From Inspiration to Impact
The Story behind Fabo
In 2013, a student assistant named Simon working in DanChurchAid (DCA)'s Global Funding Unit had a simple but transformative idea 💡—harnessing the power of digital tools for learning.
What started as a small project to develop DCA’s first online on-demand Anti-Corruption Course quickly evolved into something much bigger. This pivotal moment marked the foundation of DCA’s Learning Lab, setting the stage for an ambitious journey of innovation and collaboration. 🚀
"From a simple idea to a groundbreaking course—this was the spark that ignited the journey."
Fabo Timeline


The Rise of Learning Lab
By 2014, the Learning Lab had found its footing, though it began modestly with just 1.5 staff members and a small office. The team completed the Anti-Corruption Course, developed tutorials for DCA's Parish Collection System, and laid the groundwork for collaborative partnerships outside DCA. These achievements proved that even small teams with big ideas could create meaningful change. 💫
The following years saw a surge of innovation. In 2015, the Learning Lab developed its first smartphone app, the VSLA Training App, which gamified Village Savings and Loan Associations’ methodology, empowering users in Uganda, Zambia, and Malawi.
That same year, the ACT Advocacy Academy introduced blended learning, combining online resources with live discussions—a precursor to what Fabo would later achieve on a grander scale. 📢
A Community for Collective Growth
In 2016, the Learning Lab launched the ACTLearn initiative—a bold move to create a collaborative digital platform owned and managed by the community. Starting with Finn Church Aid, the platform grew into a shared space for ACT Alliance members to design, share, and learn together. 🤝
By 2020, the ACTLearn initiative evolved into Fabo, a member-driven global learning community. As the COVID-19 pandemic forced organisations worldwide to pivot to digital solutions, Fabo emerged as a vital resource. With its vision expanded to include all civil society organisations (CSOs), Fabo became a hub for human rights advocates, enabling both global and locally rooted organisations to access cutting-edge learning opportunities. 🌐
Did you know...
Some of the content and graphics from the DCA Anti-Corruption Course have been the foundation for many other anti-corruption courses made for other Fabo members!

Innovations That Inspire
Over the years, Fabo has continually pushed boundaries. It introduced pioneering tools like chatbots, digital learning surveys, and apps tailored for diverse contexts—from entrepreneurship training in Kenya’s Kakuma refugee settlement to psychosocial first aid for Danish Red Cross volunteers.
Fabo's reach extended globally, fostering partnerships to address local challenges with innovative digital solutions. 🎯
Where We Are Today
Today, Fabo stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation. From a single course in 2013 to a thriving global community, it connects 30 organisations, empowers learners, and drives impactful change.🌱
With over a decade of experience, Fabo continues to inspire, adapt, and create opportunities for learning, proving that a small idea can grow into something truly extraordinary.🚀
Who is Learning Lab?
Learning Lab (LLAB) is a team in DCA’s International Department, as well as the facilitators of the Fabo Learning Community.
We are a team of passionate specialists in learning and graphic design who work with colleagues across units, country offices and partners to leverage unique operational insights to meet NGO learning needs and offering peer support through effective, evidence-based, and user-centred design.
What does Learning Lab do?
Co-create innovative learning experiences
We collaborate with experts to create digital and analogue courses with users to provide context-appropriate delivery and content.
Foster organisational learning ecosystems
We connect organisational strategies to meaningful learning pathways through communities of practice by harnessing and sharing existing knowledge.
Establish learning partnerships and collaborations
We enable co-creation with other organisations who have shared goals to maximise resources and draw on diverse perspectives for quality results.


Empowering Learning with Customisable Resources and Tools
The Learning Lab offers Fabo members a range of valuable resources to enhance their learning experiences. These include free customisable course templates, a comprehensive content library filled with icons, images, and graphics, and detailed guides on learning design and course creation. Additionally, the Fabo Wiki provides helpful insights, while video tutorials and demos support easy navigation. Members also have access to a database of sector-relevant courses and the flexibility to duplicate or adjust existing courses to meet their specific needs.
Getting into Graphic Facilitation
Discover the Fabo toolbox and templates such as the graphic facilitation method. It is a effective way to visually support the comprehension of complex processes by mixing a visual approach with elements of storytelling.
The method can be used in various processes and we have assisted many with graphic facilitation to help facilitate meetings, seminars and workshops. To learn more about graphic facilitation👉SHOW-IT & facilitate.
Fabo in Numbers

Access Courses on Fabo
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