Idea Exchange № 4: Nothing About Us Without Us

This edition of the Idea Exchange is dedicated to experimenting and innovating in West and Central Africa. We share three examples and one invitation:

1. What is the “Experiment to innovate” learning journey? What is the relationship of prototyping and innovation? What does it mean to define innovation as beyond what is new and technological? Version en français ici.
2. In Burkina Faso, the Multi-Service Community-based Spaces (MCS) design exemplifies the power of youth-led innovation for improved social services. It showcases value-based volunteerism in underserved areas. Version en français ici.
3. The Culture Collection for Social Change is an essay series covering positive cultural practices for social change in the Sahel region. We feature what we are learning from West and Central African sociologists, historians, artists and leaders. Our first feature covers collective solidarity in Niger and Mali. Version en français ici.
4. And finally, an invitation, for all the French speakers out there: What are your thoughts on this 3-minute video on the “Positive Difference” approach to social change? (Also called “Positive Deviance,” a wonderful approach with a challenging name). Note: We have an online “suggestion basket” where we gather comments and insights. We welcome your ideas!

The Culture Collection, West and Central Africa

Essay: “How to promote innovation for social change? Talk less about innovation.” (N. Balume, 2024)

Do you have time to explore a bit more? Idea Exchange №3 is dedicated to speed and agility, with examples from Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire. Idea Exchange №2 covers promising practices for social change from Ghana and Niger .You can also check out Idea Exchange №1 — featuring Social Change initiatives in Mali and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Do you have suggestions, new ideas or general comments for us? Please click here to share // Avez-vous des suggestions, de nouvelles idées ou des commentaires généraux pour nous? Veuillez cliquer ici pour partager.

UNICEF West and Central Africa Regional Office, Social and Behavior Change team. Our motto: Always. Be. Listening. (ABL) Toujours. a. L’écoute (TaLE)