DEVATOP Trains and Enrols West African Case Management Organizations on Digital Case Management Using the TALKAM Human Rights App
In line with its commitment to strengthening digital case management systems and improving responses to human rights violations across West Africa, the DEVATOP Centre for Africa Development successfully conducted a series of Virtual Digital Case Management Orientation Workshops to train and enrol case management organizations on the effective use of the TALKAM Human Rights App Portal for Case Management. The orientations were implemented on different dates and brought together organizations from multiple West African countries, reflecting a growing regional commitment to technology-driven case management and accountability.
The workshops were preceded by a structured planning process which involved the advertisement of enrollment forms, review and shortlisting of eligible case management organizations, the dissemination of invitations to selected organizations, and the development of a comprehensive agenda. The activity was jointly implemented by DEVATOP’s ICT, Communications, and Programs units to ensure a coordinated and impactful delivery.
Participants across the sessions included case management organizations from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. One of the orientation sessions commenced with a welcome address delivered by the Executive Director of DEVATOP Centre for Africa Development, followed by the introduction of participants which created a cordial and interactive atmosphere. In another session, the workshop formally opened with a welcome address by the Operations Manager, Ms. Akpana, who represented the Executive Director and emphasized DEVATOP’s vision of strengthening accountable, survivor-centred, and efficient digital case management systems across the region.
Goodwill messages and opening remarks were delivered by key stakeholders and partners who highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing human trafficking and other human rights violations. These included Dr. Magnus Emeh, Commander and Head of the Rapid Response Squad, who represented the Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP); Eva and Daniel, representatives of Accenture, DEVATOP’s mentoring partner under the Intercultural Innovation Hub, an initiative of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, the BMW Group, and Accenture; Mr. Eric Peasah, a Ghanaian anti-trafficking activist, social justice advocate, and Regional Representative of WACTIPSOM; and Mr. Paulinus Onabe, National Program Manager of NACTAL, who represented the NACTAL President.
The core training sessions were facilitated by Ms. Jennifer Ikwueze, who delivered an in-depth and highly interactive orientation on the TALKAM Human Rights App. She provided a comprehensive overview of the App’s features, reporting mechanisms, and case tracking tools, guiding participants through step-by-step processes on how to navigate and effectively utilize the platform for digital case management. Practical demonstrations, including video walkthroughs, were used to enhance participants’ understanding of how to document cases, manage reports, and apply the App in real-life case management scenarios.
The orientations recorded strong participation and engagement across all sessions. One session had a total of twenty-three participants representing sixteen organizations, while another recorded participation from nineteen organizations across Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. Participants actively engaged throughout the sessions by asking thoughtful questions and seeking clarifications, demonstrating a high level of interest and commitment to improving their case management practices. Clarifications and technical guidance were provided by Nora, Mr. Joseph, and other members of the DEVATOP team, ensuring that participants gained clarity and confidence in using the TALKAM platform.
At the end of the orientations, there was a notable increase in awareness and understanding of the TALKAM Human Rights App and its reporting mechanisms among participating organizations. Participants also expressed strong enthusiasm for further capacity-strengthening opportunities and acknowledged the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in combating human rights violations across the region.
Some challenges were recorded during the sessions, including sound and audio issues as well as network interferences, which highlighted the need for ongoing technical improvements and tailored support for virtual engagements. The discussions further underscored the constant need for growth and innovation in case management practice, the importance of training and mobilizing more case management organizations across West Africa, and the necessity of mobilizing resources to support cases assigned to participating organizations.
The orientation sessions concluded with an expression of appreciation to all participating organizations and partners, alongside a strong call for commitment to effective, ethical, and diligent case management. DEVATOP reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening digital case management systems across Africa through the TALKAM Human Rights App, as part of its broader mission to promote accountability, collaboration, and access to justice for survivors of human rights violations.
