Experiences In Innovating Learning: Lessons from KPSRL 2021–2024

The internal endline evaluation of the KPSRL 2021-2024 reviews the evolution of the approach
on and practice of programmatic and organisational learning inside the Knowledge Platform for
Security and Rule of Law (KPSRL). It also evaluates the KPSRL’s contribution to policy and practice
change across the sector of cooperation in Security and Rule of Law (SROL). This endline
evaluation aims to establish a record of the KPSRL’s legacy, focusing in particular on the lessons
learned through a period of intense internal reforms. It also proposes recommendations aimed
at the work of future knowledge platforms.

Some key findings:

• Knowledge is more than academic research, reports and evaluations. In the dynamics of a learning journey with diverse partners around such evidence, new lessons and meaning emerge. Stories from people who have lived the realities (e.g. conflict, poverty) or expression through art can also play a role at different levels of understanding.

• For a knowledge partner, contributing to “how” to learn (knowledge management, facilitating learning pathways, tools) is at least as important as contributing to thematic knowledge. To enable learning is a skill that is not a given with many organizations in the sector, it requires consistent support.

• Learning goes beyond adaptive management or capacity building. It contributes to changing a long-term vision: are we doing the right things instead of doing the things right.

  • At the same time, learning by itself rarely leads to radical change. It always goes hand in hand with political momentum.