El poder de la asociación y el propósito compartido: una red informal apoyada por la GFC en África Oriental
Por Bundie Kabanze (Fondo Mundial para la Infancia) y John Paul Nsanja (Iniciativa Comunitaria de Efecto Implícito)
If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.
African proverb
Todo comenzó como una conversación informal durante un almuerzo. Los fundadores y líderes de cuatro organizaciones comunitarias de África Oriental se habían conocido en Uganda en un encuentro organizado por el Fondo Mundial para la Infancia. El objetivo de la reunión era reunir a líderes comunitarios para compartir conocimientos, generar aprendizaje, impulsar la defensa de derechos y crear movimientos para el cambio social.
It worked. That lunch has culminated in the formation of a loose collaborative network for individual growth for collective impact between the leaders of Implicit Effect Community Initiative,Centro rural de Amuno, Maji Mazuri, y TATCO Uganda. As well as being a valuable network for these organizations, it’s also great news for GFC – building networks is one of the four pillars of our model.
The leaders realized they share a vision and dedication to holistically supporting the development of their communities’ children and youth, and they recognized that they face similar issues despite being based in different countries. They decided to join forces to amplify their impact and create lasting change. Through a blend of virtual meetings and in-person exchange learning visits, they have embarked on a journey of shared learning, continued reflection, growth, and development.
While virtual meetings act as a platform to familiarize one another with foundation stories and approaches to pressing community needs, in-person visits provide opportunities for immersive experiences and to explore each other’s programs and activities.
Implicit Effect hosted the first learning visit with a vibrant showcase of learning through storytelling. As participants engaged in aerobics and traditional nursery rhymes, the visitors saw the power of storytelling in liberating the storyteller, capturing the attention of the audience, and fostering empathy and understanding for healing from long-time trauma. Implicit Effect simulated learning through play, allowing the visiting teams to experience firsthand how these approaches are delivered.
Being part of this collaboration is driven by my belief in achieving more collectively than individually. I've witnessed the power of sharing knowledge and resources, and I'm eager to keep learning and making a positive impact on rural children in Uganda.
Toni Okiria (Amuno Rural Hub)
En TATCO Uganda, the visitors were introduced to the school adoption model that allows the organization to work with and support children’s holistic learning and development for a longer time and in a more sustainable manner. TATCO demonstrated how it leverages collaborators such as local schools, where it builds the capacity of early childhood development teachers in learning through play methodologies. These methodologies enhance educational outcomes and create a supportive learning environment for children.
Our collaborative efforts highlight the power of shared resources and community-driven initiatives. We're motivated to improve our planning and monitoring systems for greater impact. This exchange program has been invaluable, and we look forward to hosting our Ugandan counterparts in the future
Kennedy (Maji Mazuri)
En Centro rural de Amuno, the team demonstrated its wraparound approach to education, moving beyond providing a community library and scholastic materials, to ensuring that that children are well nourished so they can learn effectively. The team highlighted how incorporating play into teaching has significantly enhanced children’s learning experiences. From music and dance drama to sports, art-based activities were reflected as effective ways of engaging children and promoting creative expression and innovation. Partners also discussed the way play and shared experiences through storytelling can be useful in addressing mental health.
Belonging to the collaborative network has taught me new ways of working with schools and learning from other coalition partners. This is something I would love to see grow further and further.
John Paul Nsanja (Implicit Effect Community Initiative)
The visit also highlighted the vital role of governance in achieving organizational success and sustainability. Discussions around income-generating activities, community-led initiatives, system building, and the importance of a functional board highlighted their key roles in driving organizational growth and development.
With just a few months in the collaboration, we have seen and borrowed a leaf from different organizations, which has already helped us in structuring our thematic areas and thinking of how holistically to place members in different key development positions in our organization.
Andrew (TATCO Uganda)
For these partners, this collaboration is not a one-off event. Instead, it’s the beginning of a beautiful partnership that facilitates capacity building, information sharing, and joint fundraising and program implementation for greater impact.
The successes seen so far are a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformative power of partnerships, collaboration, and shared purpose. As partners continue to learn, evolve, and grow, they enable each child to reach their boundless potential. This in turn creates a world where every voice is respected and heard, and every dream is within reach.
