1. Introduction

This report provides an overview of the three-day training workshop conducted on Foundations of Savings for Transformation (S4T), Inclusive Community-Based Targeting (ICBT), Community Mobilization, Selection Procedures, Accountability, and Aid Diversion Risk Management.

The training was organized to strengthen the capacity of Community Accountability Committees (CACs), to manage transparent, fair, and inclusive community selection processes for S4T groups.

The sessions combined presentations, group discussions, role plays, and case studies to ensure that participants gained both theoretical knowledge and practical skills applicable in their community settings.

The training brought together a total of 17 Community Accountability Committees (CACs) representatives.  9 participants were drawn from the Horseed CA9 host community committees, while 8 participants were selected from the CA9 IDP settlement committees.

The 17 participants were 12 Male and 5 Female.

This composition ensured a balanced representation of both host and displaced communities, allowing for diverse perspectives and inclusive discussions during the training sessions.

Training date: 28^th, 30^th and 31^st Aug, 2025

Training Venue: AAR Hotel, Baidoa-Somalia

2. Training Objectives

• Build a clear understanding of the S4T approach and its role in community empowerment.
• Strengthen participants’ knowledge of ICBT principles and steps, ensuring fairness and inclusivity in targeting.
• Equip participants with community mobilization techniques that promote engagement of women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
• Provide transparent eligibility and selection criteria for S4T participation.
• Increase awareness of aid diversion risks, their causes, and mitigation strategies.
• Build capacity on accountability and reporting mechanisms, including feedback collection and grievance handling.
• Support participants to develop practical action plans for S4T enrollment in their communities.

3. Methodology

The training was delivered by PASOS FSL Officer/Acting PM and ED Officer using participatory and experiential apapproaches.

• Facilitator-led presentations to introduce concepts and frameworks.
• Group discussions to allow participants to share experiences from their communities.
• Role plays and simulations to practice community mobilization and ICBT steps.
• Case studies on challenges such as aid diversion and exclusion of vulnerable groups.
• Action planning exercises to link learning to practical next steps.

This blend ensured high engagement, contextual relevance, and practical application of the training content.

4. Summary of Sessions

• Foundations of S4T and Role of CACs: Participants explored the purpose, structure, and benefits of S4T, and the vital role CACs play in ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Inclusive Community-Based Targeting (ICBT): Introduced the definition, key principles, and step-by-step process of ICBT. Emphasis was placed on fairness, inclusivity, and the responsibility of CACs to lead a credible process.
• Community Mobilization: Practical strategies for engaging community members, conducting inclusive meetings, and ensuring participation of marginalized groups (women, youth, and persons with disabilities).
• Selection Criteria & Procedures: Explored eligibility rules, transparent scoring methods, ranking systems, and proper record-keeping for accountability.
• Aid Diversion: Discussions highlighted the risks of aid being misused or manipulated, the impact on community trust, and prevention strategies such as transparency, robust verification, and grievance mechanisms.
• Accountability & Reporting: Introduced feedback systems, grievance redress mechanisms, and effective reporting of selection outcomes to strengthen trust.
• Practical Exercises: Role plays and group case studies allowed participants to practice community mobilization, conduct mock ICBT sessions, and resolve selection-related disputes.
• Wrap-Up & Action Planning: Participants reviewed key learning points and developed community-level action plans to guide S4T enrollment.

5. Key Achievements

• Improved knowledge of ICBT: Participants demonstrated a stronger understanding of inclusivity, fairness, and transparency in targeting.
• Capacity in community mobilization: Participants developed practical strategies to ensure the meaningful participation of women, youth, and PWDs.
• Awareness on aid diversion: Participants identified risks within their contexts and fully understood the prevention measures to safeguard integrity of the program.
• Skills in documentation and reporting: Clear emphasis was placed on proper record-keeping for accountability.

6. Recommendations & Way Forward

• Mentorship and follow-up should be provided to CACs to reinforce skills gained during training.
• Community sensitization campaigns should accompany S4T rollout to address barriers to participation of marginalized groups.
• Stronger grievance and feedback mechanisms should be established at cothe communityevel to mitigate aid diversion risks.
• A refresher training in 6 months is recommended to review progress and share lessons learned from the field.

7. Conclusion

The three-day training successfully achieved its objectives by equipping participants with both the knowledge and practical skills required to lead inclusive, transparent, and accountable community selection for S4T. By addressing topics such as ICBT, community mobilization, selection criteria, accountability, and aid diversion, the workshop strengthened participants’ ability to ensure fairness and trust in the S4T enrollment process.

Participants concluded the training with action plans, providing a strong foundation for effective program implementation in their communities.