A Journey into Better Facilitation: Insights from the Training of Trainers Workshop
Darya Sukhatska, Head of Training and Development Unit at the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine, shares her experience from the recent Training of Trainers workshop. She reflects on how the program supported her professional growth and how the skills, ideas, and practical tools she gained will help improve learning practices across the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine. Through her story, she shows how this workshop is helping build stronger, more engaging learning experiences for colleagues.
"I joined the recent Training of Trainers workshop driven by a simple but important goal: to become a better facilitator. I wanted to enhance my facilitation skills and learn new, creative ways to engage adult learners. In my work at the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine, I carry the responsibility of ensuring that learning opportunities for our teams are meaningful, practical, and inspiring. I was looking for methods that would help me design learning processes that are practical, interactive, and motivating.
From the very first day, it became clear that my expectations would not only be met—they would be exceeded. The workshop offered a rich set of useful tools and methodologies, but even more valuable was the space it created for reflection and exchange with other professionals. One moment that stood out was the session on constructive feedback. Receiving thoughtful, honest insights from both participants and experts helped me see my own facilitation style from a new angle. Their feedback was encouraging and eye-opening, offering concrete ideas to make my sessions more audience-centered and engaging.
I am leaving the workshop with a wealth of practical ideas: how to structure sessions more effectively, how to navigate group dynamics, and how to integrate interactive elements that keep participants engaged. These insights will already find their place in my work this November, when I meet with the heads of HR services from institutions coordinated by the Ministry of Finance, including the State Tax Service, Customs Service, and State Audit Service. I plan to share the key lessons learned at the CEF and even run a short training myself, helping to spread this knowledge across our system.
What I will remember most strongly, however, is the atmosphere the trainers created. It was open, supportive, and full of energy - a real learning community. I also appreciated the balance between theory, practice, and creativity - from case studies to cultural exchange moments that helped us connect beyond our professional roles.
A warm thank-you to the CEF experts and organizers for creating such a thoughtful and empowering program, and to my fellow participants for their professionalism, diversity, and friendship. The Training of Trainers program isn’t just about techniques—it’s about people, inspiration, and the confidence to create learning experiences that truly matter. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to make their learning sessions more engaging, human-centered, and impactful."