What we have done
Once we co-created the Learning Agenda with community members, we set out over the course of 2021 to respond to the big questions in those four learning areas.
Internal Learning
We launched a literature review for the key existing resources from the HCD+AYSRH space - these were (and still are) quite limited and needed to be complemented with additional qualitative research. Our learning team held in-depth interviews with experts and experienced HCD+AYSRH practitioners from across the ecosystem - this included designer, AYSRH implementers and technical experts, evaluators, researchers, young practitioners, and donors.
Learning events
Each month we also held webinars and interactive community calls to generate additional learning, and co-create and validate the learnings from these expert consultations.
Design Fellowship
We worked to drive practical learning by matching designers to AYSRH projects through a Design Fellowship. Three designers spent 6 months working for projects with YLabs, Population Services Kenya, and Grassroot Soccer. Learnings from this experience were documented, to uncover the challenges and opportunities of using HCD in an AYSRH project for the first time, pulling from practical experiences from both the hosting implementers and the design fellows.
Working Groups
We convened two working groups, chaired by YLabs (Quality & Standards), and Vihara Innovation Network (Measurement & Evaluation). Working group members met and worked over the course of 2021 to compile learnings and create learning resources, including the Quality & Standards Framework, and several products on Measurement & Evaluation which will be published soon.
What we’re trying to do
As we move out of heavy research, we are now moving into a new phase focused on producing learning resources, promoting the use of these resources, and mainstreaming the quality practices of HCD+AYSRH work.
What does this look like?
- Journey of an HCD insight learning product
- Four step journey for good quality MYEP in HCD+AYSRH
- Case study on the utility of HCD+AYSRH Quality & Standards Framework
- Learning & Reflection sessions with experienced practitioners
- Learning circle learning write-ups
- Skills-building workshops
At the end of all of this, here is what we hope to achieve in the global health sector, as well as across the social sector for programs engaging adolescents and youth:
- Interventions tailored to users’ needs, desires, aspirations AKA better fit of programs to the user
- Lower risk project and intervention failure
- Greater likelihood of acceptance, adoption and scaling
What we hope for the wider ecosystem:
- Capacity and routine practice of innovative, human-centered, fail-fast program design and implementation
- Improved problem-solving and creative thinking
- Greater accountability to people and communities, focusing on equity and inclusion
- Institutions and mindsets that place people at the center (responsive and empowering)