Consolidation & Planning Workshop
From HarambeeWiki
Workshop Objectives
- Take the Learning & Evaluation framework to the next stage of implementation
- Provide the opportunity for the SG applicants to get feedback and ideas on the challenge they are addressing through their proposals
- Increase understanding of the technologies used to support collaboration
- Input into the implementation of phase II
Workshop Participants
- Focus Network coordinators (10)
- Successful concept note applicants (12)
- Harambee Coordination Committee (6)
- Funders (1)
A list of workshop participants provides names and organisations.
Workshop Agenda
Welcome and Announcements (9:00 - 9:15)
Icebreaker (9:15 - 10:00)
Participants shared something personal, professional and political (PPP) about themselves.
Focus Network & Harambee interviews: Contributing towards the Learning Framework - Round 1 (10:00 - 11:00)
Focus Network Coordinators were invited to revisit the Learning and Evaluation framework and to work through the second stage of the framework.
The Learning Framework Guidelines outline the process and the questions for the session.
The following interviews took place in the morning of Day One:
- AAW - Silvie (interview conducted by Allison)
- ARN - Mba and Blasius (interview conducted by Thierry)
- Creco - Kawive (interivew conducted by Jackie)
The notes from these interview are posted in the Focus Networks Learning Framework for the Focus Networks and Harambee Learning Framework.
Break (11:00 - 11:15)
Report back from interview sessions (11:15 - 11:45)
A representative or two from each group will report back on the three key insights of the discussion to share with all in plenary.
Peer Assist for SGF applicants (11:45 - 1:00)
SGF applicants are invited to receive feedback from the group on specific challenges they are facing in their proposed activities, to present their specific challenge in a session designed to get this feedback.
Process: Peer Assist Guidelines
Peer Assistees were asked to capture their challenge and ideas generated during the session.
Lunch (1:00 - 2:00)
Peer Assist for SGF applicants (2:00 - 3:15)
(See 11:45 - 1:00 session for the peer assist write-up)
Break (3:15 - 3:30)
Technology Session (3:30 - 5:15)
The process of the session was as follows:
Introduction (10 mins): Provide an intro to the session and explain process
Discussion and preparation of presentation (45 mins): Contribute to a discussion on a technology in which you have some experience, however limited. Work towards the preparation of the tool to be done in the speed geek rounds.
Speed Geek (50 mins): In groups of 3-4, participants will rotate from tool to tool learning about its use within the context of a network.
For more information, see the Technology Session Guidelines
Based on comments and feedback from the first workshop, we have identified 5 technologies used to support networks that are of interest to participants. We will have 5 breakout groups to cover these that will be led by people from the group who are familiar with those technologies to design info sessions by thinking of the following questions:
- What is the technology about?
- Describe how this technology is being used to support network communication and collaboration in a real-life situation?
- What are the strengths and weaknesses associated with using this technology?
- How do I find out more about using this technology (e.g., where do I go, who do I contact, how do I set something up)?
The five technologies are:
- Wikis (Jackie)
- Blogs (Ore)
- Mailing Lists (Goretti)
- VoIP (Gbenga)
- SMS - Short Message Services (Kawive)
Breakout groups will then have a facilitated discussions around the questions and will create a flipchart presentation that will also be entered into the wiki. Subsequent 'speek geek' rounds of discussions will take place where people will have an opportunity to hear the description of the other technologies and participate in dialogues around them.
Evening News and Close (5:15 - 5:30)
Following an overview of the plan for Day Two, we said our goodbyes to four participants who were leaaving us today - Leo, Blasius, Mba and Adufu. The left us with a few parting words in closing circle.
Day Two
Welcome and Announcements (900 - 915)
Icebreaker (915 - 930)
Participants each shared where they think is the most beautiful place in the world.
Focus Network & Harambee interviews: Contributing towards the Learning Framework & Report Backs - Round 2 (930 - 1030)
See same session on Day One from 10:00 - 11:00. The following interviews were conducted:
- Wougnet - Goretti (interview conducted by Abu)
- AYIN - Gbenga (interview conducted by Riff)
- Harambee - Jackie (interview conducted by Gracian
A representative or two from each group gave a report back in plenary on the three key insights of the interviews.
Break (1030 - 1045)
Input into Phase II Implementation (11:15 - 1:00)
Presentation and dialogue around the Harambee objectives will be done by:
- presenting the 4 objectives
- in 4 groups, we drew a picture of what things would look like if the objective was realized
- (note: need to attach the photos)
The specific objectives of the project are to:
- Support network coordinators: Strengthen existing networks and collaborations in Africa as a result of increasing their access to relevant training and support for knowledge- and ICT-related capacity development
- Develop the capacity of network coordinators: Build expertise, based largely in Africa, in the design and implementation of collaborative processes, including conflict resolution and mediation processes, as these are often critical to sustaining partnerships over time
- Raise awareness of African organisations of the potential for collaborative processes to strengthen their collective capacity to effect change
- Create a body of research that will act as a valuable resource on a variety of techniques, conceptual frameworks, indicators, etc., relating to facilitation, knowledge sharing, communication and other collaboration-related issues such as gender considerations.
This discussion would then be followed by:
- A presentation of the original budget and plan of action
- A dialogue around the immediate future and beyond
Immediate Future and Beyond
- Capacity Building: Presentation by Joseph
- Documentation: Presentation by Riff
- Research: Presentation by Gbenga
Administration
Two groups formed to talk about administrative issues surrounding the SGF timeline and process and the administration of the Focus Network contracts.
After Action Review (AAR)
The AAR is a process that sets out to find out what we would we do differently next time in order to improve future performance. Three sets of questions are asked in an AAR:
- What did we set out to achieve? What actually happened?
- What worked? What didn't work so well?
- What ONE recommendation would you do differently next time?
Notes from the AAR were captured.
Thanks
Following an update on logistics and details for the evening's dinner at the Fang Fang restaurant in Kampala, we did a round of thanks acknowledging the hard work put into making the event take place. The AITEC Uganda/Brosdi team of Beatrice, Lillian and Lydia did a great job supporting the participants; the Bellanet Africa team of Abu and Jackie were great organisers and hosts; the workshop participants for their commitment and energy in doing the work that needed to get done; Sylvie for providing French translation support and the facilitators - a combination of Riff, Allison, Jackie and Abu - who provided variety in the methodology throughout the 4 days. And, to Patel, the Speke Resort manager responsible for supporting our event did what he could to make sure that our event was a success.
We all deserve a big round of applause.
Closing Circle
Our final session where we shared our parting words in closing circle brought the workshop to an end.
