A bold initiative to empower those tackling displacement: the ILO's new Learning Portal.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has unveiled an innovative online platform, the PROSPECTS Learning Portal, offering a wealth of knowledge and practical insights for professionals and policymakers navigating the complex world of forced displacement. This portal, accessible at https://prospectslearnings.ilo.org/, is a game-changer, transforming years of operational experience into actionable resources.
But here's where it gets controversial... The ILO's approach goes beyond traditional learning methods. Instead of a static report, they've created an interactive, web-based portal, drawing on the insights from their extensive engagement in the PROSPECTS Programme (2019-2023). This report, available at https://www.ilo.org/publications/responding-forced-displacement-lessons-international-labour-organization%E2%80%99s, documented operational experiences across eight countries and ten thematic areas, focusing on education, employment, enterprise development, and social protection.
Moving beyond static learning
Meredith Byrne, the Knowledge Management and Learning Officer, emphasized the need for a dynamic learning approach. The portal is designed to make insights practical and accessible, offering an interactive and user-friendly experience.
And this is the part most people miss... The portal is tailored to meet the diverse needs of its users. Practitioners can filter learnings based on region or specific interventions, gaining a deeper understanding of the strengths and challenges of different approaches. An innovative discovery tool allows users to navigate information by country, intervention, and cross-cutting themes, ensuring a quick and efficient learning process.
Lessons from the field: Adapting interventions
A live panel discussion brought ILO practitioners together to share their experiences. Mohammad Aladwan, the National Programme Coordinator for ILO PROSPECTS Jordan, highlighted the importance of Job Search Clubs in helping refugees navigate unfamiliar professional networks and hiring practices. Liliyanne Ndida, the National Programme Coordinator for Enterprise Development in Kenya, discussed the impact of the Camel Milk Value Chain in generating jobs and supporting local economic development in Garissa County. Eric Carlson, a Disability Specialist, focused on disability inclusion, sharing measures supported by the PROSPECTS programme in Ethiopia.
A call for continued engagement
Nick Grisewood, the ILO PROSPECTS Global Programme Manager, emphasized that the portal is just the beginning. He urged practitioners to actively use and contribute to the portal, sharing their experiences to make it more comprehensive and inclusive.
"The portal is a living, breathing resource that must continue to evolve. By incorporating diverse technical areas and country contexts, we can ensure it remains a valuable tool for those working to address forced displacement."
What do you think? Is this portal a step towards more effective displacement response strategies? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
