Linking and Learning Event 3: Experiencing the third wave!
Nestled in nature, cradled in untampered vegetation and serenaded by wildlife, the third linking and learning event deepened collaborations while opening a new vista of connections among the Voice grantees who, literally, had to support each other across Africa’s longest canopy walk of 401 meters at the Lekki Conversation Centre in Lagos, Nigeria. So far, Grantees have worked together to produce and showcase evidence-based learning and innovative solutions to project implementation challenges. The third linking and learning event aimed to highlight the transformative change and effects that these projects have had on their rightsholders who have been faced with marginalization and discrimination.
Welcome Dinner at the dining hall of The Vistana – Arrival Day, June 28th 2022
To set the tone for the event, all linking & learning workshops usually start with an informal dinner to break the ice and build up some warmth and camaraderie and this edition was no different. Most invited grantee organizations were represented and participants were asked to offer greetings in their local languages while introducing themselves. Thereafter they were treated to a delightful array of Nigerian cuisine and refreshing drinks. The dinner was very brief to allow weary travelers to get some much needed rest and wake up early for the main event the next day.
Day One – June 29th 2022
The 3rd Linking and Learning event provided an avenue to share project learnings, showcase collaborative projects and consolidate experience but … with a twist!
Participants experienced a rude shock when they were all asked to drop their digital devices at a ‘digital detox center’, a section of the room where they would keep their phones and laptops, away from their seats. Many people didn’t think they could make it through the day without their devices. Many protested. Many resisted. With gentle prodding and encouragement, everyone eventually succumbed to tying it. Did they make it it?
Yes they did.
It was pleasing to witness the full cooperation of participants as they submitted their phones. As a result, a high level of participation, keen concentration and engaging contributions were noticed during entire the 2-day event.
After the welcome address by Voice Nigeria coordinator, Ijeoma Owor, grantees shared updates during a gallery walk on their respective program implementation - impact stories, challenges, and learnings using a poster format. Later in the day, participants took advantage of a temporary improvement in the weather to experience the conservation center. After a briefing by the guides, participants joined other tourists to take a walk along the boardwalk, and canopy walk thereby experiencing the sights and sounds of the flora and fauna including various species of birds, fish, crocodiles, snakes plus very cheeky monkeys!
Afterwards, everyone converged at the conservations picnic area, a part of the conservation area with flat grassland, a large fish pond, a few huts and floor game spots. The last session of the day was a facilitated discussion centering around self-care and mental health.
Day Two – June 30th 2022
The day started with a panel discussion deep dive into the impact stories of seven grantees whose Voice-funded programs were closing. They responded to carefully selected questions to share insights from implementation. The organizations represented include Youth Hub Africa, Intergriti Technologies, Citizens Commons, Street Project Foundation, Centre for Social Awareness, Advocacy and Ethics (CSAAE), Foundation for Societal Expression and Rejuvenation (FOSER) and Youth and Students Advocates for Development Initiative (YSAD).
Open space sessions were introduced for the rest of day’s sessions. “Open Space” is a technique for running meetings where the participants create and manage the agenda themselves based on predetermined themes to enable them to participate and express themselves optimally. The predetermined themes were in two categories: Needs-based coaching sessions (Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning; Data Visualization; Youth Engagement and Toolkit Development) and Communities of practice. Other activities that held include Voice Naija (a digital platform for Linking and Learning, link below) updates, a values clarification exercise as well as a facilitated discussion on political education, voter engagement and electoral campaigns.
Unwinding with a 90’s themed party
As a way to unwind and shake off the tension of work, a 90’s themed party was organized for participants. Everyone came in looking like they stepped out of a time machine adorned in ‘old-school’ attire and accessories while matching 90’s music was the sound of the evening.
All in all, the 3rd edition of the Voice Linking and Learning event met all expectations. Linking and Learning is indeed the heart and soul of Voice.
Learn more about the Voice Program in Nigeria at the following links:
