2018 Sphere Handbook Training, Asian Disaster Foundation, USA, 10 June – 14 June, 2024

The Sphere training offered a 5-day program designed to enhance humanitarian response efforts. The purpose of this training was to familiarize participants with the Sphere Handbook, which sets out minimum standards in humanitarian response, ensuring the delivery of quality, accountable, and effective aid to affected populations.

Purpose of the Training:
The training aimed to equip humanitarian workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to apply the Sphere standards in their work, thereby improving the quality and effectiveness of humanitarian response in various crises worldwide.

Outcomes Sought:
Participants were expected to gain a thorough understanding of the Sphere Handbook and its application across different stages of humanitarian response, from assessment and planning to implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. By the end of the training, participants were able to integrate Sphere standards into their operational practices and contribute to more coordinated and effective humanitarian interventions.

Skills Developed:
Key skills developed during the training included:

Understanding Sphere Standards: Participants learned the core principles and standards outlined in the Sphere Handbook, including humanitarian charter and principles, key humanitarian standards, and minimum requirements for response.

Application in Practice: Training sessions focused on practical application scenarios where participants learned how to implement Sphere standards in real-life humanitarian settings.

Coordination and Collaboration: Emphasis was placed on fostering collaboration and coordination among humanitarian actors to ensure a cohesive and effective response.

Monitoring and Evaluation: Participants were trained in monitoring adherence to Sphere standards during humanitarian operations and evaluating the impact of their interventions.

Advocacy and Accountability: The training also covered aspects of advocacy for the implementation of Sphere standards and ensuring accountability to affected populations.

Overall, the Sphere 5-day training empowered humanitarian workers with the necessary tools and knowledge to uphold humanitarian principles and standards, thereby improving the overall quality and impact of humanitarian assistance in crises.