Lessons Learned in Growing a Regional Hub in Latin America and Caribbean

• In Event: What We’re Learning About Learning Networks

Proposal

This global learning network project launched its regional hub in Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) in May 2022, and as of July 2023, has gained 693 official members and 935 followers on LinkedIn. It convenes a variety of education experts, representatives from Ministries of Education, national and international organizations, and individuals interested in different educational fields to connect, create, and share knowledge about educational challenges and opportunities from a local perspective. The objective of the LAC regional hub is to enable a space for knowledge sharing and exchange of promising practices in response to different local educational priorities and needs in the region. Along with this central objective, the LAC Hub also aims to identify and strengthen national and regional educational initiatives with the support of networks informed by global innovative experiences, and which are aligned with the topical priorities of the three project learning networks focused on: (i) education in crisis and conflict; (ii) literacy and foundational skills; and (iii) higher education. We are working toward becoming a regional network of networks.

The LAC regional hub is guided by different approaches that are incorporated into the design and implementation of its activities; these include: the gender equity-based approach, the youth centered-based approach, and the localization-based approach. By incorporating these approaches as cross-cutting priorities, the LAC regional hub elevates the thoughts and perspectives of local partners around the world, while the learning networks provide an avenue for engaging regional and global communities of experts within targeted technical areas. We are constantly learning with others and from others.

This panel’s presentation will explore how the LAC regional hub works toward democratizing knowledge and educational resources. First, we will showcase examples of how members engage with other members of the Hub. Second, we will share some strategies to give our members ownership of the Hub by engaging in different events, sharing their programs with other members, or providing an evidence-based opinion about our educational priorities. Finally, we will present conclusions and reflections about the importance of acknowledging the intersections within the learning networks and their relevance in contributing to improve the acquisition of foundational skills for all learners, especially in a context such as the LAC context that has been marked by deep inequalities, poverty, and learning loss.

Author

• Mariana Cruz, Education Development Center