How to provide space for knowledge sharing and its potential for development: an interview with Mareike Zenker, GIZ Global Leadership Academy and Jana Repansek, Center of Excellence in Finance – CEF (both members of the learn4dev network)

Mareike Zenker, GIZ Global Leadership Academy and Jana Repansek, Center of Excellence in Finance – CEF  (both members of the learn4dev network) tell us about their approach to providing space for knowledge sharing and its potential for development.

Can your physical environment actually drive you to consider change? How can people change through discussion spaces and dialogue processes?

Mareike Zenker, GIZ Global Leadership Academy and Jana Repansek, Center of Excellence in Finance – CEF (both members of the learn4dev network) explain how they created learning spaces that are different from what most people know. These environments aim to get learners out of their comfort zone just enough to consider change, while still at the same time feel that they are in an ‘enabling’ environment.

We met Mareike Zenker and Jana Repansek at the European Development Days 2017 in Brussels. They were there to showcase learning and knowledge-sharing approaches, techniques, methods and technologies from the institutions they work for. Both institutions share knowledge within the learn4dev network. learn4dev is a partnership of people and institutions that work in international development. Members learn from each other with a goal to find answers to complex development challenges. Visit www.learn4dev.net to learn how to join.

Useful articles:

Putting leadership into context 

Creating space to learn and connect…and to make things happen

Physical design of premises to support learning