Learning from practice, stories from countries: concept note
Background
Recently LenCD embarked in an exercise entailing the collection of stories on capacity development and results. The exercise was very successful; with very little resources and with a collaborative approach, LenCD was able to collect, select and edit 15 stories, which now form part of a publication.
Responding to a call for submission of stories, LenCD partners shared over 40 stories, of which LenCD selected only 15 for the publication. While some of the stories don’t feature in the publication, they are of good quality and their narrative articulate well how investments in CD lead to results.
Since these stories represent a knowledge wealth for the CD community, LenCD is exploring other options for sharing them. One option under consideration is the ‘learning from practice, stories from countries’.
What is the ‘learning from practice, stories from countries’ initiative?
‘Learning from practice, stories from countries’ is a series of learning events which would have the following characteristics:
Decentralised: the learning process will be a bottom up one. Staff of government institutions and development organizations in countries would be the main actors of the learning process.
Twinning: the knowledge broker will find similar stories to be presented in each event (two would be the ideal number), which could be told by staff of different organizations/countries, in order to bring out similarities and/or differences in CD approaches and strategies, results and lessons.
From practice to policy: The learning event would be centered on the stories, which the main actors would present, and linkages to specific CD policies would be made by a moderator, who would also distill the key lessons/take away and facilitate the discussion.
Open: the learning event would be open to all interested CD and other development practitioners, who could connect to the event through internet.
Participatory: all participants will be able to intervene, ask questions, and make contributions.
Who participates?
All CD and other interested development practitioners, from different countries and organizations (i.e. UNDP, WBI, DANIDA, GIZ, ACBF, PSCBS, NEPAD, IBON, etc…), encouraging participation by CD related knowledge networks and communities of practice.
Who organises it?
LenCD and UNDP are well positioned to be the knowledge brokers and identify the so-called "story tellers" as well as the moderators.
How
These learning events will be organised as webinars and online discussions. LenCD will explore options for using the WBI or UNDP technology and facilities.
When
These events will be organised once a month. LenCD has already a number of stories that can be presented in the first few webinars and can continue calling for submission of new stories in the months to come.
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