Knowledge Centers Positioned Across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda
Sometimes those of us working with knowledge strategy are accused of being too “theoretical,” of focusing on KM, knowledge services, and knowledge strategy too much as a discipline, without giving attention to practical applications.
Have you heard any of that recently?
If you have, grab the nay-sayers and sit them down in front of this short film.
It’s pretty special.
l can’t think of many times in the last few years when I’ve been so proud of the work knowledge workers do.
Take a look at this:
The film describes the work of the Arid Lands Information Network (ALIN) and offers a good look at knowledge development and knowledge sharing (KD/KS) in communities in East Africa. ALIN is doing its work so well, in fact, that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation presented its 2011 Access to Learning Award of $1 million to ALIN.
Described as an NGO providing knowledge and information “through a variety of innovative channels in remote communities throughout Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.,” ALIN is specifically designed to be community focused, enabling people in the villages to use technology and other tools at ALIN’s 12 Maarifi (Knowledge Centers) to gain information to improve their health, increase their incomes, and better their lives. Microsoft, a partner of the foundation in its efforts to help public libraries connect people with relevant technology and skills, will provide ALIN with a donation of over US$270,000 worth of software and technology training curriculum to help the organization serve the local community.
And give attention to that word “community.” It’s the key concept here, as you’ll see as you view the film.
And perhaps you’ll be as touched as I was to hear what one of the local villagers says when he talks about how sharing knowledge changes lives: “We preach our gospel of information,” he says, “where we really have a community that is knowledge-driven.”
The knowledge-driven community. What a concept!
Thanks to Tammy Magid, SMR’s Consulting Specialist, for bringing the film forward for our readers. Tammy focuses much of her attention on SMRAfrica, SMR’s information affiliate in Nairobi, Kenya, matching her special interest and expertise in KM/knowledge services in women’s health and mHealth with SMR’s efforts in Africa.
Posted by Jean-Louis Lieutenant at LinkedIn’s Knowledge Management Group:
This is really impressive and deserves to be shown to all skeptics about KM. Thanks Guy for disseminating this video among the community. And thanks to the authors of the video! Great indeed to see how what seems to represent very little amount of money can deliver so important outputs.
Posted by Rich Nimrod at LinkedIn’s Knowledge Managers Group:
Inspiring is the right term! The video is an inspiring way to get the word out in support of ALIN efforts and the Gates Foundation. It is also inspiring in the KM discipline as you intimated. I had more sparks of insight and creativity during that 7:46 than I have had in a decade or so, had to record those before my right hemisphere got too tired. Almost want to make it “must see” viewing for those whom I work in and around KM.
Posted by David Graffagna at LinkedIn’s Knowledge Managers Group:
Wow. Extremely effective example of knowledge-sharing in action and a great way to grab people’s attention regarding the value of communities, participation and k-sharing.
This is so powerful that I have tears in my eyes. This is why I went into the info and knowledge business — to make a difference in the lives and well-being of others. ALIN certainly exemplifies bettering lives while respecting the culture and history of our brothers and sisters in this part of the world. Thanks for sharing, Guy!
Posted by Nicky Hayward-Wright at the LinkedIn Knowledge Managers Group:
Thanks Guy for posting this video. I’ve got a KM visioning exercise with executive management coming up shortly and I’ll be slotting this video in… very inspirational and a what a great script (without a script) promoting knowledge mobilisation and knowledge in action.
I see the difference between formal education and knowledge sharing. This is inspiring and humbling. It is knowledge sharing that will rescue undeveloped countries like Kenya from poverty…