South Asia Knowledge Exchange

Romania

In March 2005, GFC organized its first Knowledge Exchange. Bringing together people from six South Asian countries—Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka—the workshop provided an opportunity for representatives from twenty-seven grantee partners to share experiences, discuss organizational challenges and methodologies, and learn about broader issues affecting children and communities in the region.

Specific session topics included:

• Using creative teaching materials and children’s books
• Addressing sexual exploitation and trafficking of children
• Engaging youth and addressing the different needs of boys and girls
• Working with children in post-crisis situations
• Mobilizing community participation and public awareness to address the problem of child labor
• Forming coalitions and government partnerships

Closing the three-day workshop was a discussion regarding the unique needs and experiences of small, grassroots organizations. Issues raised during this session included the need for strategic organizational planning and development; long-term institutional support from funders; and better access to international networks and funding communities.

One of the strongest messages of the workshop was the need for greater networking among grantee partners and other resource providers, allowing for consistent exchanges of information, tool kits, training methods, and other forms of capacity building and support. Driven by feedback from workshop participants and other grantee partners, GFC is now exploring ways of using technology—such as electronic mailing lists, web portals, and online forums—to better serve community-based organizations around the world.