Linking and Learning Event III

The third linking and learning event deepened collaborations while opening a new vista of connections among the Voice grantees. It was held at the Lekki Conservation Centre in Lagos, Nigeria on the 28th-30th June, 2022.

So far, Grantees have worked together to produce and showcase evidence-based learning and innovative solutions to project implementation challenges. The third linking and learning event aimed to highlight the transformative change and effects that these projects have had on their rightsholders who have been faced with marginalization and discrimination. As in the culture of Linking and Learning Events, an informal dinner was served for grantees and participants which saw them been treated to a delightful array of Nigerian cuisine and refreshing drinks. The dinner was very brief to allow weary travelers to get some much needed rest and wake up early for the main event the next day.

After the welcome address by Voice Nigeria coordinator, Ijeoma Owor, on the first day of the LLE, grantees shared updates during a gallery walk on their respective program implementation - impact stories, challenges, & learnings using a poster format. Later in the day, participants took advantage of a temporary improvement in the weather to experience the conservation center. After a briefing by the guides, participants joined other tourists to take a walk along the boardwalk, and canopy walk thereby experiencing the sights and sounds of the flora and fauna including various species of birds, fish, crocodiles, snakes plus very cheeky monkeys!

One major highlights of the event was a panel discussion that dive into the impact stories of seven grantees whose Voice-funded programs were closing. They responded to carefully selected questions to share insights from implementation. The organizations represented included; Youth Hub Africa, Intergriti Technologies, Citizens Commons, Street Project Foundation, Centre for Social Awareness, Advocacy and Ethics (CSAAE), Foundation for Societal Expression and Rejuvenation (FOSER) and Youth and Students Advocates for Development Initiative (YSAD).

The 3rd Linking and Learning event provided an avenue to share project learnings, showcase collaborative projects and consolidate experience.