Training: Skills Enhancement for Refugee Leaders with APNOR

We recently had the privilege of designing and facilitating a module for the Skills Enhancement Programme led by the Asia Pacific Network of Refugees. This was our second time working with APNOR and it was an absolute privilege to collaborate on this four-part module which supported refugee leaders across APAC to build practical skills in advocacy and communications.

Why This Project Mattered

Refugee leaders are doing extraordinary work in some of the most challenging conditions - running community initiatives, advocating for their communities, and navigating complex legal and safety landscapes, often without formal support or recognition. It can be hard to access skills training or resources that are relevant to their specific realities and needs.

When APNOR invited us to design and deliver this module, we saw a real opportunity to create a learning space that was not only practical and skills-focused, but also trauma-informed and tailored.

The module consisted of four online workshops, each building on the last, covering advocacy, strategic communications, partnerships, pitching, and safe storytelling for at-risk communities.

The Highlight

Programmes like this lie at the heart of what we do – enabling individuals (and teams) to amplify their voices and impact.

What stayed with us most was the quality of engagement from the leaders. Every person we spoke to was navigating significant constraints but was deeply committed to using these skills to achieve specific goals and uplift their communities. Despite challenges including internet connectivity, technical issues, time constraints, and learning in a non-native language, the leaders found ways to participate fully and enthusiastically. 

We're grateful to APNOR for the opportunity to contribute to this programme and to the refugee leaders who brought so much energy and commitment to every session.

Interested in curriculum design or tailored training programmes for your community? Get in touch.

Our Collaborators

Asia Pacific Network of Refugees

APNOR is a refugee-led network building strong initiatives and leaders across the Asia Pacific - shifting power so refugees hold greater influence in the systems and institutions of the wider sector.