CONGOLESE AUDITOR CANDIDATES RECEIVE ONLINE TRAINING
Projekt-Consult GmbH, member of GFA group implemented an online CTC (Certified Trading Chains) audit training course for auditor candidates in the Democratic Republic of Congo financed by BGR. The training was to be carried out in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but with the travel restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the training was instead carried out online. This theoretical part of the training is the first step to qualify Congolese nationals to become certified auditors equipped with the skills, they need to evaluate whether audited artisanal and small-scale mining entities adhere to professional and ethical standards of mineral extraction. The training involved eight video conferences held over a period of two months. The twelve auditor trainees received knowledge on topics such as good governance, transparency, traceability, due diligence, workers’ rights, legal issues, occupational health and safety, community development and environment. They also participated in group assignments, discussions, and quizzes hosted on an e-learning platform. Despite the unreliable internet connection, the training was a success. The auditor trainees enjoyed the online training and are looking forward to the second phase in which they will accompany CTC auditors from Projekt-Consult to test the skills they have acquired in order to gain their own experience.