ENHANCING DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES THROUGH PEER-TO-PEER LEARNING: A SUCCESS STORY

by: Chikumbutso Gasper Willard - 18|05|2023

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Introduction:
On the 19th of April 2023, a significant event took place in Golomoti, Dedza District, where a consortium consisting of Tilitonse Foundation, Welthungerhilfe, and CISANET, with funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), organized a peer-to-peer learning visit for the FACE organization. The purpose of this visit was to facilitate knowledge exchange and share best practices among organizations working towards sustainable development. This article aims to highlight the outcomes of this visit and the impact it had on enhancing development initiatives.

Meeting at Mapiri Lodge:
The visit commenced with a meeting at Mapiri Lodge, which served as an opportunity for participants to gather and set the stage for the knowledge-sharing event. During the meeting, the host organization, CEYCE, provided an insightful overview of their organization and their interventions in Dedza. This introduction provided a valuable context for understanding the challenges and opportunities faced by organizations in the region. Furthermore, ACE consultants presented the newly developed Zaulimi application, a technological innovation designed to support development initiatives. The presentation showcased how technology can be leveraged to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the field of development.

Peer-to-Peer Learning in Kafisi Village:
One of the key highlights of the visit was the excursion to Kafisi village, located in T/A Kachindamoto. The purpose of this visit was to gain firsthand experience and learn from the successful Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) and their engagement in soya milk production. The VSLAs in Kafisi village have not only established a thriving soya milk production enterprise but have also diversified their product offerings, including flitters made from yellow potatoes, pumpkin juice, jam, and nutritious porridge. These activities serve both as a source of income generation and as a means to promote nutrition and food security in the community.

Impact and Lessons Learned:
The peer-to-peer learning visit facilitated valuable knowledge exchange among organizations. FACE, as the visiting organization, gained insights into best practices in various areas, including organizational management, technological innovation, and income-generating activities. The learnings from CEYCE and the VSLAs in Kafisi village will undoubtedly contribute to the improvement of FACE's own initiatives and enhance their ability to make a positive impact on the communities they serve.

Moreover, the visit showcased the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing among organizations working towards common goals. By pooling resources, expertise, and experiences, the development sector can achieve greater efficiency, avoid duplication of efforts, and maximize the impact of their interventions. The support provided by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) in funding such initiatives is commendable, as it enables organizations to learn from each other and create sustainable solutions.

Conclusion:
The peer-to-peer learning visit organized by the consortium comprising Tilitonse Foundation, Welthungerhilfe, and CISANET, with funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), served as a catalyst for knowledge exchange and collaboration among organizations. The visit to CEYCE and the VSLAs in Kafisi village showcased best practices in various domains, fostering innovation, and inspiring FACE to enhance their development initiatives.

By sharing experiences, leveraging technology, and embracing collaborative efforts, organizations can collectively contribute to sustainable development and positively impact the lives of communities. The success of this peer-to-peer learning visit demonstrates the significance of such initiatives in creating a more prosperous and equitable future.