Resource Centres supporting WASH sector learning
IRC supports Resource Centre Networks (RCNs) in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Honduras, Nepal and Uganda. With support from PSO, a membership organisation of Dutch NGOs, IRC has been building the capacity of Coordinators of these Resource Centre Networks and documenting change in their sectors. This folder contains information about the PSO-supported programme.
How do resource centres and their networks contribute to sector learning?
29 Aug 12
IRC supports WASH Resource Centres and their networks (RCNs) in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Honduras, Nepal and Uganda. We have been collecting evidence on how resource centre networks support learning and change in the WASH sectors. In this video RCN coordinators describe how they contribute to sector learning.
Towards a learning-focused sector
23 Apr 12
From 17 to 20th April, IRC conducted a workshop on how national WASH Resource Centre Networks (RCNs) support learning in their WASH sectors. The workshop which was organised as part of the PSO-supported programme on sector learning with RCNs in Burkina Faso, Honduras, Ghana, Nepal and Uganda. Participants reflected on how resource centre networks are supporting learning in the WASH sector and shared stories of change as well as lessons on what works and what challenges exist.
Joint learning about improving the WASH sector
07 Feb 12
The PSO-supported programme has helped IRC work more closely with resource centre networks (RCNs) in five focus countries (Burkina Faso, Ghana, Honduras, Nepal and Uganda). Together with IRC's ongoing work in (regional programmes, WASHCost, Triple-S and other projects) this programme helps support and document RCN contribution to information management and learning in the country WASH sectors. Since the start of the PSO-supported programme IRC has organised several learning and sharing events. Currently, we are documenting and sharing reflections on how the RCNs are contributing to sector learning and change in their country sectors.
Information management and learning in Nepal
06 Feb 12
IRC has been a partner of the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene-Resource Centre Network Nepal (WASH-RCNN) since 2003. The network started as an informal network and has been formally registered in 2011. This process of institutionalisation has also entailed clarifying the vision and aims of the network. These are important steps towards further growth of the network and ensuring that it can continue playing an active role in providing tailored information products and services and facilitating learning and networking in the sector.
The importance of information management and ongoing learning and sharing is also being recognised by other stakeholders. The Department of Water Supply and Sewerage has established a regional WASH RC in Surkhet, and initiated the establishment of WASH RCs in the four other administrative regions of Nepal. The Sanitation and Hygiene Master Plan of Nepal (2011) also makes reference to the need to establish data and information centres at decentralised levels to ensure information flows and policies are adapted.
Learning about Resource Centre Networks
05 Dec 11
IRC supports five WASH resource centre networks: CREPA in Burkina Faso, Resource Centre Network Ghana, SAWA in Uganda, Resource Centre Network Nepal (RCNN) in Nepal and RASHON in Honduras. With financial support from PSO IRC has organised several learning and sharing events, a training for the Resource Centre Network (RCN) coordinators in 2009 and supported the facilitators and other network members to participate in relevant international events and workshops. Two such events were the 5th World Water Forum in Istanbul and Stockholm World Water Week.
WASH-RCNN supports learning, sharing and collaboration in Nepal
28 Feb 11
Information management and proper mechanisms for linking the grassroots to the policy making level in Nepal are lacking. However, key WASH sector stakeholders including government agree that sharing about WASH policies, technological options and good practices among stakeholders is essential for effective planning to achieve the targets of Sanitation and Water for All. Water, Sanitation and Hygiene-Resource Centre Network Nepal (WASH-RCNN) has been working to improve information sharing, collaboration and learning in the sector.
The network brings together information/knowledge and has created regular learning and sharing platforms at central and decentralized levels. With others, such as the Department of Water Supply and Sewerage, UNICEF, WHO, SNV Nepal, the network is working to establish decentralised WASH resource centres. Recently, the Director General of the Department of Water Supply and Sewerage advocated for WASH Resource Centres in all administrative regions of Nepal.
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene-Resource Centre Network Nepal (WASH-RCNN) consolidates information and knowledge and has created regular learning and sharing platforms for sector stakeholders both at central and decentralized levels. The WASH-RCNN plans to continue using its capacity and potential to engage in knowledge sharing activities and produce information products. Partnership with media professionals will also be useful in highlighting gaps and challenges in the sector and reaching a wider audience.
To read regular updates about activities of the WASH-RCNN and results so far, visit their website: http://www.wash-rcnn.net.np/
WASH Sector Learning article by R Bastola 201102.pdf (709.8 kB)
Resource centre networks on the move in Francophone West Africa
19 May 09
Resource centre networks in Benin and Burkina Faso are in the process of developing their first information products and services.
Honduran Resource Centre for Knowledge and Information, CHRECIAS
08 Apr 09
By 2004, the Water and Sanitation Network of Honduras, (RASHON from its initials in Spanish), had become an important organisation within the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector. Its work has been based on three strategic lines: 1) advocacy 2) institutional strengthening and 3) dissemination of successful experiences of the WASH sector. On the basis of the experiences with these strategies the Honduran Resource Centre for Knowledge and Information in the Water and Sanitation sector, CHRECIAS, was established in 2005.
Establishment and development of a Resource Centre Network in Ghana
08 Apr 09
The vision behind developing a resource centre network (RCN) in Ghana was that of a dynamic knowledge-driven network of organisations providing improved pro-poor WASH services. The RCN was to become the lead sector knowledge driver, facilitating the learning process and advocating for knowledge sharing within all sector organisations.
Resource Centre Development process within CREPA Network: experiences in six countries
08 Apr 09
The Regional Centre for Water supply and Sanitation (CREPA) took the decision to start the RCD process in the WASH sector in West and Central Africa. The process started in 2002 with six countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo) and is expected to spread to the whole CREPA network (17 French speaking countries in West and Central Africa).
