Our Learning & Innovation Approach

Why learning and innovation matter

Development depends on the behavior of a wide range of actors who influence each other in a variety of ways. This leads to results which cannot be fully predicted or controlled. Under such circumstances, we need to effectively learn and innovate on an ongoing basis.

What we do

Through participatory approaches to learning and innovation, we can bring local and external knowledge together. This results in a richer appreciation of the contexts in which Helvetas works and the ways in which we – together with our partners – can improve our work.

We do this by creating and supporting opportunities for collective reflection on existing knowledge and experience, by producing outputs to support further learning, and by taking innovative action based on this learning.

Helvetas is committed to working in ways that foster collaboration, respect diversity, and promote state-of-the-art development practice. We build and develop such capacities at individual, team and organization/network levels – through knowledge sharing, innovative online and face-to-face approaches to facilitation, the tailoring of participatory tools and methods for context-specific needs, and thematic advice.

What we offer

• Long-standing experience in Knowledge Management for Development
• Support in developing and implementing Knowledge Management strategies to strengthen effective use of knowledge
• Facilitation of deep collaboration through participatory processes in both online and face-to-face contexts
• Training and capacity development in Project Cycle Management (PCM) to manage quality and increase the impact
• Design and coaching for Monitoring & Evaluation: monitoring systems and plans; reporting; peer reviews; evaluations; impact assessments; capitalization of experience
• Enabling capture of real-time experiences through Social Reporting / Multimedia Reporting (participatory or collaborative reporting)
• Strengthening networks and projects through development, facilitation and coaching for e-Collaboration and web platforms
• Maximizing competence development through blended learning approaches e.g. digital and face-to-face training, webinars, live streaming, coaching for staff and partners of Helvetas as well as for other organizations, projects and networks