10 March 2025

The Power of Community in Learning

At the Humanitarian Network and Partnership Week (HNPW2025), Fabo, ALNAP, RedR UK, and ADRRN held a session on the 26th of March 2025 on the Power of Community in Learning.

🎯Purpose of the Session

To explore how learning communities enhance humanitarian outcomes through case studies, exchange strategies for engagement in hybrid/digital environments, and foster dialogue around sustaining impactful learning spaces.

🎙Speakers and Moderator

  • Juliet Parker – Director, ALNAP
  • Christoffer Bengt Meier – Learning Lab Lead, DanChurchAid and Fabo Learning Community
  • Takeshi Komino – General Secretary, Church World Service Japan | Chairperson, Asian Disaster Reduction and Response Network (ADRRN)
  • Victoria Webbe – Learning and Development Specialist, RedR UK

🔑 Key Takeaways

  1. Shared Commitment to Learning in the Sector

A survey of 1,200 humanitarian workers revealed a strong, sector-wide belief in the importance of learning. However, differences in communication and learning styles—often shaped by role and seniority—highlight the need for adaptable approaches.

  1. Emotional Connection and Trust Matter

Effective learning must not only be relevant and timely but must also resonate emotionally. Trust in familiar sources and meaningful human connection are essential for learning uptake and long-term engagement.

  1. Case Study Insights
  • Fabo Learning Community
    • A member-driven platform supporting co-creation and democratisation of learning among NGOs.
    • Success rooted in high member motivation, shared ownership of challenges, and collaboration on context-specific solutions.
    • Ongoing challenges include internet accessibility and shifting learning from a passive to an embedded, active practice.
  • ADRN (Asia Disaster Reduction and Response Network)
    • Emphasises learning as action-oriented and driven by locally-led solutions.
    • Advocates for a strategic blend of broad outreach (e.g. webinars) and deep impact (e.g. coaching).
    • Champions co-creation, thematic hubs, and sustained partnerships as pillars for long-term resilience and relevance.
  • RedR UK
    • Integrates communities of practice into learning programmes (e.g. WhatsApp/LinkedIn groups).
    • Found sustained engagement challenging after formal training ends.
    • Extended engagement (e.g. Sudan TOT programme) brought depth but blurred boundaries of expectation between training and aid provision.
  1. Discussion Takeaways from Breakouts
  • Human interaction is essential for sustained engagement and emotional investment.
  • Practitioner leadership of communities boosts relevance and buy-in.
  • Balancing formality vs flexibility is key to keeping communities alive and evolving.
  • Localised, story-based learning enhances accessibility and emotional resonance.
  • Resource needs (time, funds, energy) are real and must be acknowledged, yet purpose ("the why") can power momentum even in resource-constrained settings.
  1. Reflection & Forward Thinking
  • In times of uncertainty (e.g. funding cuts), people may retreat to known methods—yet this can also be a moment to reinvest in or revisit learning spaces.
  • Facilitators and community managers often experience isolation; peer exchange and support are vital.
  • Innovation and movement-building, not just training, should be at the heart of learning initiatives.

🎬Watch the recorded session👇