Learning Matters: June 2024

USAID’s work on complex issues in ever-changing environments makes access to knowledge for our staff and partners a critical priority. To address this priority, USAID recently released its first-ever Knowledge Management and Organizational Learning (KMOL) Policy–designed to harness our cumulative knowledge, share and apply lessons learned, and facilitate stronger local knowledge and learning systems to achieve more impactful programmatic and operational results. The policy has three primary goals: to steward knowledge as a shared agency asset, leverage knowledge and learning to enhance program impact; and invest in local knowledge systems to support locally led development.?

In celebration of the new policy release, the Learning Lab theme in June focused on advances in KMOL. Visit this online resource to see highlights of the lessons and opportunities that technology has to offer in pushing digital frontiers, and to learn how our existing systems and practices support knowledge management. See below for more examples of KMOL resources from USAID staff, implementing partners, and development professionals.?Learn more.

Share Your Perspective on Upcoming Themes!

July: Summer Reading List | During the summer transition period, join the Learning Lab team in reflecting on old favorites and new submissions as we curate a summer reading list. Share your go-to blogs and resources on LinkedIn or in a blog listing your own summer reading list!

August: Introduction to Theory of Change | Theories of Change should use detailed, context-specific theories for the change that will occur under a development program. How have you used theory of change processes and tools in your work? Share your examples with the Learning Lab community!?

Send us your thoughts by tagging us on LinkedIn or submit a blog, resource, or event to Learning Lab!

What We're Excited About This Month!

Knowledge Retention and Transfer (KRT) Model | By USAID Bureau for Planning, Learning and Resource Management | To support knowledge management, USAID developed a KRT Model to improve knowledge handover throughout the cycle of staff transition. The KRT Model aims to improve productivity, reduce stress and frustration, and provide incoming staff and new hires the tools and information they need to start contributing right away.
Creating a Confederation Wide Knowledge Management Platform: CARE Shares?| By CARE International | Read this case study documenting the process of developing a knowledge management (KM) platform for a localized NGO, sharing lessons learned, and providing a potential model for those who ?may be either starting or continuing their journey to build their own KM system.
Report: Integrating Local Knowledge in Development Practice | By USAID Bureau for Planning, Learning and Resource Management | Read this report from the Agency Knowledge Management and Organizational Learning function in USAID/PLR to explore how development organizations are integrating local knowledge into their programs. The report explores three aspects of this topic: Leveraging Best Practices, Addressing Challenges, and Achieving Best Outcomes.?
Using Systematic, Digital Data Collection to Drive Decision Making?in Laos | By ACDI/VOCA | Read this blog by ACDI/VOCA that walks through how the USAID Laos Microenterprise project used QR codes and mobile phones to efficiently capture and analyze data for decision making.

Mark Your Calendars!

The milestone 2024 USAID Collaborating, Learning and Adapting (CLA) Case Competition is now open! The competition will close on Friday, July 26, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. EDT. Join us in celebrating ten years of continuous learning for improved development outcomes by submitting a case. Participation is open to all individuals and organizations working with USAID. Visit the event page to learn more. A recording of the launch webinar is also available here.?
Join USAID’s Bureau of Planning, Learning, and Resource Management for its fourth CLA Case Competition Bite-Sized Learning webinar on July 11, 2024 – CLA Saves the Day: Successful Activity Redesigns and Pivots. The Bite-Sized Learning series explores insights from across cases in applying CLA to tackle pressing development challenges. Visit the event page for more information.

In Case You Missed It!

Read this blog by Erik Kaduru, with CARE, on four barriers blocking women from going digital in this pilot in Rwanda and Uganda.?
Read this blog by Noel Ngadi, with Indepth Research Institute, on how to harness mobile-based data collection tools for collaborating, learning and adapting.
Read this blog, from the USAID Biodiversity Division, on how knowledge translation turns products into tools.
Read a reflection blog by USAID Evaluation Officer, Winston Allen, on the third Bite-Sized Learning session, focused on how CLA paves the way for putting evidence and learning to use. If you missed the event, find the recording and other session resources here.
Read the blog by Sean Mulkerne and Mai Pham, with USAID Learns, on how to bridge the technical and contextual in activity design in the Mekong Delta.?
Read the blog by David Jacobstein, with USAID’s Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance, on the 10th Anniversary of the Local Systems Framework.

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