In July 2023, as part of the Asia region Learning Circles cohort 3, twenty-two professionals working in various capacities in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) came together to learn, share knowledge, and connect. The goal was to gain insights into ‘what works and what doesn’t’ in meaningfully engaging youth in SRH programs.
“The most wonderful thing was the diversity of the participants… from many countries and many organizations. It was a great platform to learn from others and helped put a lot of things in perspective”– Participant, Asia LC Cohort
The Knowledge SUCCESS Learning Circles offer global health professionals an interactive peer learning platform for discussing and sharing effective program implementation approaches. This innovative online series is designed to address the challenges of remote work and lack of in-person interactions. Through small group-based sessions, program managers and technical advisors collaborate in supportive discussions to uncover practical insights and solutions for FP/RH program improvement.
Learning Circles enable immersive, interactive and participatory peer-to-peer learning through four structured live sessions on Zoom, along with off-session virtual engagement through WhatsApp including weekly reflection exercises and insights gleaned from curated resources available on collaborative spaces such as FP Insight. The cohort was facilitated by Knowledge SUCCESS in collaboration with the Center for Communication and Change – India.
Twenty-two participants were actively engaged in the cohort representing 10 countries including India, Japan, Pakistan, Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia, Nepal, Philippines, Laos, and Bangladesh. 60% self-identified as women, 33% as men and 7% preferred not to disclose their gender. Participants also ranged in age – with 33% under the age of 29 – and professional experience spanning from 2 to 25 years.
Participants spent time sharing their primary area of focus while introducing themselves to each other during Session 1. Some of which include:
To elucidate the concept of meaningful youth engagement (MYE), the participants were introduced to the Flower of Participation framework conceived by CHOICE for Youth and Sexuality. This metaphorical representation, akin to the blooming of a flower, delineated the distinction between meaningful (e.g., informed, given decision-making role, integration of voice) and non-meaningful (e.g., tokenism and manipulation) forms of youth participation.
“……Young people should not only have a seat at the table but a say at the table.” “…Youth leaders 5 years back are still representing the same platform….there should be a guideline for youth leaders to be replaced after three years to allow new leaders to emerge….”
– Participants, Asia LC Cohort
During the second LC session, participants delved into the knowledge management techniques of Appreciative Inquiry and 1-4-ALL. This prompted them to reflect upon and share successful practices from their past or ongoing experiences that have significantly contributed to MYE in SRH projects and programs.
Through individual introspection, collaborative group exercises, and plenary discussions, a set of recurring themes emerged regarding what works:
These common themes collectively illustrate a holistic approach to engaging adolescents and youth in AYSRH programs, emphasizing their active involvement, empowerment, skill development, and leveraging innovative technologies, aligning strategies with actual needs and collaborative partnerships, implementing transparent and innovative approaches to effectively address adolescent and youth SRH concerns.
In Session 3, as a means to tackle challenges and setbacks in achieving MYE and AYSRH, the Troika Consulting peer-to-peer knowledge management approach was adopted. Participants were organized into groups of three or four, and using Google Jamboards participants took turns in describing a current challenge within their respective projects and programs. They then sought immediate advice and insights from their fellow group members to address these challenges. Some of the challenges and potential solutions are outlined below:
“… the group formations [Troika Consulting] were awesome. It helped us to discuss the issues in depth with all group members. Kudos to the team for the group formation ideas.” “.. also allowed us to learn from other colleagues about their issues…”
– Participants, Asia LC Cohort
The final session focused on the practical application of lessons gleaned from earlier discussions where participants formulated precise and pertinent commitment statements within their sphere of influence, centered around MYE and AYSRH. These statements were informed by the strategies and approaches discussed among peers throughout the LC sessions and serve as actionable and practical steps that participants are determined to undertake to address their individual challenges related to ensuring MYE in AYSRH programs.
Commitment statements are an evidence-based behavioral science method that help one to stay on track. Some of the commitments made were:
“Very engaging, interactive sessions and group discussions. Paving the platform to learn from colleagues.” “I got introduced to helpful frameworks and got the chance to discuss what works and what does not with people who are equally passionate and skilled in AYSRH.”
The Learning Circles Asia Cohort showed that preparation, skilled facilitation, and live engagement with cohort members over integrated platforms underpinned by robust back-end tech support can lead to transformative learning. The Learning Circlesinitiative empowered AYSRH professionals across Asia by enhancing their understanding of MYE in AYSRH, connected them with peers confronting similar challenges and helped devise innovative strategies to enhance SRH program implementation. The newfound understanding of various knowledge management tools and techniques equips them to propagate creative knowledge exchange and effective practices within their respective organizations to promote MYE in AYSRH programs.
We are excited to announce a unique opportunity: Two KM trainings specifically for youth-led organizations in the Asia Region! These trainings will allow participants to learn about KM techniques, approaches, […]
