Objective: Demand driven learning events The learning events aim at supporting local or regional stakeholders moving their capacity development agenda forward in a specific sector or thematic context. Facilitators with CD experience will help connect local action and global knowledge, enabling participants to move CD processes further ahead. The learning initiative responds to demand coming from both countries and their development partners. On the right you will find more details about this initiative that is aimed to support change in CD practice on the ground. A 2 page brief on the initiative can be down loaded below as well as a 1 page flyer focused on joined sector learning events. Several other events are under preparation and will be announced here. You can share your views and ideas by adding a comment at the bottom of the page or contact the LenCD Coordinator at contact@LenCD.org. The Washington workshop on 15 December 2008 was focused on this initiative. Main conclusions It was seen as
addressing real demand on the ground and therefore contributing to real impact.
Participants agreed that it was important to draw lessons from experience and
“close the learning loop”. The process of learning should be an end in itself,
not treated as a by-product of other processes, and should be part of an
overall learning framework. Though the network presently relies on existing
contacts for identifying opportunities, LenCD was encouraged to open up swiftly
to the “wisdom of the crowds”.
The three angles that were explored in some detail during the workshop were valid entry points for capacity development. The sector-level experience in transport in Ethiopia has shown that the sector-level is a useful entry point where stakeholders are committed to address capacity issues. There was a clear display of interest to support such processes and events in particular by Denmark and EuropeAid. The workshop also focused on learning for CD in fragile contexts where support tends to be much more messy and difficult and the challenges even more complex. In this case also there was show of support for learning processes with local stakeholder groups, in particular by GTZ. The third area that was discussed in group work was the interface between civil society and government. A learning initiative is under preparation with the Governance Issues Forum in Ghana. Participants pointed to other areas, such as the mainstreaming of capacity development into medium-term development frameworks, poverty-reduction strategies, country capacity development strategies. The group’s advice was to start modestly but concretely and to expand based on drawing lessons, communicating experiences and mobilizing commitment. Several donors signalled support. It was further agreed that the two-page concept note on the learning initiative would be updated in light of the comments made and outreach to potential stakeholder groups and funders should start as soon as possible. | Learning by Doing: From Policy to Action on Capacity Development A LenCD Partnership Initiative Background In the Accra Agenda for Action (AAA) the international community made important new commitments to engage jointly on supporting partner-lead capacity development. Multi-stakeholder, action-oriented learning processes are one way of meeting the Accra commitments, drawing lessons from practical experience and enabling actors to identify steps forward. The initiative for learning events outlined below responds to the demand for joint, action-oriented learning. It will be facilitated by LenCD and partners interested in building on their respective experiences, resources and support networks. Demand driven learning events Expected results Tailor made to demand: Events will be designed to fit demand through the establishment of a small organisation group who shape the learning process in dialogue with the facilitators. Beyond training: · A combination of process facilitation with acquisition of CD knowledge: The events build on participants’ experiences and depart from the specific situation they are in. Results may include: · A common understanding and vision for the stakeholder group · A reinforced group of change agents willing and able to carry the process forward · Agreement on how to proceed (next steps, possibly an action plan) · A definition of further support needs should these be relevant Strengthening the knowledge base on CD: · The facilitation team will record relevant lessons in substance and process. This will feed into a broader learning process and foster development of publicly available materials (learning modules, case material, guidance, etc.) Approach · Learning by doing: The initial events will build on successful joint learning in other areas (for example sector wide approaches and poverty reduction strategies). Based on experience, demand and availability of resources the events will be further developed, and an open call for requests for events is envisaged as soon as feasible. Facilitators will have relevant change management skills, be able to integrate (local and global) CD knowledge into the process and bring back lessons learned. · Catering for related demands: While the primary aim is to support local action at the country level, a similar approach can respond to needs for CD learning in regional settings, in development agencies and multilateral contexts. For selecting pilots, the following criteria apply: o Explicit demand from the respective developing country government or non-governmental partner Process facilitation & CD knowledge content The support to the learning process will be designed to fit the purpose and may include: · Face to face engagement over a number of days, exploring experiences and concepts, · Action research to establish evidence · Training sessions as part of broader processes · Segments for different groups (short large group sessions; diagnostic/planning in small groups with validation by the political level or the wider constituency). · Distance coaching for preparation and follow up · Large group techniques Generic support modules can include: · Basic issues in CD · Assessing capacity · Leadership and champions · Accountability (feed back loops) · Enabling Environment (systemic issues) · Ownership and support roles · Identifying support needs and costing · Monitoring and evaluation of CD Budget Local stakeholders are expected to cover costs of venue etc. for participants, as well as printing of materials and domestic logistical costs. The costs of facilitators and their travelling (estimated around 30.000 EUR for a 5 days event including preparation and reporting) will initially be sought covered by individual donors who have committed to this initiative. Based on experiences and demand, it is the intention to establish a joint funding mechanism Contact: For further enquiries and expression of interest in organising and/or funding a pilot event, please contact the LenCD co-ordinator at contact@LenCD.org . |
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