The Future of Learning in NGOs: Where are we headed?
Fabo’s perspective on emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities for learning in the humanitarian and development sector
In a rapidly evolving world, learning is no longer a luxury — it is a necessity. For NGOs, learning is not just about building internal capacity. It is about strengthening civil society, supporting meaningful change, and creating inclusive spaces for shared growth. At Fabo, we believe that the future of learning in the NGO sector must be bold, equitable, and collective. But what does that future look like?
1. Learning as a tool for empowerment — not compliance
For too long, organisational learning has been tied to checklists, donor requirements, and mandatory training. The future demands a shift: from compliance-driven learning to empowerment-driven learning.
This means fostering curiosity, encouraging experimentation, and embracing failure as part of growth. Learning needs to become an integral part of organisational culture, not an external obligation.
At Fabo, we work with member organisations to embed learning in everyday practice — whether it’s through peer exchanges, co-created modules, or locally adapted resources.
2. The rise of peer-to-peer and community-based learning
Learning is more powerful when it is shared, collective, and grounded in lived experience. NGOs around the world are increasingly turning to peer learning circles, communities of practice, and knowledge-sharing networks. Why? Because the best solutions often come from people facing the same challenges.
Fabo was built on this belief: that knowledge should not be centralised. Our member-driven community thrives because it values both professional expertise and community wisdom.
3. Blended, mobile, and accessible by design
As digital connectivity expands — albeit unevenly — NGOs are embracing hybrid learning models that combine the best of in-person facilitation and digital flexibility. But technology must be used strategically and inclusively.
The future of NGO learning will rely on:
-
Mobile-first design to reach learners in low-bandwidth environments
-
Offline access for areas with limited connectivity
-
Inclusive formats (audio, video, visual design) for diverse learning needs
Fabo continues to explore tools and formats that make learning more accessible, not more exclusive.
4. Data, evidence, and learning for adaptation
Monitoring and evaluation are shifting too — from proving to improving. Learning in NGOs is increasingly tied to real-time feedback, reflective practices, and adaptive management.
What’s emerging is a learning culture where results are not fixed targets, but signposts for continuous change. NGOs are asking: “What are we learning about ourselves? Our communities? Our impact?”
Fabo supports members in not just tracking outcomes, but in making sense of what matters — and doing something with that knowledge.
5. Decolonising and democratising learning
The future of learning in NGOs must grapple with power — who defines knowledge, who gets to learn, and who is left out.
There is a growing movement toward:
-
Decolonising learning practices
-
Recognising indigenous and local knowledge systems
-
Creating space for marginalised voices to lead
At Fabo, we believe in the right to learn and the right to create. By building a platform for co-creation and mutual learning, we help shift the narrative from top-down training to shared ownership of knowledge.
6. Artificial Intelligence: a tool, not a replacement
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming the way learning is designed, delivered, and experienced. From personalised content recommendations to automated translations and chatbot tutors, AI holds enormous promise for scaling access, improving relevance, and enhancing learner engagement.
But for NGOs — especially those working in diverse, low-resource, and rights-based contexts — the question isn’t “Should we use AI?”, but rather:
👉 “How can we use it ethically, inclusively, and in alignment with our values?”
At Fabo, we see AI as a complementary tool — not a replacement for human wisdom, empathy, or community dialogue.
How AI can support learning in meaningful way:
Opportunities
-
Customised learning pathways based on individual needs and roles
-
Language inclusion through real-time translation or transcription
-
Time-saving automation for content creation, quizzes, summaries
-
Data analysis to improve course design and learner support
Cautions
-
Bias and exclusion in AI tools trained on dominant worldviews
-
Data privacy and consent in how learner data is used
-
Loss of contextual relevance if AI-generated content is not localised or peer-reviewed
A Fabo perspective on AI
We believe the future lies not in AI replacing human learning facilitation, but in augmenting the work of educators, community workers, and facilitators. AI can help us do more with less — but it must be guided by human values, community insight, and a strong commitment to equity.
Our approach at Fabo is to explore AI transparently, in collaboration with our members, and always ask: Does this empower more people to learn, create, and share?
Looking Ahead
The future of learning in NGOs is not a fixed destination — it is a path we create together. It will be shaped by the creativity, courage, and collective intelligence of those who care deeply about equity, justice, and change.
At Fabo, we’re proud to walk this path with our members. And as the learning landscape continues to evolve, we remain committed to one simple idea:
Learning is a right. And when we learn together, we change the world together.
Access Courses on Fabo
You can access courses on Learning Experience Design, Cultural Inclusive Learning Design, How to create an accessible learning site and more on Fabo to strengthen your expertise and create real impact on the ground.