Strengthening Leaders to Face Challenges The Virtual Leadership Development Program (VLDP) is a learning program that extends leadership development opportunities into the workplace for health managers and their teams, who seldom have the time or the resources to attend offsite leadership development programs. The program is designed for teams rather than individual managers. Each team identifies an important institutional challenge to address and develops and implements an action plan designed to help them achieve results. Teams from Ministries of Health, non-governmental organizations, faith-based organizations, and HIV/AIDS commissions from 30 countries (including countries in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East) have participated in the VLDP. The program is offered in Spanish, French, Portuguese, English, and Arabic.
A Blended Learning Model
The VLDP uses a blended-learning model, combining both face-to-face activities and distance learning. Experienced MSH staff facilitate the program (which lasts 12—16 weeks), providing support and feedback to participants via e-mail and postings on the VLDP website (accessible only to participants). Participants also use a printed workbook to access materials offline. With coaching and support from the facilitators, participants work together in small teams to identify the key challenges facing their organizations and plan ways to meet these challenges, and to apply their new leading and managing skills.
Ongoing Support
After completing the program teams are invited to participate in LeaderNet, a community of practice where they may access leadership development materials, communicate with colleagues, and participate in events. Designed for both public and private sector managers, VLDP activities are easily integrated with other training and technical assistance.
