Hanan Achahboun, CASE II project manager, talks to outgoing secondee, Romial Cheribain Mbogning, from Cameroon.
HA • What have been the most rewarding aspects of your secondment in providing aviation security training across Africa, the Middle East and Asia?
RM • One of the most rewarding aspects has been the opportunity to grow, both professionally and personally, while contributing to meaningful capacity building. Engaging with professionals from different backgrounds and delivering training that responds to real operational needs has been deeply fulfilling. Each mission brought new lessons for both the participants and me.
HA • Can you share a specific moment or success story during your time with the Project that stands out to you as a key achievement?
RM • One of the key achievements for me was building strong, trust-based relationships with national authorities that went beyond the training room. In some cases, participants were initially hesitant to openly discuss areas for improvement in their systems. But by creating a safe, respectful environment, and leading by example, we fostered dialogue on the challenges. As a result, by the end of the training, participants – including senior officials – were actively proposing internal reforms and requesting further technical assistance. It reminded me that sometimes the biggest win isn’t just delivering content, but inspiring a shift in mindset toward continuous improvement.
HA • What challenges did you face while working with diverse regions and cultures, and how did you overcome them to ensure effective training delivery?
RM • Each region had different operational realities and cultural expectations. I made it a priority to adapt my communication style and contextualize examples. Respecting local practices while reinforcing international standards was key to building trust and engagement.
HA • How do you think the aviation security training you’ve provided will benefit long-term efforts?
RM • By building local capacity, I did not only transfer or share knowledge, I was cultivating future trainers, auditors, and leaders who can sustain and grow their aviation security systems. That is the legacy I am proud to be part of.
Thank you to Romial for sharing his reflections and experiences with us! We wish him all the best in the next chapter, and continued success beyond the CASE II Project.