The training for the ONE STOP CENTER (OSC) teams from Lilongwe and Mchinji took place in Lilongwe from the 29^th to 31^st July, 2014. The teams comprised of personnel that are supposed to be operating in all One Stop Centers, that is, Medical (nurses, clinicians, doctors) Legal (police, prosecutors, magistrates) and Social Welfare (social workers, counselors). The main aim of the training was to orient each other on OSC guidelines.

There was a good representation from both districts and the training was insightful. One of FOL’s volunteer counselors and I were privileged to be part of the training. We got to experience and learn from everyone how OSC operates since we were all sharing day to day experiences. We got to meet some of FOL counselors from the OSC in Blantyre (QECH) who presented a case study from their centre.

We got to learn that at least Mchinji has an operating structure, as in, certain rooms were renovated for the One Stop Center and they already have a team. It was clearly noted that Lilongwe is way behind and that there is no fully functioning team operating together. Most of the personnel from Lilongwe did not even know that there is a “OSC” at Kamuzu Central Hospital but the rest of the participants thought Lilongwe has an operational OSC even without a set structure. There was no evidence of team work from Lilongwe but we got to know each other and share ideas.

On the last day of the training it was suggested that Mchinji and Lilongwe teams meet and discuss the way forward on how they will operate before the training finished. I would say it was a very good suggestion because we strategized how KCH OSC should and will be operating from now onwards even without a proper structure. The team agreed to be meeting every last Wednesday of the month, exchanged contacts and set up the next meeting.

It was such a wonderful and milestone event for FOL Lilongwe because we have been trying since early this year to find an entry point to KCH, get a room and start providing counseling services to victims of rape and sexual assault. After the training, the Lilongwe team was assured that a room will be found within the month and it will start following the guidelines that were shared during the workshop. It was a very insightful and helpful. We have found connections and contact people from all the necessary partners for the OSC. We hope that finally KCH will now have a functioning team to work at the OSC even though there is no “building” but at least it is a step forward, when the building is finally available it will be an easy transition because the team is already set.