Published on: 17/04/2012
The term 'sector learning' has been coined and promoted by IRC as a key element in improving the ability of WASH sector actors to provide sustainable services to all. It is an elusive concept with multiple meanings and layers or perhaps no meaning at all (some say that sector learning does not really exist. A sector does not learn, but people can learn).
In one of our first posts on this blog, we tried to provide an introduction to 'sector learning'. We started with a rather broad focus on "all initiatives and processes that create, capture, transfer, mobilise knowledge to reflect deeply, innovate and improve".
We have learned that in sector learning has various faces and is supported in different ways in different countries (as explained in a series of videos - link below). Our emerging ideason sector learning have been documented on this blog. Reflections relating to how RCNs can contribute to learning and change are also documented on IRC's website.
Common features emerge too: learning as a sector requires working across institutional and individual/professional boundaries. It requires an openness to doing things differently and investing in the resources required for joint reflection, documentation and follow-up.
We see sector learning as being about connecting different knowledges and about taking action together. Throughout our workshop this week with RCN coordinators and IRC collegeaugues, we will post more about differences and similarities of activities that RCNs are undertaking and what has been achieved at country level.
At IRC we have strong opinions and we value honest and frank discussion, so you won't be surprised to hear that not all the opinions on this site represent our official policy.
