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13 January 2004

Learning from experience - Institutionalization.

7 january 2004 Tucacas Venezuela

Dear All,

Thanks to Davyd, Garth, and Peter for focusing on the
issue of institutionalization of experiential
learning. Learning is of course a process of doing,
and reflecting and relearning, in other words a
dynamic process of growth and development which is
what makes us human.

How did most institutions of "higher learning" get it
so wrong? How can we build, rebuild or reform
institutions based on experiential learning and parti
ipation?

AT the Uganda Rural Develoment and Training programme
in western Uganda, we are working on a process that
began about 20 years ago to develop the African Rural
University based on rural practitioners and
participatory action research and learning.

However, the prevailing mental model of top down,
elitist, degree driven, (having the proper papers)
prevails even in rural villages, causing insecurity
and indecision by those very practitioners who are the
agents of rural transformation.

Any insights or experience to share on
institutionalization of participatory action research
and learning, especially in rural areas with limited
access to resources such as Internet, email,
libraries, books, newspapers, etc.

Thanks.

Pamela Collett
email mukinduri@bigfoot.com

=====
From mukinduri@bigfoot.com

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