Kenya Knowledge Exchange

Ethiopia

In May 2006, GFC convened its first Knowledge Exchange in Africa for its East and Southern Africa grantee partners in Nairobi, Kenya. The Twenty-five participants represented 21 organizations based in 12 countries - Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The workshop theme of Knowledge, Networks and Advocacy was explored through various panel discussions, problem-solving clinics, small group discussions, and on-site visits that gave participants an opportunity to share their insights and experiences, nurturing a process of mutual learning and transformation.

The discussion sessions included:

• Values of community based organizations
• Serving hard-to-reach children and youth
• Impact of HIV/AIDS on programming and organizational development
• Building effective networks
• Developing action plans for knowledge exchange and networking advocacy and organizational development

One of the highlights of the workshop included a visit to Carolina for Kibera, a GFC grantee partner based in Kibera, the largest slum in East Africa, right outside of Nairobi. At the site-visit, participants heard from adolescent girls in the Binti Pamoja Center who told stories of the challenges they faced in Kibera, and the tremendous support, encouragement and opportunity they gained through the program. This session was followed by in-depth discussions regarding the distinctive needs of vulnerable boys and the distinctive needs of vulnerable girls, and how to adopt a gendered perspective in community based programs.

Overall, the workshop was a tremendous success, alive with enthusiasm, energy, and critical insights.