Lessons from Bern: Mastering OPS and the Art of Deconstructing

My Training Experience

From March 3rd to 9th, at least 15 placement officers from various branches and SCI partners gathered in Bern, Switzerland, to participate in the POT, the training course dedicated to mastering our platform, the essential tool through which volunteers apply for our workcamps.

Although the info sheet outlined the topics we would cover, I never expected this experience to resonate so deeply within me.

Let’s start from the beginning: upon arriving at the station, I was welcomed by a spring-like breeze, and the vivid colors of the city were enough to make me fall in love at first sight. Nestled in the greenery just outside the center, amidst the rustic scent of cows and horses, stood the venue that was to host us for the week.

However, the atmosphere was immediately marked by a heavy reality: some seats remained vacant due to militarism, war, and ongoing military attacks. Those four empty chairs served as a silent, painful reminder of the world’s current state, making the first day particularly poignant. Beyond the typical shyness and “fear” that keep you from fully opening up, we began our introductions and set our objectives with a constant thought for our colleagues who were unable to join us.

The course was a perfect example of non-formal education, proving to be a truly all-encompassing experience where every topic felt deeply interconnected. We explored a vast range of subjects, starting with Anti-Racism and discussing how discrimination operates across multiple levels. Our trainers guided us through themes such as “orientalism,” “colonization,” and “gender discrimination,” leading us to a broader reflection on decolonization practices as well. We focused specifically on why “voluntourism” is no longer an acceptable practice and how the concept of the “white man’s burden” must be dismantled or at least, we were provided with the tools to begin that process.
Beyond these theoretical discussions, we also dived into the practical side of our work. We practiced using OPS repeatedly until the system became familiar, while also learning more about the history of SCI and its founders.

This training was much more than a technical update; it refined my perspective, providing me with the critical tools to select volunteers with a new awareness, focusing deeply on the ethics and real impact of our projects. It gave me a different lens through which to view global events, reminding me that our work in placement is, above all, a conscious act of responsibility.

More importantly, this was the perfect chance to finally put a face to the names of colleagues from other branches, turning professional contacts into real human connections. In this spirit of connection, we shared our insecurities and fears related to our daily tasks. Together, we reflected on how the workload can sometimes feel overwhelming and how, as human beings, we must take care of ourselves.
We learned that no pasa nada if you make a mistake, everything can be fixed.

These deeper moments were balanced by lighter ones: laughing, joking, playing Just Dance, or chatting on a bench at the Rosengarten while admiring the breathtaking view. I left Bern not only with a better understanding of software, but with a renewed sense of purpose. Watching the sunset over the city, I realized that the tools I’ve gained will help me build more conscious and respectful bridges between volunteers and communities. I’m ready to start this new season with a different gaze and a stronger commitment.