Co-Learning Hub

In the global development sector, mistrust prevails, manifesting as a reluctance to entrust resources to locally-led organizations (LLOs) by creating barriers preventing them from accessing resources critical for their growth. In 2021, less than 1.2% of global humanitarian assistance reached grassroots organizations (Global Humanitarian Assistance Report 2022). Despite these LLOs possessing abundant resources -  such as human capital, local knowledge, expertise, and an intimate understanding of their community’s challenges - they are still made to feel inadequate. 

The power dynamic is skewed, with those possessing a majority of resources lacking negotiating strength, a disparity echoing historical imbalances stemming from global resource shortages, resulting in exploitative systems like colonialism. The exploiters, often tagged as  'civilized' and 'developed,' employ rhetoric framing their actions -providing education, healthcare, and democracy in exchange for exploitation -  as benevolent.

The traditional development sector unwittingly perpetuates this dynamic, acting as a by-product of colonialist endeavors to 'empower' former colonies. Donors, by attaching conditions to funding, inadvertently establish a new form of colonialism that dictates terms reminiscent of historical control. This funding hang-up becomes a tool to restrict access and propagate exploitative economies, creating a dependency cycle.

While donors are currently advocating for localization agendas, they merely allocated 13% of global grant dollars directly to LLOs between 2016 and 2019. This disparity intensifies in Sub-Saharan Africa, where only 5.2% of the $9 billion in grants from US-based foundations reach local organizations. In this context, the traditional funding landscape is fraught with restrictions and limitations. Many donors shy away from supporting operational costs or specific needs, hindering the growth and impact potential of LLOs. 

MAMA HOPE challenges the limitations imposed through funding, as exemplified by a quote from a MAMA HOPE partner, David Omondi of Riley Orton Foundation (ROF): “It’s been very difficult generating funds, especially those that focus on a specific need. For example, one of the major areas that needs funds is paying salaries. Everyone says they don’t fund operational costs. Others also say that they don’t build classrooms, they can only do other things. There are so many restrictions. But it’s been different with MAMA HOPE. They fund what we think is in our best interest.”

The 'trade' currency in global development is defined by donors' standards, creating a scenario where organizations failing to meet these criteria face funding withdrawals and exclusion from decision-making tables. A predominant barrier expects the LLOs to prove tangible impact, often at the neglect of qualitative/ intangible outcomes such as happiness, confidence, and positive shifts in individual lives and communities.

Through the LDA program we are addressing this problem, but realize that we would not be able to reach as many locally-led organizations, so we need to make it scalable 

Our solution, the Co-Learning Hub, is a user-friendly online platform designed to empower locally-led organizations globally through accessible and comprehensive systems-strengthening modules. Here's how it works:

• Access and Registration: Once a Locally-led organization is onboarded as part of the LDA Program cohort they receive personalized credentials with which to access the Co-Learning Hub. Upon registration, they gain access to a suite of systems-strengthening modules aimed at enhancing organizational capacity and effectiveness which they can go through at their own pace.

• Tailored Learning Modules: The Co-Learning Hub offers a range of modules covering critical topics such as Theory of Change, Strategic Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL), Fundraising, Networking, Leadership & Wellness, Governance, Social Entrepreneurship, and Communications & Marketing. These modules are designed to address the specific needs and challenges faced by locally-led organizations, providing practical guidance and tools for organizational development. 

• Fully Virtual Experience: We hope to create a customized entirely virtual platform, allowing organizations to engage with the modules at their own pace and convenience. Participants can access the learning materials from anywhere with an internet connection, eliminating geographical barriers and facilitating broader participation which grows the advocacy around locally-led development on a larger scale than we currently have.

• Benefits and Recognition: Upon completion of each module, organizations receive a certificate as a testament to their achievement which they can add to their organizational credentials and share on socials. This recognition not only acknowledges their dedication to strengthening their systems but also serves as a catalyst for future opportunities and partnerships.

• Improved Funders Engagement: The Co-Learning Hub serves as a bridge between locally-led organizations and potential funders who will then have the opportunity to view organizations that have completed different modules, allowing them to identify potential partners aligned with their mission and priorities. This feature transforms the platform into a pipeline for donors to connect with locally-led organizations, fostering collaboration and support within the locally-led development ecosystem.

Our solution at MAMA HOPE is the systems strengthening of early-stage locally-led organizations which will be scaled through our LDA Program and an innovative online ePortal. The primary objective of our initiative is dual-fold: to empower early-stage locally-led grassroots organizations and to serve as a dependable conduit for donors and entities seeking to engage in localization efforts and effect change within the global development landscape.

The ePortal functions as the central hub for scaling the LDA program, offering participants access to a curated curriculum, pre-recorded instructional videos, templates for building organizational systems as well as global development practitioners the opportunity to learn about localization and ethical storytelling. This platform enhances accessibility, enabling organizations to engage with the program at their own pace from anywhere with an internet connection. By harnessing technology, we overcome time,  geographical and economic barriers and democratize access to systems strengthening and support services.

By investing in locally-led initiatives and fostering collaboration among donors, organizations, and communities, we aim to redefine the global development sector towards a more equitable, inclusive, and locally-driven approach. Our long-term aspiration is to support 500 locally-led organizations within the next decade, thereby initiating a ripple effect of positive impact on a global scale.

In summary, our solution harnesses the LDA program learning and MAMA HOPE’s advocacy work via an online ePortal to system strengthen locally-led organizations, facilitate collaboration, and drive sustainable change. Our vision is a world where the existing power of locally-led Organizations is acknowledged and utilized, leading to the creation of a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

Our team at MAMA HOPE is uniquely positioned to design and deliver this solution, as we have undergone a strategic transition from being a U.S.-based team to one primarily based in East Africa. This shift has brought us closer to the communities our partners serve, providing us with an enhanced understanding of their daily dynamics and challenges. This is why it is exciting to be part of the MIT Solve challenge because it comes at the right time when MAMA HOPE wants to scale by working with more locally-led organizations leading to the creation of sustainable communities. 

At the helm of our team is Vincent Mwangi, our Head of Partnerships & Programs, who embodies a deep commitment to locally-led development. With a wealth of experience and a lifelong dedication to championing community-driven initiatives, Vincent is well-equipped to lead our efforts in supporting locally-led organizations. His patient and skilled approach to tailoring learning experiences ensures that our programs meet the unique needs of each organization. Vincent's vibrant and positive spirit fosters meaningful connections, allowing us to maintain strong partnerships and remain a powerful platform for sustainable change.

Our team as a whole is representative of the communities we serve, with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives enriching our approach to designing and implementing solutions. Many team members have roots in East Africa, providing valuable insights and cultural sensitivity that guide our work.

Furthermore, our design and implementation process is meaningfully guided by the input, ideas, and agendas of the communities we serve. As we train the 2024 cohort, composed of five partners, we are actively engaging with them to gather feedback and insights. Through rigorous monitoring and evaluation of the program, we aim to collect data that will inform the ongoing development and refinement of the ePortal program. This iterative approach ensures that our solution remains responsive to the evolving needs and priorities of the communities we serve.

By embedding community input and feedback into our design and implementation process, we ensure that our solution is not only relevant but also impactful and sustainable. Our team's proximity to the communities we serve, coupled with our commitment to collaboration and co-creation, enables us to deliver a solution that truly empowers grassroots organizations and drives positive change at the local level.

The LDA program is already ongoing with our five partners in the 2024 cohort joining virtually through Zoom.us, we have built out the modules for the first year of training and it is entirely virtual. Our advocacy content & toolkits are on YouTube having garnered over 2M views adding them to the e-portal will enhance access and learning. While the content isn’t in one location, they are effective in achieving what we have set out to do through the LDA program. By building the e-learning portal we will bring all our content into one platform with easy customized access for our participants. A section of the e-portal will showcase the locally-led organizations that have completed the program, with the provision of an e-certificate. MAMA HOPE acts as a pipeline for donors hoping to expand in localization, and the e-portal will offer them a list of highly impactful locally-led organizations to fund. 

Regarding technical implementation, we recognize the need for specialized expertise and resources beyond our current capabilities. We are actively seeking guidance on building out our e-portal and are interested in partnering with organizations that can assist us in hosting our LDA training and Advocacy toolkits. Additionally, we are keen on enhancing our content, particularly through the creation of videos optimized for self-guided training experiences as opposed to real-time virtual sessions.

Beyond technical support for the e-portal, we also require assistance in developing measurement systems to effectively track our reach through the online toolkits and self-guided training modules. As we scale our existing initiatives with the e-portal, we anticipate reaching a significantly broader audience, including locally-led organizations, and we must capture and analyze the impact of our efforts.

Moreover, MAMA HOPE has a longstanding commitment to advocating for and supporting Locally-led Development and communities, spanning over 15 years. We are eager to expand our networks and establish strategic partnerships, viewing MIT Solve as an ideal platform for achieving these objectives. Through the MIT Solve, we aim to not only raise awareness of the challenges faced by locally-led organizations but also to spotlight MAMA HOPE as an organization dedicated to addressing these issues.

The Co-Learning Hub introduces a novel approach to capacity building that is both innovative and specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of locally-led organizations. What sets this platform apart is its development of specialized learning modules that address crucial areas such as Theory of Change, Strategic Planning, and Social Entrepreneurship, which are directly relevant to the challenges these organizations face. This targeted approach ensures that the training is not only applicable but also transformative, providing practical tools and knowledge for effective organizational development.

Moreover, the Hub's fully virtual format and personalized learning pathways offer unprecedented accessibility and flexibility. By allowing organizations to access these resources from anywhere and at any time, the platform removes geographical barriers and accommodates varied schedules, thus expanding its reach to a more  global cohort. This virtual engagement also enables organizations to progress through modules at their own pace, ensuring that learning is adapted to their immediate needs and capacities.

This innovative model does not merely serve educational purposes but also acts as a strategic bridge connecting organizations with potential funders. By showcasing their completed modules and newly acquired competencies, organizations can attract partnerships and funding aligned with their enhanced capabilities and specific goals. Thus, the Co-Learning Hub not only revolutionizes how capacity building is delivered but also how it catalyzes broader positive impacts, potentially transforming the landscape of support and sustainability for locally-led development initiatives.

Additionally, the Co-Learning Hub serves as a central hub for donors and global development practitioners to access a diverse array of resources beyond capacity-building modules. This includes training on locally-led development principles, ethical storytelling techniques, language bank tools, and various other resources essential for effective and culturally sensitive engagement in development work. By providing comprehensive  resources, the platform fosters a community of practice where individuals can continually enhance their skills and knowledge in support of locally-led initiatives.

Our  Logic Framework outlines a comprehensive approach to systems strengthening and knowledge dissemination within a development context, focusing on locally-led organizations. The framework is structured around nine (9) modules of learning covering essential areas such as Theory of Change, Strategic Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL), Finance, Operations, Fundraising, Board Development, Communications and Marketing, and Leadership and Wellness. Activities include hosting learning sessions where participating locally-led organizations attend and gain knowledge on organizational tools and systems provided in the modules. Short-term outcomes involve the implementation of systems developed, while mid-term outcomes focus on actively using organizational tools, increasing resources, and broadening impact. Long-term outcomes include the replication of successful models and a shift in mindset towards locally-led development. Initiatives like updating learning materials, sharing opportunities for funding and collaboration, and writing/publishing articles contribute to raising awareness and promoting the principles of locally-led development. Overall, the framework aims to empower organizations, shift paradigms, and catalyze sustainable development outcomes through collaborative learning and action.

Our impact goals for the Co-Learning Hub solution are centered around strengthening the systems of locally-led organizations to drive sustainable change within their communities, have a deeper impact and can scale their models. 

Our primary goal is to strengthen the systems of locally-led organizations through accessible and comprehensive learning modules. How we intend to measure progress is through tracking indicators such as the number of participants enrolled in modules, the number of modules completed by participants, average quiz scores and completion rates for each module and participation in discussion forums and engagement with learning materials.

A secondary goal is to support participants in applying their newfound knowledge and skills to address challenges within their communities. Indicators to measure progress towards this goal include the number of locally-led initiatives or projects initiated by participants, case studies showcasing the impact of participant-led interventions, and participant feedback on the practical applicability of learning materials.

Finally, we aim to promote collaboration and networking among participants to facilitate knowledge-sharing and collective action. Progress towards this goal is measured through indicators such as the number of networking events or opportunities facilitated through the platform, participation in peer-to-peer learning activities, and formation of partnerships or collaborations between participating organizations

Through the Co-learning Hub, we plan to amplify the voices of locally-led organizations and advocate for their needs and priorities within the broader development sector. Indicators to measure progress towards this goal include the number of individuals reached through advocacy materials and campaigns, engagement with advocacy materials, such as views, shares, and comments as well as feedback from stakeholders on the effectiveness of advocacy efforts

Through our Learning Management System (LMS), we can track additional indicators that directly relate to participants' engagement with the platform and the effectiveness of the learning experience such as the number of logins and active users on the platform, time spent on each module and engagement with learning materials, completion rates for quizzes and assignments, participation in discussion forums and interaction with peers and facilitators and number of content shares from the platform. 

The core technology powering our solution is a web-based Learning Management System (LMS), which serves as the backbone of our Co-Learning Hub platform. This LMS enables us to efficiently plan, implement, and assess the capacity-building modules available on the platform. Through the LMS, locally-led organizations can access a wide range of learning materials and resources, complete with interactive features such as video tutorials, quizzes, surveys, and discussion forums. The LMS streamlines the delivery of content, allowing participants to engage with the modules at their own pace and convenience. Additionally, the LMS facilitates real-time tracking and assessment of participant progress, providing valuable insights into the effectiveness of the learning experience. By leveraging this technology, we can create a dynamic and user-friendly platform that empowers locally-led organizations to strengthen their systems, drive positive change within their communities and scale their models.

3 full-time staff members

4 External Contractors 

2 part-time staff

We have been working on the Co-Learning Hub solution for the last two (2) years, first by launching our Localization Development Accelerator (LDA) program after  16 years of MAMA HOPE emphasizing sustainable, community-driven solutions. The LDA program harnesses our longstanding expertise and insights, aiming to amplify our impact through specifically tailored, local development strategies that directly address the unique needs and aspirations of the communities we serve. The Co-Learning Hub is the next step in our evolution and will support us in reaching more & achieving our ten (10) year target to support 500 locally-led organizations. 

Our strength lies in our diversity and inclusivity within our leadership with Women on our executive team making up 75% and 60% sitting on the Board of Directors. We are a 62.5% BIPOC  across our leadership and board. We work with locally-led organizations where Women make up 64% in leadership and management positions with up to 58% of our partners work in the focus area of Gender & Equity.

Post-pandemic we moved our operations to East Africa to be closer to the communities that we work with. MAMA HOPE’s executive team sits in Nairobi, Kenya and Moshi, Tanzania, a deliberate composition that ensures that our decision-making processes are informed by those who share similar backgrounds and experiences with our beneficiaries. For example, our Head of Partnerships & Programs brings invaluable personal and professional insights that shape programs to be culturally sensitive and effectively targeted. 

We are continually committed to improving our workplace environment and our community impact through clear DEI objectives by enhancing the skills, capacities and networks of our team, and encouraging their progression into leadership roles within our organization. We also recognize the diverse talents within East Africa, we strive to expand our recruitment to more fully include individuals from underrepresented groups, including women and people from the LGBTQI+ community. Finally,  we have implemented systems for regular feedback from the communities we serve through town halls, one-on-one meetings and surveys. This direct input critically informs our project planning and execution, ensuring our work is impactful and respectful.

The MAMA HOPE Co-Learning Hub operates under a social enterprise model, focusing on systems strengthening for locally-led organizations and sustaining itself financially through various revenue streams. Our primary mission is to empower these organizations by providing targeted, practical learning modules that enhance their effectiveness and impact within their communities.

Our Primary beneficiaries are Locally-led organizations seeking to strengthen their system capabilities. Our Secondary beneficiaries are donors and development agencies interested in collaborating with well-trained, reliable organizations.

We have developed specialized training in areas like strategic planning, fundraising, and governance, through our LDA program Educational Modules. We also offer certificates upon completion to demonstrate an organization’s competencies that they can share with funders. Finally, we connect organizations with potential funders and facilitate peer-to-peer learning and networking. 

Through paid partnerships, MAMA HOPE partners with organizations and family foundations to provide systems-strengthening services to locally-led nonprofits through the LDA program, ensuring sustainability and expanded outreach. While some educational modules are free, full access to all tools and resources - including certification- requires a subscription fee.  MAMA HOPE also acts as a fiscal sponsor for participating organizations with a 10% fee applied to donations to cover operating costs. We also organize donor trips, allowing donors to learn from MAMA HOPE’s team and visit partner organizations, providing an income stream and hands-on donor engagement. We also secure grants, individual donations, and corporate funding to sustain the organization. 

Locally-led organizations have access to relevant training that strengthens their systems and effectiveness, improving service delivery and attracting more funding and partnerships in turn scaling their work. Donors and partners have access to a pool of pre-vetted, competent organizations that ensure investments are likely to succeed and have a meaningful impact. 

Locally-led organizations often face unique challenges that generic training does not address. Our tailored modules fill this gap, offering impactful, specific education. Leading to systems strengthening.  Supporting sustainable projects within organizations promotes financial independence and sustainability, reducing reliance on unpredictable funding sources. 

The Co-Learning Hub not only provides immediate educational value but also fosters long-term sustainability and growth for the organizations it serves, creating a healthier, more equitable global development ecosystem. This approach ensures that our beneficiaries are better equipped to serve their communities effectively, leading to enhanced impact and sustained organizational growth. By facilitating these advancements, the Co-Learning Hub is setting a new standard in the support and development of locally-led organizations worldwide.

In the last 16 years, our main fundraising model has been through individual donors and family foundations to support our work in catering to locally-led organizations taking part in our programs. We have successfully raised $5.1M through this model and more recently $161,200 in the last two (2) years for our LDA Program. For the Co-learning hub, we will continue to raise funds for the cohorts under our program, however, locally-led organizations not in the annual cohorts will be welcome to enroll for a paid subscription to access the program’s systems-strengthening modules based on their needs. We feel that more interest in the Co-learning hub by locally-led organizations is likely to push down the barrier of cost in accessing system strengthening. The funds raised through the paid subscription service will not only cover our program costs but also enable MAMA HOPE to continually build on the content, allowing us to add more topics that would interest locally-led organizations in systems strengthening and advocacy.