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Exchange has a unique focus on learning and the process
of communication, rather than simply concentrating on outcomes.
SEVEN KEY LESSONS: Learning, evaluation and communication
1. Learning-evaluation is the most
useful way to evaluate development initatives
An emphasis on learning for the future is much more
likely when the evaluation process is initiated, designed and owned by
those directly involved in project work and those the work is supposed
to be helping.
2. The process is as important as the results
Making time for ongoing reflection on activities is vital: the
'right' procedure of evaluation is no substitute for good ongoing communication
and relationships of trust built up over time.
3. Start from where people are on the ground
With health or disability communication for development, it is
essential to work with the practices of communication that people are
already using.
4. Social context is vital to health and communication
Focusing on individual behaviour change is rarely sufficient.
Understanding poverty and the wider determinants of health is central
to effective health and development communication.
5. A little capacity-development goes a long way
Helping people to develop the skills and confidence to determine
their own agenda and priorities is the most useful way of looking at development.
6. Long-term timescales work best
Patience and long term commitment are needed to build trust,
an informed and inclusive social environment, and effective and sustainable
health systems.
7. Don't re-invent the wheel
There are frequently examples of good practice, lessons to be
learned and people engaged in similar work already out there. Exchange
is compiling lessons learned in a database that will be online in April
2005.
See Key Lessons for expanded definitions
and evidence for these seven points.
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Key list: Learning in partnership 