[afro-nets] Exchange - news on networking and learning

[Alison Dunn <dunn.a@healthlink.org.uk>]

News from Exchange, a networking and learning programme on
health communication for development MAY 2005
----------------------------------------------------------

Ever wondered how to encourage learning, link evaluation to
practical experience, communicate research effectively, or share
information so it has more impact on policy and practice?

The articles below give insights into and ideas on the process
of development communication. These examples from work Exchange
has supported show how networking and learning can make a dif-
ference in practice. They are followed by some links to key re-
sources.


1. Sharing learning at Health Unlimited

Being able to "see life with a different eye" was how one work-
shop participant described the impact of learning on her work.
She was one of thirteen programme staff from Health Unlimited
who came together for a dynamic and participatory learning work-
shop facilitated by Exchange...
http://www.healthcomms.org/learn/hu-learning.html

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2. Communicating research through the Malaria Knowledge Pro-
gramme

The Malaria Knowledge Programme is working across sectors and
using networks to increase the impact of its research. Ex-
change's research officer, Alison Dunn, has been working with
the Programme...
http://www.healthcomms.org/comms/integ/mkp.html

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3. More than a workshop: SIPAA learning forum

Sharing information and knowledge is one of the keys to tackling
HIV and AIDS. Pioneering practitioners came together in Lesotho
to learn from their experiences of information and knowledge
management and running resource centres...
http://www.healthcomms.org/comms/eval/sipaa-forum.html

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4. Improving information on HIV and AIDS and early childhood:
the Bernard van Leer hub

The Bernard van Leer information hub draws together key re-
sources to close the gap in knowledge about HIV and AIDS and
early childhood development...
http://www.healthcomms.org/comms/integ/bvl.html

---------------

RESOURCES & LINKS

* What do we do with culture? Engaging culture in development
The latest Exchange Findings paper proposes that engaging cul-
ture at all levels can encourage local initiative and lead to a
richer understanding of social change:
http://www.healthcomms.org/resource/find3-key.html

* New Source website
New features include themed topic areas on disability, inclusion
and development, mother and child health, HIV and AIDS, and par-
ticipatory communication. Source is an international information
support centre designed to strengthen the management, use and
impact of information on health and disability:
http://www.asksource.info

* Learn, communicate, evaluate: The Pelican Initiative Link
evaluation with communication about concrete experience and you
get a much more accurate picture of what is working - or not
working - in development programmes. This is the conclusion of
the practitioners and policy makers who are sharing their case
studies and experiences through a new network. Join the online
community at http://www.dgroups.org/groups/pelican/index.cfm

* Most Significant Change (MSC)
The MSC user guide is out now and gives practical guidance on
using this story-based monitoring and evaluation technique.
http://www.mande.co.uk/docs/MSCGuide.htm

Please forward this e-newsletter to interested colleagues and
networks.

--
Alison Dunn
mailto:dunn.a@healthlink.org.uk