The Development Training and Learning partners present in Berlin, 2008 agreed on a common agenda to improve the effectiveness of international development training. It was composed of 7 key messages, and identified multiple next steps to ensure results. Soon after, the Accra Forum restated outstanding messages first endorsed with the 2005 Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness In the summer of 2009, representatives of DTLIs gathered at the World Bank Institute to discuss to ongoing obstacles to improved capacity development results and present various initiatives. It seemed at the most recent meeting that challenges to results previously identified remain, and the recommendations have yet to be implemented. Therefore, it was determined necessary to design a learning programme to facilitate the change needed for training and learning to effectively generate sustainable capacity development outcomes. The Turin 2009 Learning Link will focus on the existing recommendations and proven best practices to have a rapid and meaningful effect.
First and foremost, the event will strengthen and expand the community of practice that already exists as well as connect multiple networks together to encourage the cross-fertilization of ideas and actions Next, we will focus on the practical aspects of aligning programmes with country capacity development systems, and harmonising international practices around fundamental guiding principles to foster mutual accountability and improved development results The final emphasis will be on planning and drafting strategies to impact change within the represented institutions. Furthermore, techniques and methods to imbed lessons learned within represented institutions upon the return home of participants will be utilized to create the multiplier effect
The role of the steering committee is to provide advice and support for the core operations of the programme planning and design. It is currently composed of ITC-ILO, InWEnt, WBI, and ETF We are awaiting confirmation of interest to join from the Joint Donors’ Competence Development Network, known as Train4Dev Key contributors to specific themes and sessions also include the OECD/DAC, LenCD, International Development Law Organization (IDLO), Root Change, COADY Institute, and others.
A programme based on recommendations and key messages from the Berlin Statement on International Development Training was conceptualized before undergoing various levels on consultation. First, it was circulated to various colleagues, including the Train4Dev network, to solicit feedback. Next, the preliminary themes and topics were presented to delegates from diverse development learning and training institutes at the Washington Forum on Improving the Results of Learning for Capacity Building. Most recently, a training needs survey has been sent to a selection of development training and learning institutes that have not been previously consulted in order to gather feedback on the objectives and themes of the programme. They are as follows in this slide (READ THEM OUT NOW) (AFTERWARDS) Please note that they are listed in no particular order. Activities and sessions that correspondent with each will weave through the week in whatever manner is deemed most conducive to learning.
The Turin Learning Approach conveys the fundamental principles that are applied to the Centre’s activities. It is composed of thirteen elements that formulate three pillars of the ITC-ILO practices: relevance, quality, and impact. You may read the summary or download the brochure that governs the design of ITC-ILO programmes by following the link provided on the second to last slide.
Here is an example of a participatory learning approach used at the ITC-ILO. A fishbowl activity involves a small group of people seated in circle engaged in a focused conversation. They are surrounded by a larger group of observers, seated in an outer circle. The facilitator or subject matter expert gives a short input of 5-10 minutes which sets the general outline for the issue that the inner circle will explore. Participants in the outer circle listen and observe until they have something they would like to contribute. At which time, they move to a free chair in the inner circle and participate in the discourse. At the end of the session, a debriefing is held in a whole group conversation.
Approximately 60 to 80 representatives are expected to attend the Turin 2009 Learning Link. They will be representatives from DTLIs, capacity building centres of excellence, and development partners engaged in learning The participants targeted are managers, or lead programme staff actively engaged in learning and training for capacity development initiatives. People who are not only in a position to, but also willing to, implement the necessary actions to improve the impact of development training and learning. The knowledge, experience and enthusiasm that each participant carries with them are crucial components of the Learning Link as the activities will not take the traditional training format.
Participants will be expected to pay a modest participation fee to cover the costs of room and board, materials and other resources. A small number of sponsorship opportunities are available for selected representatives. Due to limitations, potential participants are encouraged to seek additional support In order to facilitate the participation of a diverse and balanced group, a basket fund that is sufficient to cover programme costs from those unable to do so is being set-up. Please contact us if your institution is able to contribute financially in any way.