This course is an introduction to QGIS; it is a crash course for regular, “non-technical” people who are interested in using maps in their professional life but don’t know where to start: Exploring data is already a key competence for a wide range of positions ranging from politics to energy, journalism to humanitarian work. There is a wealth of geo-spatial data available (think how often Google maps is used) and this trend will only increase, yet very few people know how to engage with these information. Mapping data to make complex ideas and schemes understandable in a matter of seconds is the next step to increase the impact and reach of complex ideas. This course is the basic training needed to understand the fundamental concepts of mapping and become autonomous and confident in using maps in a professional setting.

The “Humanitarian action all-round: foundations, challenges, trends” training course offers you a comprehensive and hands-on introduction to contemporary humanitarian action. Spanning over 6 training days of around 4.5 hours each and 17 online thematic sessions, the course curriculum covers the ideological, legal, practical, and institutional foundations of Western humanitarianism; key policy frameworks and their implementation aspects; as well as cross-cutting issue areas and possible humanitarian “game changers”.

The course aims to complement theory with practical examples provided by guest speakers who have relevant work experience (shared, for instance, in the “deep dive” format). Furthermore, the course offers you a critical perspective and includes a variety of interactive and participatory methods, including case studies, group discussions, quizzes, and roleplays. In addition to dedicated sessions, the course aims to consider power dynamics with respect to all its content and this way seeks to avoid reproducing power imbalances and the problematic knowledge gaps within the sector.

The training includes regular breaks and is part of aha's certification scheme: It can be credited towards a Certificate of Advanced Studies in "Foundations of Humanitarian Action". Staff of Aktion Deutschland Hilft member organizations can have their course fee reimbursed.

The Sphere Handbook presents a principled approach to quality and accountability in humanitarian response. This basic training course provides an introduction to the Sphere Handbook with the basic principles of humanitarian aid - the Humanitarian Charter together with the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) and the Protection Principles - and the technical standards in the four sectors WASH, food security and nutrition, shelter and settlement, and health. The training focuses on the practical application of the manual in concrete humanitarian situations. To this end, numerous small group exercises are conducted.

The training is part of aha certification program for Certificate of Advanced Studies in "Foundations of Humanitarian Action" .