This month, AFARD took a significant step forward by investing in one of its most valuable resources—its people. From March 31st to April 5th, 2025, AFARD conducted a documentation skills training for its project and management teams at Nile Treatz Resort in Pakwach District. The training, supported by AWO International and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) under the Climate Action Model Village Project, came at a critical moment as the organization welcomes new staff, launches new projects, and rethinks its 2026–2030 strategy.

The focus of the training was on building staff capacity in reporting, storytelling, photography, and short video production to improve communication and enhance the organization’s visibility. Over the course of the week, 23 participants—including senior leadership, project officers, and local government representatives—engaged in hands-on sessions designed to deepen their understanding of effective content creation.

In his opening remarks, AFARD Executive Director Dr. Alfred Lakwo emphasized the importance of telling the story of the work being done, stating that in today’s digital age, it is no longer enough to do good—it must be seen, heard, and felt. Participants reflected on AFARD’s mission and vision, reviewed the organization’s communication strategy, and explored new documentation guidelines. These sessions helped staff reconnect with AFARD’s core purpose while equipping them with practical skills and tools for writing impactful stories.

Participants learned to create content for newsletters and social media using simple frameworks for structure, tone, and formatting. They drafted and presented their own stories based on field experiences, incorporating direct quotes, ethical visuals, and human-centered perspectives. One of the highlights of the training was the visual storytelling segment, where participants—many of whom had little to no experience with cameras—learned the basics of photography and videography. They practiced using real equipment, received feedback on their photos, and discovered how to frame shots, manage light, and capture authentic moments that speak volumes without needing words.

In videography, the team explored scripting, storyboarding, and mobile phone shooting techniques. They learned that great videos begin with great planning, and that every visual asset should serve a purpose in telling the broader story of community transformation. The training emphasized that everyone at AFARD is a communicator, especially in the absence of a dedicated communications officer.

To keep the momentum going, participants worked together to design a content production roadmap. A quarterly newsletter schedule was agreed upon, with four flagship projects taking lead on the main stories. A monthly web story calendar was also introduced to ensure consistent and engaging website updates, while a shared Google Drive was set up for easy submission of real-time field stories and social media content.

The training concluded with a clear message: documentation is a strategic function, and while staff across departments have shown great commitment, AFARD must consider investing in a dedicated communications officer to lead these efforts in a more structured and consistent manner. In the words of the lead facilitator, Ojok Michael, “If we don’t tell our story, someone else will—or no one will.” This training marked more than just a skills upgrade; it signaled a cultural shift within the organization. Staff now see themselves as storytellers and understand that documenting and sharing their work is key to building trust, attracting support, and inspiring change. With the support of its partners and the passion of its team, AFARD is ready to share its story with clarity, confidence, and purpose.