HAWA Alumni Engagement
Since its establishment in 2013, the HAWA (Humanitarian Assistance in West Africa) programme through its core course, specialization course and trainer of trainee’s course, has trained humanitarian and peacebuilding practitioners from across West Africa, as well as other parts of the African continent and beyond. HAWA alumni include professionals from government institutions, civil society organisations, NGOs, academia, and security services working in the areas of humanitarian assistance, crisis preparedness, disaster risk reduction, and peacebuilding.
Under HAWA Phase V, the HAWA Alumni Platform was established to bring together alumni from the various HAWA courses and training activities, strengthen continued engagement, and promote collaboration and knowledge exchange across the region.
HAWA Alumni Network
The HAWA Alumni Network currently engages alumni through:
- A WhatsApp Community, which serves as the primary interactive platform for communication, networking, and information sharing among alumni across different countries and language groups.
- A LinkedIn Group, which supports professional visibility, networking, and the sharing of research, publications, and programme activities.
- Alumni meet-ups, held online or in person in country-specific groups.
HAWA Alumni Newsletter
There is also the Monthly HAWA Alumni Newsletter which complements the online platforms by providing updates on professional opportunities, events, programme activities, partner publications, country snapshots, and alumni highlights.
The newsletter also welcomes contributions from alumni, including relevant publications, opportunities, field experiences, research, and success stories related to humanitarian assistance and peacebuilding.
HAWA Youth Mentorship Programme
Under HAWA Phase V, the HAWA Youth Mentorship Programme was introduced as one of the programme’s key innovations aimed at supporting young professionals working in humanitarian assistance and peacebuilding across West Africa.
The initiative connects young participants of HAWA training courses with experienced practitioners, facilitators, and HAWA alumni who provide professional guidance, career support, and practical insights into the humanitarian and peacebuilding field.
The mentorship programme primarily targets young professionals below the age of 35 and is delivered through flexible online engagement, including virtual meetings, calls, and email exchanges over a one-year period.
By encouraging knowledge sharing, professional development, and intergenerational learning, the mentorship programme contributes to strengthening humanitarian and peacebuilding capacities across the region.
Get Engaged
HAWA alumni are encouraged to actively participate in discussions, share opportunities and experiences from the field, contribute to the newsletter, and support collaboration among humanitarian and peacebuilding practitioners across West Africa.
To contribute to our Newsletter or support any activity, kindly contact: assistant.course-director01(at)kaiptc.org
