- Gambia Rural Adult Instructor Training Program (GRAIT)
- Ghana Rural Animator Training Program (GRAT)
- West African Rural Development Centre (WARD)
"Before I went to GRAIT I knew little about community development. Now I know a great deal. I am able to relate to the community now. I was commended by my director for the improvement in all the community meetings and projects I ran."
GRAIT graduate (from project evaluation)
"(GRAIT) made me respect the culture of the community; it made me involve the community in decision-making."
GRAIT graduate (from project evaluation)
"GRAIT has done a great deal to change my working relationship with the community I am working with by showing me how to go to the community, stay with them, learn from them and respect their elders, norms and values. I involve them in all aspects of planning, monitoring, and devaluation. Because of this I find my work easier after this course."
GRAIT graduate (from project evaluation)
"GRAIT was a wonderful experience. Since that time I have told people that I have been born again!"
GRAIT facilitator (from project evaluation)
" Before GRAIT I didn't know how to train. Now, 40 to 50% of my time is in training. What I used to call training was just information giving. But now I use new, more effective techniques."
GRAIT facilitator (from project evaluation)
"I received a promotion from the field to sector head. Now I can settle with my family. Because of the GRAIT training, I had the advantage over many other applicants. When I told them what I had done in GRAIT, there was now competition."
GRAIT graduate (from project evaluation)
"I observed several graduates in the field. The skills learned at GRAIT spread to the grassroots level. For example, I see trainers using role play, the community development wheel. They use them in their own training. The rural adults have found it very effective. The impact is quite great."
NGO sponsor of GRAIT participants (from project evaluation)
"Instead of becoming an extension worker, I became a popular educator. I learned that I had to facilitate in the community to bring forth the community members' own ideas for development. Since completing GRAT, I have in turn trained over 40 community development workers using the skills I learned."
GRAT graduate (from project evaluation)
"After I took the GRAT training and completed the session, I had the occasion to apply for a development job with an NGO. It was a very competitive employment interview as I was competing with experienced community development workers. I repeated many of the things I learned in GRAT and got the job. Today, the GRAT manuals are like my dictionary."
GRAT graduate (from project evaluation)
"Before GRAT, I was a serious extension worker. I would push down the community members' ideas about what to do in the village and promote my views. After GRAT, I learned to work differently with the community. GRAT taught me improved communication skills, in particular how and when to open my mouth..."
GRAT graduate (from project evaluation)
"The kind of formal educational training I received encouraged the banking approach. We were the experts. The GRAT training methodology endows you with certain skills that you don't even know you are learning. You end up realizing that your approach to the community has to change. Today I manage numerous projects exceeding US$6 million, and I can say that GRAT changed the way I trained my staff while I was setting up the agency."
GRAT graduate (from project evaluation)
"The GRAT training was very practical. The educational background of the participants didn't matter since I had more practical skill and knowledge. You couldn't tell who was a university graduate and who wasn't. We had the opportunity to interact with one another; that would not normally happen in our society."
GRAT graduate with less than a high school education (from project evaluation)
"Right from day one, we saw GRAT as something relevant to what we were doing at the University for Development Studies. Our mandate is to train people to be prepared to work in the rural north. To do this we needed to change attitudes, provide skills, and develop commitment to rural people. GRAT marries all of these goals perfectly."
GRAT facilitator and member of UDS faculty (from project evaluation)
"In my visit to The Gambia... I was impressed with how the training of a few community development workers could result in the subsequent mobilization of entire communites for economic and social development. I was also privy to some powerful testimonials from individual community facilitators who took the WARD training who... said the training changed their approach to development completely. It is my belief that this project has also enhanced the profile and strengthened the capacity of the (African partner institution)."
AUCC (sponsoring agency) observer
"The training program is full of experience and interaction, which makes it one of the best courses of this sort that can ever be seen or heard."
CDF (the introductory WARD program) participant (from course evaluation)
"Above all, (CDF) equips me with its rich skills and techniques for effective animation work in any given circumstance."
CDF participant (from course evaluation)
"It (CDF) has empowered me by seeing the light of development through participation."
CDF participant (from course evaluation)
"(The WARD) methodology and approach, which is quite relevant to Gambian situations and communities, is a means of effecting change in the lives of the people we work with."
WARD facilitator (from training evaluation)
"The most impressive thing about WARD is the facilitation style. Visiting and local facilitators are well trained and largely responsible for this positive state of affairs. It is very impressive to watch local facilitators facilitating sessions with such skill and determination. No comment is turned down on the basis that it is incorrect. This encourages contribution from participants as learning and sharing take place. Such is the fruit of a well-trained facilitator."
Rural Community Development Practitioner Diploma (RCDP 18-week WARD diploma program) graduate (from WARD newsletter)
"The (WARD) content, in addition to its teaching strengths, has carefully put into consideration the traditional and cultural values of West Africa. To me this is very important because in dealing with adults and the rural community at large you must pay attention to cultural, traditional, and religious values...A lot of emphasis was placed on the conduct of a rural development worker, like how to talk to elders and approach issues. In our (traditional) settings, these were what were taught as part of our manhood initiation."
RCDP graduate (from WARD newsletter)
"(After my WARD training) I was made an Assistant Trainer. This is a bigger position and responsibility (than I had previously). Big responsibilities should go with big...qualifications. My new portfolio is training, and I owe this to WARD. The only training I've ever had is from WARD."
RCDP graduate (from WARD newsletter)
"WARD provided the opportunity to widen my experience and be of better use to my fellow men...My first formal training in community development was with WARD, where I met with experienced development practitioners from different walks of life, sharing knowledge and skills in an atmosphere of give and take. The program is run is in such an organized manner by its well experienced facilitators from The Gambia and Canada. WARD covers a wide range of development approaches in a well-structured curriculum. With the knowledge, skills and experience I acquired through the WARD program I was able to build capacity by knowing rural communities better and plan and implement sustainable projects with them."
RCDP graduate (from WARD newsletter)
"I wish to urge all my colleagues in the development arena, both the civil service and the NGO community, to seize the opportunity to enroll as a participant in the (RCDP) diploma program, to excel oneself and contribute in the fight to eradicate poverty and attain sustainable development."
RCDP graduate (from WARD newsletter)
"After completing (CDF) I have realized that this course has equipped me with knowledge and skills in many areas...It has improved my work, as well as my relations with the people (in the community) and in my home. A few days after completion I was among trainers of a second year facilitators training workshop. During the training I applied the various facilitation techniques I actually acquired from the CDF course. I know that these techniques actually worked well because the trainees told me during the workshop that they really understood and enjoyed my sessions. I was delighted when I heard that."
CDF participant (from WARD newsletter)
"I feel great to inform you that I have been accepted to the position of Project Administrator, even though I am not a GCE "O" Level holder. There is a secret, and the secret is nothing more than my undergoing training with...the WARD Centre. In light of the above stated circumstance, I therefore would not hesitate to say that what the WARD Centre gives out to participants is the golden key to success in life."
RCDP graduate (from WARD newsletter)
Writing | Top
- Tomorrow Is School (and I Am Sick to the Heart Thinking About It)
- Where the Rivers Meet
- Adventures with Miss Flint
- Novels for Adult Learners (The Buckle, Frozen Tears, Crocodiles and Rivers)
- NESA Activities Handbook for Native and Multicultural Classrooms (vols. 1-3)
"I am so glad this classic book is back in print; I've been recommending it for years. It is a fine chronicle of learning to teach, a meditation on the process of learning, a depiction of the ways school and community intersect, and a very good read. The book is fresh, relevant, and engaging, and new and seasoned teachers alike will be drawn into it and moved to thought by it."
Mike Rose, Professor, UCLA Graduate School of Education; author of "Lives on the Boundary" and "Possible Lives"
"As broad, as stimulating a slice of Canadian life as I've ever happened upon. I can't recommend it highly enough."
London Free Press
"While Don Sawyer's adventures in Newfoundland will be of interest to everyone, his story should be required reading in colleges of education. Teachers everywhere: read, take courage, and learn."
Kingston Whig-Standard
"Few books about Newfoundland have the humor, the whimsy and the insight of this one...It should be required reading for teachers and would-be teachers."
Newfoundland Quarterly
"You truly inspired me with your enthusiasm for teaching. You overcame each challenge through growth and a commitment to the whole student. You demonstrated how learning can be both interesting and exciting. I hope to take all I have learned from your book and apply it in my next teaching term. I want to thank you for restoring my hope in the teaching profession."
Lakehead University student teacher (from letter)
"I hit the wall in my second teaching placement...I felt as though I had failed miserably. I went home and picked up a copy of your book...I couldn't put it down. It was like a refreshing breeze. It really helped me work through all the difficulties I had encountered. You showed me how teaching is a learning process...You met every (problem) head on, adapting and changing with it. I was so inspired."
Lakehead University student teacher (from letter)
"I am happy to say that our educational psychology professor added your book, Tomorrow Is School, to our reading list. This book was nothing less than inspiring. I picked it up one Saturday evening and couldn't put it down until I had finished it. This is one book I will certainly be referring to for inspiration as I begin my teaching career."
Lakehead University student teacher (from letter)
"Because the book is written in a narrative style, a higher percentage of students actually read the entire book and were able to reflect a greater understanding, not only about teaching, but the variety of educational issues that are involved, then and now. Positive comments about the book were consistently expressed. It is a pleasure to recommend this book very highly."
Vera Haines, Professor, Faculty of Education, Lakehead University
"This is a very powerful book...I have read many books that Pemmican has done and they bring the Native reality beautifully to the rest of Canada...This, I think, is the most powerful novel they have done. Really well worth the read. One of the things that puts young adult fiction into a category is the burning sense of justice you can have at that age, and this will light it. We need to have outrage, and this book will fuel it. Very, very good book."
Kathy Lowinger, CBC radio
"This tough-minded, moving young adult novel does not pull many punches in its portrayal of the desperate situation facing Canada's young native people today. The details of Nancy's story may shock readers, but the strength of her character provides more than a glimmering of hope in the end. Certainly teenagers who want to know more about the real grievances and abuses of native Canadians will find some provocative and absorbing food for thought in this impressive first novel."
The Children's Book News
"This well-written story helps us all understand the frustrations and pain, the spiritual strength and the hope, of Native young people today...Highly recommended for young people and educators."
CASNP Resource Reading List
"Recommended...a powerful story...The themes of suicide, grief, dignity and values are explored in this powerful novel."
Language Arts Resource List, BC Ministry of Education
"Where the Rivers Meet is a must for all libraries and persons interested in Native education."
Celia Haig-Brown, Professor, University of British Columbia
"I'm one of your readers of Where the Rivers Meet. I've never finished reading a book (before). I'm sure glad this book was part of our English assignment. I sure enjoyed the whole book emotionally, mentally and spiritually...As with every reader, my favourite was the style. The tone you used is so realistic for the readers here in our class... You have captured my spirit for reading...I know you are not Native but you sure think and feel and see like one. Thank you for your inspiration."
Native ABE student (from letter)
"On reflecting back to your well-written book...I wonder if you were an Indian maiden in another life. Your homework was so thorough it's awesome. You being a man and a non-Native as well...I mean everything was right to the "T".
Native ABE student (from letter)
"Miss Flint is unrelenting in her regimented approach to teaching and even resorts to the use of a whistle to keep the children in line. Readers will take heart, though, from the barrage of counter-attacks and practical jokes launched by Miss Flint's students. These amusing stories and intriguing illustrations will entertain youngsters who enjoy making connections to their own classroom experiences and is recommended for the elementary library collection."
Canadian Materials
"The author's light comedic touch engages readers of all ages. Children love how the students outwit "The Meanest Teacher in the World" at every turn and the class' adventures and misadventures. Each chapter is a compete story in itself and as such is an excellent model for student writing."
Annotations: Annotated Bibliography of Recommended Titles
"Thank your again for the time you spent with my class. They truly did enjoy your presentation and still refer to Adventures with Miss Flint months after finishing the book. Well done!"
Sixth grade teacher (from letter)
"Thank you so much for your presentation on writing and your books. I enjoyed it and learned a lot. Miss Flint was a very interesting, funny, and generally fun altogether book that I very much enjoyed reading."
Sixth grade student (from letter)
"I would like to thank you for a wonderful morning. I had lots of fun, and learned lots about writing. I loved your book...The jokes in it were very funny. I am looking forward to your next book a lot. I hope it is a big hit and lots of fun."
Sixth grade student (from letter)
"Our class really enjoyed your coming to read us one of your stories and telling us about them...I love your stories. My favourite was when Miss Flint went horseback riding and fell into the manure pile...I think your stories are really funny."
Third grade student (from letter)
"(These) engaging novels that are extremely accessible to learners at the fundamental English level...The books are completely adult in content which...have made them a popular addition classroom discussion...Students who read this book (The Buckle) found its portrayal of the effects of child abuse realistic: 'It is right down to earth. It is like the real world.' (Frozen Tears) seems to be the one to which students are most obviously drawn. The copy in my classroom is already dog-eared and worn a testament to its popularity...Thanks to the authors for creating books for the adult learner that all of us can appreciate!"
Literacy Materials Bulletin
"This series will provide hours of entertainment for students. The Buckle is about Luke, a bull rider who discovers that the biggest contest is not in the ring but in him. Crocodiles and Rivers is about the adventures of Ross and Gordy, two mill workers who come from different worlds, yet decide to travel to Africa. Frozen Tears is about Laura, a woman who survives a traumatic childhood through her strength and determination. Although she is strong enough to survive in a tough world, she may not have the courage to let herself feel again."
Grass Roots Press
"These educational, culture-sensitive activities have been tested and designed for use in First Nations and multicultural classrooms. The...activities stress the importance of culture in students' lives, and teaches them basic personal and community-related skills so they may become more self-reliant and culturally responsible. Activities include precise instruction and supplementary materials."
British Columbia Teachers' Federation Lesson Aids
"Taking an experiential approach, (these handbooks) offer...exercises selected for the ability to involve learners, to introduce and explain concepts, and for the capacity to have a meaningful impact on students. The games focus on and develop attitudes necessary for multicultural awareness and sensitivity. Designed for use in multicultural and Native classrooms, but an excellent resource for any adults interested in challenging stereotypes and incorporating community issues..."
Annotated Bibliography, BC Adult Literacy and Basic Skills Unit
Workshops and Presentations | Top
"Your presentation to the [British Columbia Interior Trustees’ Meeting October 4, 2008] was terrific. It was stimulating and thought provoking. I had many trustees mention to me that they will look at the world differently now. I particularly enjoyed how you made the connection with kids and their relationship with the other cultures of the world. Thanks for making the Regional Trustees Meeting valuable and interesting."
Doug Pearson, Superintendant, School District #83: North Okanagan-Shuswap, October 2008"I'm so grateful for this experience. I learned more than I anticipated."
New Orleans Adult Education Workshop Participant, Feb 2008
"This was by far the greatest workshop we've had so far. Don is absolutely amazing! "
New Orleans Adult Education Workshop Participant, Feb 2008
"It was really inspiring and wonderful to witness your passion and interest in your calling. It made me feel differently about the work I'm attempting."
New Orleans Adult Education Workshop Participant, Feb 2008
"Great workshop! Very helpful. Much enthusiasm and energy."
New Orleans Adult Education Workshop Participant, Feb 2008
"I was impressed by the honesty and emotion of Mr. Sawyer when he took a stand on how educate students "to be citizens" and not just pump education into their brains."
New Orleans Adult Education Workshop Participant, Feb 2008
"Best professional development day I've attended. Most useful and best presented."
Workshop participant (from workshop evaluation)
"Finally a PD day that generated some enthusiasm and intelligent discussion."
Workshop participant (from workshop evaluation)
"One only has to examine the intensity of the group dynamics of the day to conclude that the interest level was kept high due to the speaker's effective method…"
Workshop participant (from workshop evaluation)
"Stimulating. Exciting. Whole presentation exuded the presenter's enthusiasm…"
Workshop participant (from workshop evaluation)
"Without question this has been the most interesting and stimulating workshop that I have ever had the honour of attending."
Workshop participant (from workshop evaluation)
"The best session was the one facilitated by Don Sawyer… it was extremely helpful for getting ready for the facilitation sessions ahead."
Canada World Youth Project Supervisor
"Although I found all of the sessions useful, the one that really spurred motivation and that I felt I most needed was Don's session. It really increased my comfort level… and provided many, many concrete tools to take into the field… "
CWY Supervisor
"Bring back Don! He was great as was the material/resources he covered."
CWY Supervisor
"I LOVED Don Sawyer's session. Both Don and the discussion he catalyzed contributed new ideas and methods to my "toolkit."
CWY Supervisor
"Excellent facilitator validating, encouraging and motivating!"
2005 Instructional Skills Workshops participant
"Fabulous… You really elicit the best in each of your participants. Your knowledge, experience, and considerate nature are a joy! Thank you!"
2005 ISW participant
"I heard from colleagues, "Why are you taking that? You're already an instructor!" This experience was so enlightening I will recommend wholeheartedly."
2005 ISW participant
"I enjoyed the instructor's personal style of presentation, casual and informal but always professional. I enjoyed the way group and individual exercises were incorporated. So very informative!"
2005 ISW participant
"Don is passionate about his work. I really enjoy his enthusiasm and the personal touches such as real life stories… Attitude is everything, but Don is also an expert on knowledge and skill."
2004 ISW participant
"Entertaining, informative, fun… Everyone who thinks that they would like to teach, facilitate, or give a seminar would benefit from this program. "
2004 ISW participant
"Don has a great way of instilling confidence in participants."
2004 ISW participant
