Twinning Programs
Twinning is a two-way mutually beneficial exchange (WHO, 2001) between cosmoanelixis and any NGO, Association or Educational Institution that promotes the same principles, values and shares interest in Prenatal & Life Sciences. The aim is to promote sharing of knowledge, professional expertise, research findings, ideas, skills & competencies, relevant information and advocate about the importance of Prenatal and Perinatal experience, health and well-being. Twinning provides opportunities for peer support and peer mentoring and is an excellent tool to raise awareness and advance peaceful collaboration for the best of all stakeholders.
It is based on equality where both parties are considered as equal givers and receptors. There is always a written or verbal agreement between the two parties and lasts for a substantial period of time so that a learning or community project can develop fully. All interactions are based on mutual respect, honesty, trust and transparency and both parties need to recognize that everyone has something to learn and everyone has something to offer.
After the Twinning agreement, the two parties create their action plan and agree on the responsibilities both parties will carry out. A written commitment is signed to support understanding and clarity in case of misunderstandings. At the same time, a fundraising plan is made to sustain the relationship and the implementation of the Twinning projects.
Twinning activities can take various forms, among which the following are greatly encouraged:
Training Exchanges: when experts from either side can use either technology or classical pathways to become involved in educational/training tours for a period of time (short term 2-3 weeks or long term up to say 6 months) to learn and teach.
Information Exchanges: which are close to the Training Exchanges but differ from them as the main aim is the exchange of essential information.
Technical Exchanges: when travelling to the partner association to help implement a specific program or activity.
Collaboration on technical incentives when both parties agree to work together to establish a particular program to address an issue that affects both and interests both.
On site training: when an experienced person from one party is invited to provide training to the other partner.
Study tours: when members of either part visit the host partner for the purpose of providing or receiving training.
All the above types of Twinning relationships are based on reciprocity.
The Benefits
Twinning is an excellent way of working and benefiting in a multicultural context.
The benefits that arise are very significant, as Twinning can support the following:
Capacity building through a transfer of skills, technology and knowledge
Exchange of best practices as it provides opportunities to identify successful policies, techniques and interventions and promote them among various stakeholders.
Effectiveness as it results in stronger and more effective programs.
Relationship building as it bonds stronger relationships and friendships enhancing unity among Educators and communities.
Networking as both parties benefit from each other’s existing local, regional, national or international networks.
Solidarity as it contributes to the sense of belonging to a larger community.
The Twinning Process
If you are interested in participating in a Twinning Program with cosmoanelixis, we will be pleased to hear from you.
Send us an email to info@cosmoanelixis.gr and let us begin exploring the best way to make it happen.
The usual process includes the following stages:
Stage 1: Self examination (to help each other understand its own strengths and challenges, intentions and needs.
Stage 2: Developing Agreed Terms of Reference through communication to spot resources and build ways to make best use of them to meet the needs.
Stage 3: Formalizing the Agreement by actually signing it.
Stage 4: Initiating the Relationship by getting to know each other, sharing ideas and goals, discussing differences, creating common ground.
Stage 5: Strategic Planning to set the path that will take us to the desired goal.
Stage 6: Financing (to obtain funds that will allow implementation of the strategic goals set.
Stage 7: Legal Considerations so that all action plan activities can be legally performed e.g. fundraising, training, etc.
Stage 8: Implementing the Strategic Plan through working together.
Stage 9: Managing & Nurturing the Relationship beyond cultural differences or other challenges.
Stage 10: Monitoring & Evaluation on criteria set by both parties.
Stage 11: Exit Strategy when the Twinning Relationship goal is accomplished.
Stage 12: Beyond Twinning: Platform of Exchange with the participation of all involved in this or all Twinning Programs to maintain benefits, share further and strengthen more).
WOULD YOU LIKE TO START A TWINNING PROGRAM WITH COSMOANELIXIS?
CONTACT US NOW: email to info@cosmoanelixis.gr and let us begin exploring the best ways to help Twinning happen.