2024 Alumni CPDP Blog: Abdoulaye Diarra’s story 

The continuation of this blog series will focus on the highlights from the recent Alumni of the 2024 Cash Practitioner Development Programme, allowing practitioners to share what they have learnt and experienced during their Cash School learning deployments.

The Cash Practitioner Development Programme aims to expand the ready pool of cash experts available to deliver humanitarian cash assistance, and to strengthen the community of qualified practitioners with up-to-date skills in all areas of cash assistance. Cash deployments are a key element of participants learning schedules, these deployments aim to enhance skills and confidence in implementing cash based assistance. Some deployments are run in partnership with NORCAP, with practitioners accessing deployment opportunities from a range of humanitarian agencies.

What was your experience with cash prior to undertaking the CPDP training program?  

Before the CPDP program, I had limited experience in the design and coordination of cash and voucher assistance projects. My approach focused mainly on implementation and monitoring and evaluation, but I did not yet have an in-depth understanding of cash and voucher assistance. 

What motivated you to pursue the CPDP program and expand your knowledge in cash operations? 

I wanted to join the CPDP to strengthen my technical skills, acquire international expertise, and better understand the management and coordination of cash and voucher assistance. This program represented a unique opportunity to develop my practical and strategic knowledge. 

Where did you go during your deployment phase? 

My deployment took place in Conakry, Republic of Guinea, where I was able to work directly on building the capacity of Guinean Red Cross staff in humanitarian cash transfers and implementing the cash-for-work approach. 

Can you share a particularly memorable or rewarding experience from your time in the CPDP program? 

One of the highlights was solving a complex problem while targeting cash-for-work beneficiaries during my deployment in Guinea, contributing to a humanitarian mission, and collaborating with an international team. 

What advice would you offer to someone just beginning the CPDP program? 

I would tell them to be open to learning and ready to step out of their comfort zone. The program is demanding but very rewarding: each mission is an opportunity to develop valuable skills. 

How do you feel your career has progressed since completing the program? 

Since completing the CPDP, my career has evolved significantly: I have acquired solid expertise in CVA, increased responsibilities, and a more strategic vision of CVA. The program has clearly opened up new professional opportunities for me. 

What trends or developments do you anticipate in the future of cash? 

I believe the future of cash and voucher assistance will be marked by increasing digitalisation, mobile payments, social protection, and financial inclusion. 

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your CPDP journey? 

I remember the CPDP as an unforgettable personal and professional experience. Beyond the skills, it is the connections created and the trust gained that remain the most valuable.