops that I attended met my needs as AVP facilitator. I feel a fresh enthusiasm in the work, because of this.

· Yes there was plenty of opportunity – sometimes too much choice! But overall the variety of approaches and commitment was in itself an inspiration to me to work even harder.

· Yes it did meet our needs and I felt empowered.

· Indeed the program met most of my needs: I was able to share my ideas with others and receive ideas which are really going to be helpful to me in my peace work.

· Yes, a lot of different ideas were shared hustles and how to overcome them were highlighted to give courage and strength to those who do not feel confident enough to face problems we encounter as different countries.

· Yes all the workshops I went to were interesting. I wish I could have gone to more. I would have liked more opportunity to share and develop skills.

· Yes 100% coz if you tried now not everybody will get satisfied but, for me it met my need and really challenged.

· Needs met. Because the gathering includes all aspects.

· Yes I was able to at tend more general or more practical sessions. There was a room for plenty of experience exchange e.g. related subjects were great NVC.

· Absolutely yes. We were energized by every workshop.

· I think the programme was excellent, good topics for discussions.

· Yes, I am not yet, but I got ideas as to how to organize what to expect and how to go about will guide me in the way forward AVP Namibia.

· Yes, everything went well even if I feel that some workshop needed some (more time).

· Yes it had because the experience I gain in the summit was emotional and history on it. And thank to the man who started this AVP.

· Yes I still think that you need to have more young facilitators. But overall it was fine.

· Mine were met. I felt I was listened to when I had problems. I got so many inspirations from many testimonies. I am more convinced than ever of the value of AVP. I got many new ideas for various aspects of workshops. I am coming away with a number of valuable resources.

· I think very frequent for growth.

· Yes, my needs were met. Diversity, networking, participation, knowing what other countries are doing regarding AVP.

· Yes! I made connections with friends. I got a chance to share what AVP is and how is helping my country mates.

· Most of the strands were organize with AVP guide lines.

· Yes. When I came to the IG I had expectations, one of them was to learn and share different ways of facilitating and I did and it was fun.

· Needs – as a facilitator > think of a person who is not a facilitator – I was interested in understanding who makes up the AVP organization. Whether AVP is EGO driven or really driven by people who believe in peace. I was happy- warmly surprised by sincerity and commitment to AVP and international growth- by the organizers, participants and the youth. Thank you.

· The programme was varied enough to encompass a good range of discussion material. Workshops do need to need to be geared towards comparison and sharing to maximize what AVP groups can learn from each other some USA facilitated workshops were heavily academic and not always suitable for this international focus.

· Yes, because we shared our skills of doing things and different ways we do AVP.

· Yes I can practice some exercises and stay in workshops I exchange experiences.

· YES I DO. There were workshops on many diverse topics (too many to choose from☺!) Also there was what appeared to at 1^st, lots of ‘free time’, which, of course, filled up very fast but at least you did allow time for spontaneous, unplanned (prior to the conference) ‘events’. Again, at 1^st in the many IG’s I have been to. Of course this has also been the longest one (to be fair to the previous organizers).

· I think the programme meet our needs as facilitators by the ff reasons: The process of process of gathering is so nice because we shared our skills of working.

· Yes. Gain more confidence as a facilitator. It has taken me from one level to another level (higher) level.

· Yes because AVP members are busy thing for sustainability, support another facilitators around of world.

· Wonderful programme.

· Yes, there was a good range of interesting courses and I am looking forward to being able to read about what event on in the workshops I would have liked and attend.

· Yes! Well done plenty of options to meet differing needs of different people.

· Yes shared various ways of doing thing share experiences of facilitation.

· Excellent: It was more than I thought. Thank you so much.

· The programme exceeded my expectations – it was always engaging, interesting and inspiring.

· Yes the strands were relevant to AVP.

· Yes in that we were given opportunity to share and learn with/from other facilitators. It was an international sphere of information, knowledge and skills.

· Yes because there was a variety of workshops to suit different tastes/appeal.

· Yes it did open our minds, especially with the different workshops that we had. They were eye opener and healing therapy for most people.

· Yes, I particularly valued the TP work and the pre conference workshop.

· Yes. Most of the things were being focused on and some of the concerns I have somehow have been resolved.

· Over, above, beyond and unlimited. Interaction, respect, caring, workshops tips (learning from each other’s experience).

· I think the programme was very useful especially the role play, humor and TP. I learn new skills and will be used at when I am back to my country.

· It definitely meets the AVP facilitators’ need. The experiences share by facilitators around the world was very helpful.

· OUI!

· Ya! Very much, healing and communicating with others but we should concentrate too much to the youth.

· Yes. Reason is we had a lot to share and express our challenges. Also have learned new things in a workshop.

-ve

· Mostly. I expected more interactive workshops.

· Some of our needs were met, and we have questions from other countries that how do they place or care for their facilitators as they are trained for T4F and never placed or forgotten there after.

· No sure. It gave me an awareness of what is going on in other regions. I t is as usual there are regions that dominate the time and the programme always using forum and have a say. Try- keeping mouth shut for a change.

· Need not met: Less opportunity to communication e.g. internet, phones etc.

· Not enough time for 10 minute talk. Perhaps they could be 5-7 minutes tasters without questions. Participants could be encouraged to gather at breaks, meals, and free times for more detailed information such rich ideas to share.

Suggestions/comments

· Yes – wish there was more time to visit workshops perhaps restricting them to 1 hr slots and get 2-3 hours each morning.

· Mostly yes- but on Wednesday afternoon perhaps were too many sessions. At least there were too many sessions. At least 2 of us spent a lot of time preparing and there were no participants. How about a session for new ideas for L&LQ? etc.

· Yes. I have challenges when I am facilitating in prisons and I wanted to know from other facilitators who are working in prisons in other countries and our challenges are more or less the same and I understand I am not alone and lastly together we can conquer our challenges.

· Quite a lot – I suggest though that we have ‘country overviews’ early in the programme and avoid duplication with 10 minutes talk. More detailed info in advance regarding what kinds of workshops people want and what the different ‘strands’ are trying to achieve, would be helpful. Perhaps send a list of previous IG workshops to give an indication and highlight areas of needy interest. Give workshops presenter’s guidelines on creating participatory and experiential not – academic session.

· It did not yet? I was of the view that I will go back to Cape Town with a clear understanding in terms of increasing the incentives as they are not making any difference.

· Mostly – I missed the gatherings and L&L time in the home groups were too short. I would have liked to have at least one gathering in the large group to connect with all even on a small level. I leave not being able to meet all our facilitators from other countries. All other needs were met. Thank you.

· .WWithin the time limitation – yes. If there has been extra time I think it would be useful to have a strand that was dedicated to skills development for apprentice and experienced facilitators and for introducing more sessions in a worship e.g. like the bias awareness seminar.

· I had new ways of presenting some workshops components that were many welcome. I was sorry not to able to attend more workshops with that content, and appreciated the repeat of some topics.

· I felt the programme met the needs of AVP communities/conditions. I believe at the next IG issues of re-entry and life after AVP training (gifts, work, etc) will need some attention

1. Question 4. Were we successful in creating a sense of community between all participants?

+ve

· Very good, . everything was running smooth.

· The animal/home groups was a very helpful structure for doing this. Here’s where we shared ideas gave names, played games. Mealtime was a valuable community building resource. The outings played a part. The workshops in a way formed mini communities.

· The community was developed quite well – the ability of the local and other African people to be joyous and warm contributed greatly to the sense of ‘place’ which I felt since I arrived

· Yes you did that very well, the home groups promoted that.

· We all felt safe to be around each other our sense of community was restored in our diversity of different cultures which were combined to have one culture.

· Yes, otherwise we would have left a long tinme ago during the week if there was no sense of community.

· Yes because I felt I was at home even though my spiritual growth

· Yes this was felt in various strands that illutsrtedillustrated really building a community and especially in strand one that went ahead to form a committee that would put us together. The home groups, outings and the party was great and fun.

· Yes, indeed to the extent that I now feel part and parcel of AVP.

· Absolutely! It was really quite remarkable how quickly that feeling developed given that we were such a large group.

· We went further than that. It felt like a big family, just like having a family gathering. Yes, it was successful in the sense that we created friends and in getting to know each other well and experience to people who are the victims.

· Yes, of course.

· I feel we built the community and felt safe in the home groups. It was very successful.

· Yes, very much

· Yes, definitely.

· The home groups, small group work and large group plenaries created a sense of community.

· C’est partoper les experience dans les seminaime

· Good sense of community and purpose. At times there were underlying tensions relating to attitudes /dominance , but on the whole there was a good sense of being part of the AVP family.

· Yes, we did especially in most workshops and home groups.

· Yes, this was created by so many of us with a positive spirit. The organization of the conference facilitated this.

· This section was outstanding. All nations came together – yes an example at UNITED NATIONS.

· We had comradeship. People were open to give and receive. I had a sense that others held back, but that is ok.

· The mix of cultures at the gathering and the structure of the sessions helped, so did the mix of the cultures in the home groups, which helped in building a community.

· Yes, we had a good sense of community – I wish we had more time allocated to small (home) groups .

· We were successful and especially on Wednesday night movie brought out so many questions and many felt a need to create awareness to the whole world about racism. Thanks for the IG GatehringGathering I lived the family of AVP

· Yes, I wholly believe that.

· We created this. We had opportunities to share with all.

· Yes, Yoga

· This was promoted by Home Groups, opportunities to introduce similar sessions to the program, the many small workshops , etc. The opportunity to give 10 minute talks, give announcements, and share in decision-making was also helpful. ‘ Light ‘n’ livelies’ and laughing together was good. It was important to have quiet meditations with Judy at the morning.

· Absolutely ! Dorm/Room distribution was done in such a way that folks from different cultures had a chance to be together and free time was enough to exchange with friends.

· Absolutely,

· Yes, I feel myself a part of the community of friendly people doing the same and thinking in the same way.

· I do think the organizers were highly successful in creating a sense of community amongst our participants.

· Yes, more than??

· Yes, there were many and diverse people, but we all spoke the same language and were very socialable.

· You did a great job of welcoming and in joiingjoining us in community, so warm and lovingly. I will never ever forget you or this experience. Thank you.

· The community was developed quite well. The ability of the local and other africabAfrican people to be joyous and wasrmwarm contributed greatly to the sense of ‘place’ where I ely what does this mean????

· Yes, yes and yes. I think more than you realize, now I know I can go to any place and have a friend and I thank you for that

· Yes! This was the first conference that I have been to where all were the same. The values of AVP were practiced and itsit’s my hope that we do this all the time without pretence.

· Wonderful community. Perhaps during registration we could have introduced a scavenger hunt questionnaire ege.g. Find a person from a different continent, find a person who has done HIPP etc.

· Yes, mMy only regret was that there were not enough biographies, so that I could have learned more about my fellow participants. I feel that the organizers did everything they could to encourage us to be a family. I liked the home group

· I felt that there was a sense of community which was crystallized in the home groups. On which ever table I sat and with whomever I ate, I just felt at home, affirmed and love. The HIPP club increased the sense of family with their song, dance, energy and just action.

· Yes, we were like new people in a new location, who were willing to change their past of bad memories and gathered to form one new community of peace and understanding between our different cultures, religions and beliefs, by putting them all aside and created a new one.

· Yes, I found a very strong sense of community and made many friends from different parts of the world.

· I think that you achieved this goal. Even persons like me for whom English is not her first language can feel the openness and warmness, and consequently feel part of this community.

· This for me became particularly apparent in the home groups and at meal times there was always the opportunity to exchange. In the sessions facilitators from different countries teamed up.

· Yes there was a lot of interaction not only in formal sessions, but also informally hence new contacts have been developed.

·

Suggestions/Comments