Training for trainers concludes

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Ram Kumar Shrestha on June 12 handed over certificates to the participants of ‘Training of Trainers for Mountain Leaders’ organized jointly by High Impact Tourism Training (HITT), Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN), Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and European Union.

A total of 44 persons from different trekking agencies as well as representatives of NMA and TAAN participated in the training. The training was held in four phases between December 2012 and June 2013.

The training was supported by Petzl, SNV Nepal and trekking agencies like Base Camp, Three Sisters Trekking, Sherpa Adventure, Explore Himalaya, Thamserku Trekking, Himalayan Encounters, Himalaya Journey, Highlander Treks and Dharma Adventure.

According to the organizers, the main objective of the training was to produce trainers for producing skilled manpower for the country’s trekking and mountaineering sector. The long term objective of the training was to get international certification for mountain leaders.

As per the training plan, each participant has to train at least 10 others in their respective companies. So far about 200 trekking workers have already been trained. The training focused on outdoor activities and first aid, leadership, rope and safety, map and navigation and weather/climate were the major issues covered. Five trainers from TAAN, who participated in the training, have already trained 27 guides and workers from different trekking companies.

Speaking at the program, Krishna Hari Khatri, coordinator of TAAN’s Training and HR Department, thanks the organizers for the initiative. He further added that efforts should be made to get international certification for manpower produced in the country. “TAAN will take the initiative to review curriculum for trekking guides training being conducted by Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM) as per the changed context,” Khatri said, adding, “TAAN will also do develop manpower as per the international standard.”        

Source: TAAN