It all started as a casual conversation over lunch. The founders and leaders of four community-based organizations in East Africa had met in Uganda at a convening organized by Global Fund for Children. The convening was aimed at bringing community leaders to share knowledge, generate learning, fuel advocacy, and build movements for social change.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.