Representatives from the Able Child Africa Network visit Berlin for the General Assembly of the International Disability and Development Consortium (IDDC) and the upcoming Global Disability Summit 2025
The IDDC General Assembly provided a valuable platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and capacity building. The insights gained from the discussions on Task Group activities, localisation, and funding will significantly benefit our Network in efforts to promote the rights and inclusion of children and youth with disabilities.
Enhanced Understanding of Task Group Activities and Priorities
The World Café format provided a valuable opportunity to directly engage with Task Group Coordinators and our Network Manager gained detailed insights into the specific activities, goals, and priorities of each Task Group as well as had the opportunity of speaking to the coordinators of the groups. This direct interaction allowed for the identification of potential synergies and collaborative opportunities relevant to individual organizations within the network. For Able Child Africa Network members, this means access to specialised knowledge and resources that could strengthen the members program implementation, collaborations and advocacy efforts.
Clarification of Localisation and the Role of OPDs:
The Assembly facilitated a comprehensive discussion on the meaning of localisation within organisational contexts and our Network Manager gained a deeper understanding of the critical role of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) in ensuring effective localisation. Emphasis was placed on the importance of OPD leadership in designing and implementing inclusive programs that reflect the needs and priorities of persons with disabilities. This knowledge empowers Able Child Africa Network members to advocate for and implement more inclusive and locally driven approaches within their respective organisations.
Improved Understanding of the Funding Landscape:
The Assembly has provided valuable insights into the current funding landscape, including the limitations and advantages of different funding approaches including the markers which are used to prioritise funding. Our Network Manager was able to identify potential organisations the network can work with in joint proposals to further enhance advocacy efforts towards bringing the voices of children and young people with disabilities to the front. For the network, this allows for strategic planning, and the exploration of diverse funding streams, therefore increasing the sustainability of the network members projects.
Benefits for Able Child Africa Network:
Increased knowledge of best practices: The sharing of information from multiple organisations has brought it to light the importance of gathering as much data as possible as well as have a diversification of funds considering the shrinking donor landscape
Strengthened Program Implementation: Access to Task Group expertise such as Inclusive Education and OPD Engagement Task Group and resources will enable network members to enhance the quality and impact of their programs.
Increased Advocacy Capacity: A deeper understanding of localization and the role of OPDs will empower members to advocate for more inclusive and rights-based approaches.
