How FORB’s Digital Learning is Supporting EU Training Initiatives

In a testament to the quality and adaptability of digital learning developed on the Fabo platform, a training course originally created by the FORB Learning Platform, a Fabo member, is now being leveraged by the European Union. This collaboration highlights both the recognition of Fabo’s high standards and the flexibility of transferring courses to meet diverse organisational needs.

EU partnering with NORFORB

The European External Action Service (EEAS) and the EU Directorate General for International Partnerships (INTPA) identified a need for specialised training on freedom of religion or belief for their staff and representatives of EU member state foreign ministries and development agencies. They turned to the FORB Learning Platform – a project run by NORFORB (the Nordic Ecumenical Network on Freedom of Religion or Belief), a Fabo member, for support. Recognising the alignment between existing Fabo digital learning resources and the EU’s needs, NORFORB proposed adapting one of its pre-existing courses for this purpose.

The Adaptation Process

To tailor the course to the EU’s requirements, several adjustments were made:

• Integration of EU Guidelines: Specific EU protocols and guidelines were incorporated to ensure relevance to the target audience.
• Exclusion of Civil Society Organization (CSO) Content: As requested, sections specifically addressing CSOs were removed, and the course's tone and approach were adjusted to better align with the needs and perspectives of EU staff members.

These modifications ensured that the course would provide practical, actionable insights for EU staff and ministry representatives.

Migration to Articulate 360

While the original course was developed on Fabo, the EU asked for the course to be hosted on their own platform, which is based on different technology - Articulate 360. This posed a unique opportunity to demonstrate the portability of Fabo courses. The course was migrated into Articulate 360, ensuring it would be available for use by January 15, 2025. Some adaptations were necessary, as Fabo offers a broader range of interactive functionalities compared to Articulate 360. This has allowed NORFORB to enhance the interactivity and impact of their learning experiences, making Fabo an excellent fit for their needs.

Accessibility for All Learners

While the adapted course, "FORB for All and EU Engagement," will now be available for EU staff and representatives, they will remain accessible to all users on the Fabo platform. This ensures that anyone interested in learning more about Freedom of Religion or Belief can benefit from these resources. It’s a great opportunity for individuals and organisations worldwide to engage with these important topics.

Why This Matters

This initiative underscores two critical points:

1. Recognition of Quality: The EU’s decision to adopt and adapt a Fabo-developed course demonstrates the high regard for the learning materials created by Fabo members.
2. Flexibility and Transferability: The successful migration of a Fabo course to a different platform highlights its adaptability, showcasing the potential for Fabo content to reach broader audiences and serve diverse organizational needs.

A Model for Future Collaboration

This case serves as an inspiring example of how digital learning developed within the Fabo ecosystem can extend its impact far beyond its initial context. By addressing specific organisational requirements and demonstrating technical flexibility, NORFORB has paved the way for future collaborations between Fabo members and global institutions.

As the course becomes operational within the EU framework, it will not only enhance training for EU staff but also solidify the reputation of Fabo as a hub for innovative and impactful digital learning solutions