Power of Learning was a three-and-a-half-year programme in partnership with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).

The purpose of the programme was to encourage and stimulate the linking and learning between Dutch-funded civil society partners in originally seven countries: Bangladesh, Burundi, Egypt, Lebanon, Niger, Sudan and Uganda. Due to the conflict in Sudan, the programme was ceased there in early 2023.

Who was involved?

MannionDaniels is leading a consortium with the Social Research Center (SRC) in Cairo and Centre for Health and Social Economic Improvement (CHASE-i) in Kampala. SRC is affiliated to the American University in Cairo (AUC) and CHASE-i is affiliated to Makerere University in Uganda. The centres have conducted regional action research in Burundi, Egypt, Lebanon, Sudan and Uganda and both bring a strong track record of building the capacity of local knowledge partners.

What was the aim?

The programme was designed to bring CSOs together, enhance their cross-learning, and strengthen their ability and capacity to advocate to tackle ‘wicked’ problems. Wicked problems are systemic and complex challenges or opportunities CSOs face in the implementation of their work. We brought together CSOs that are working in different fields but who face similar issues; therefore creating a shared learning, linking and knowledge generation system for civil society, which aimed to build a collective understanding of root problems and how they can be tackled.

How did we do it?

Linking and Learning

We worked with Linking and Learning Advisers in country to create an inclusive learning environment for all CSOs involved in the programme. Through in-person and online workshops and collaborative spaces, we aimed to create an environment where all partners can safely share their experiences, encouraging peer learning and developing skills needed to thrive and be effective advocates.

Action Research

We collaborated with civil society partners to carry out research that is relevant and mindful of local realities.

From the research findings, the Action Research workstream generated knowledge products to be valued, owned and used by multiple stakeholders. Our aim was that knowledge process and products would:

• shape the effective practice of the funded civil society partners
• contribute to local knowledge systems
• be useful for the wider community of civil society working on similar issues
• produce learnings that contribute to improved policies of the MFA and their workings with civil society

Communications

We worked with local, in-country communications experts to convert the results, conversations and topics of the Linking and Learning and Action Research workstreams into user-friendly and accessible formats. The CSOs were involved in all stages of the communications development, offering communications learning and capacity building whilst creating contextually relevant, CSO-owned materials. The communications materials were for use by the CSO partners themselves, and for communicating the programme progress and findings to other stakeholders and a wider audience.

The programme aims to leave a legacy of sustained linking, learning and knowledge system for civil society.